Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

He remembered how she used to eat like a bird.

He wasn’t sure why he had come over. Guilt, perhaps? It was not like he was fond of Sherlyn, but faimess was falmess. After all, it was a welcome party thrown for her. Yet, she hadn’t shown her face.

“Ahem.” Gilbert cleared his throat. “So, tonight didn’t go as planned. Caroline is my sister–in–law, and now, she’s breaking into the entertainment industry. It’s been tough for her these years, so.” He trailed off.

But Sherilyn got it. Was that his way of apologizing?

That was interesting. Even in apology, the proud Mr. Johnson couldn’t demean himself to sincerity in that?

Sherilyn offered a faint smile. I heard you earlier.”

ter the words Im sorry: Where was the

Her calmness only unsettled Gilbert more, prompting a rare show of concem, “You’re not upset are you?”

Sherilyn was amused. Gilbert is such a hypocrite. Why bother with him? They were nothing to each other.

With that thought, Sherilyn shook her head with a smile “No. You said it yourself, didn’t you? I owe Caroline.”

She seemed genuinely unbothered

Gilbert felt justified. “Glad you understand.”

Seeing him still seated, Sherilyn was puzzled “Aren’t you leaving?”

Was she rushing him?

Gilbert was surprised. The woman who used to cling to him 24/7 was hurrying him out

“No rush” Strangely, he suddenly didn’t want to leave.

Glancing at the table, he picked up the tongs and served her a masted turkey “I remember you used to love this.”

Sherilyn was stunned. The arrogant Mr. Johnson remembered her preferences?

She quickly thanked Gilbert “Thank you”

“No problem, eat up” Gilbert raised an eyebrow, standing up: “Grandma and Caroline are waiting for me I should get going”

After saying that, he left.

Sherlyn watched his retreating figure, sneering So. Gilberts apology was just that, serving her turkey as if it was some grand gesture.

“Tak” Laughing to herself, she shook her head

She picked up the turkey with her fork and placed it on an empty plate beside her

It wasn’t that she was being pretentous or refusing to eat what Gilbert served. She used to love turkey, sure, but people cige. And then, she didn’t enjoy it anymore.

The party was boring and uncomfortable For Sylvias sake, Sherlyn endured until the end

Seeing Caroline taking the place meant to be hers standing and laughing with Gilbert, and bidding farewell to the guests together Sherlyn felt it was fine. She would consider it repayment for five years of care from Sylvia.

a

When the guests finally left, Sylva had Sherilyn brought to her room

“Sherlyn” Sylvia held her hand, sighing. “You were in a tough spot tonight. Have you visited Fran since you were back?”

Sherlyn stiffened, shaking her head truthfully. “No, I haven’t”

“Oh, dear” Sylvia sighed, “It’s been four years. Francis used to care for you so much. Find some time to visit him, will you? He should know you’re back.”

“Sure, Sylvia” Sherlyn nodded

Sylvia saw Sherilyn as her family from the bottom of her heart.

“It’s late” Sylvia glanced at the clock on the wall” won’t keep you any longer. Head back home”

Sherlyn bid her goodbye. “Okay, good night, Sylvia”

Sylvia smiled. “Good night”

Exiting the room, Sherlyn unexpectedly ran into Gilbert. He seemed to be waiting for her.

As soon as he saw Sherlyn, he tumed to leave, “Let’s go.”

Sherilyn instinctively declined, “No, that’s okay”

Shouldn’t he be leaving with Caroline? She didn’t want to get caught between them. Hadn’t she had enough for one evening?

“Tsk” Gibert instantly grew impatient. “Just come on. I brought you here, didn’t? I can’t just let you leave by yourself. Besides..

He glanced back toward the room. “If Grandma finds out we didn’t leave together, she’d be upset!”

He grabbed Sherilyn’s wrist. “Come on! What’s with all the fuss?”