Somehow, the way Marianne looked at him had his heart pounding. She did not look at him with hate or disgust, her face was tender and there was a spark in her eyes. Very little but it was there and he could see. This was something he didn't expect.
He was sure she knew of everything but somehow, she was still happy to see him. She did not like his father but she didn't seem to take that towards him as well. Collins didn't think he was prepared for something like this. He expected her to be angry or not want to see him but that was not what was happening right now.
"I didn't expect to see you immediately when I reached here," she said with a soft smile. "Come closer, let me have a proper look at you." Marianne extended her hand to touch his face and he stooped down so she could do it.
Her hand on his face felt so warm and tender that he could not help feeling emotional. The last time he felt so much warmth was long ago from his mother who was no more.
