The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 73

The massive living room was sparsely furnished with only the barest essentials. A couch, a dining table, and two chairs. Aside from that, there was nothing else.

Nemo sat at Charley's feet, his tongue hanging out, his eyes filled with anticipation.

"Want to play another game?" His deep voice echoed faintly in the empty room.

The dog let out an excited bark, his tail wagging frantically.

"Play depressed."

The dog immediately flopped down, eyes going blank, ears drooping, looking utterly miserable.

"Play terrified."

The dog began to tremble violently.

"Play injured."

The dog stood up, dragged his hind legs for a few steps, and limped back.

"Play dead."

The dog fell onto his side, giving him a look of absolute despair before slowly closing his eyes.

Charley gave a faint smile and patted his head. "Good boy." He casually tossed him a carton of yogurt as a reward.

The dog happily licked the yogurt, his tail sweeping the floor back and forth.

Charley leaned back against the couch, staring at the blank ceiling. The living room was so empty that even speaking caused an echo. He had lived here for a while but still hadn't bought any decorations.

He picked up his phone and scrolled to the photo he had taken of her in front of the stupa in Delhi.

His fingertips lightly brushed the cheek on the screen, lingering for a moment.

By now, she should have finished dinner.

He sent a text: [Walking the dog?]

To his surprise, she replied quickly: [I was just about to take the trash out. See you at the usual spot.]

Charley's lips curled into a slight smile as he stood up. His tall frame cast a long shadow across the floor.

Without needing a command, Nemo picked up his own leash in his mouth and trotted after him, paws clicking against the floorboards.

They met by the small garden near the recycling station.

As soon as Lavinia saw Nemo, she crouched down and wrapped her arms around him, smiling. "You're in a good mood today, aren't you? Are you happy to see me?"

Charley stood a few steps away, staring at the gentle curve of her eyes for a long time.

He was worried about her, wasn't he? Probably. Saul had asked him to keep an eye on her.

"Give me the leash," Lavinia said with a smile.

Charley paused and handed the loop to her. Lavinia slipped it over her wrist and looked up, flashing him a smile.

The two of them walked side by side, slowly making their way up the gentle incline.

Nemo ran ahead, the leash swaying gently between them. The streetlights stretched their shadows long, overlapping and then pulling apart.

***

It was almost ten by the time Lavinia got home.

Garnett was wearing a headset, staring out at the night view through the window while on a call, seemingly handling corporate matters.

The glass reflected his face. His brows were furrowed slightly; things didn't seem to be going smoothly.

Lavinia thought to herself that while he was a terrible husband, he was undeniably a brilliant businessman.

She changed her shoes and went back to the room.

Just as she took off her jacket, he walked in.