Chapter 97

The door slammed shut behind them, and in the next moment, Winnie found herself pinned hard against it by Van. The filing room was empty, filled with the musty scent of old papers and archives. Dust particles floated softly in the sunlight streaming through the window. Winnie was kissed so deeply that her strength seemed to drain away, her body collapsing into Van's embrace. Her back pressed tightly against the door as she slid downward little by little, only to be held firmly by the man's strong hands. His broad, warm palms supported her hips, his fingers exerting just the right amount of force, the texture of his grip radiating an indescribable intensity. Van's self-control seemed to have utterly unraveled. He thought he could keep himself in check, but the moment he saw her, all his restraint erupted like a dam bursting under relentless pressure. He had believed he could endure her absence, distracting himself with work or the occasional cigarette during brief moments of reflection. But he hadn't anticipated just how deeply his longing had taken root, how uncontrollable it had become. Rushing to finish his itinerary, he had compressed his schedule, hastening to return. Yet even with his efforts, he still arrived too late. The oppressive heat and humidity of Tanzania, combined with his relentless pace, had taken a toll on his health. His cold had worsened to a point where it could no longer be ignored. The hotel's private doctor had advised him to rest and halt all work temporarily. And still, he hadn't imagined Winnie would be here—disheveled yet radiant, carrying the warmth of sunlight and a captivating scent, exuding an irresistible allure. The warmth of her breath against his lips dissolved his remaining composure. Winnie tilted her head slightly, meeting Van's fervent kisses. Her heart pounded wildly in her chest, threatening to leap out at any moment. She wasn't entirely powerless, using her faint strength to push against him like a fragile dove struggling to escape. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't break free. Van's kisses grew more fervent, more desperate. She finally gave in, her resistance fading as her body softened against his shoulder. Her eyes fluttered shut, her breaths coming in heavy, uneven waves. Van gently patted her shoulder, placed a gentle kiss against her ear, and whispered, "I will stop now." Winnie wrapped her arms around his neck, her body slightly flushed with warmth. Amid their heavy breaths, she quietly listened to the sounds outside—the rumble of a jeep's engine, the calls of women selling their wares, and the persistent honking of motorcycle horns in the distance. This place was brimming with life, far more real and vibrant than the cheers on a red carpet. "You haven't contacted me the past two days. Why? Because you've been on planes the whole time?" Van's hand lightly grazed her neck, his warm fingertips tracing the delicate skin and sending shivers coursing through her body. "Mm-hmm." "Did you get your vaccines?" "I did. Without them, I couldn't have come here," Winnie replied obediently, her voice slightly hoarse from crying earlier. "But I lost my passport, my wallet, and my phone." "You're okay, though?" Van carefully pushed her back from his embrace, scanning her for any signs of harm. "I'm fine. It's just that while I was waiting for the bus, everything was gone in the blink of an eye. I waited over an hour for that stupid bus..." Winnie frowned slightly, her frustration evident. Van couldn't help but chuckle. "Didn't you know? In Africa, only the sunrise and sunset are ever on time." Winnie let out a soft huff, a hint of exasperation in her tone. "How was I supposed to know?" She didn't understand much about this place, but driven by sheer determination, she got her vaccines, secured her visa, and ventured here alone. The long flights, accompanied by exhaustion and unease, left her with only one thing to rely on—a familiar pillow to cling to for comfort.