Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

On stage, the spotlight gathered.

Sherilyn was clad in her custom performance attire, her legs elongated and straight, her waist so slender it seemed almost fragile.

As the music ebbed and flowed, her steps tapped rhythmically on beat, perfectly in time.

Strangely, it sent shivers down Gilbert's spine, as if each step resonated directly with his heart...

Finally, she paused, turning to the audience with a radiant smile.

Instantly, the room erupted in thunderous applause!

"Bravo!" Edgar couldn't help but stand and clap even louder.

Then, as if sensing him, Sherilyn, despite the distance, turned and waved vigorously in his direction.

Fearing Edgar might not see, she even jumped up, bouncing lightly.

"Sherilyn..." In that moment, Edgar was frozen.

His heart raced unbelievably fast, as if it might stop at any second! Thump, thump, thump, as though it was about to burst through his chest...

Edgar grinned, his smile going from ear to ear.

It was the first time he felt this way, a tumultuous, uncontrollable warmth, as if standing amidst flames...

The show ended successfully.

Edgar and their group of 'close friends' rushed backstage to show their support. This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

"Sherilyn!" Edgar presented her with a bouquet of roses, "Congratulations, the show was a hit!"

"Thank you."

Sherilyn smiled, accepting the bouquet, her eyes slightly teary from excitement.

Noticing her lips were a bit dry, Edgar asked, "Sherilyn, are you thirsty?"

Sherilyn looked surprised, "How did you know?"

Indeed, she was thirsty. Nervous about performing, she had refrained from drinking water to avoid any mishaps. Was it that obvious?

Edgar, thinking nothing of it, was glad he had brought water.

Unscrewing the cap of the bottled water, he offered it to her. "Here, take a sip."

"Okay, thanks."

Sherilyn took the bottle, tilting her head back to drink.

She drank so eagerly that some water dribbled down her chin.

"Slow down!"

Edgar chuckled, lifting his hand to wipe it away, but then hesitated – he wasn't her boyfriend yet...

But then again, Gilbert was watching.

Boldly, Edgar touched the corner of her mouth, gently wiping away the dribble.

"Careful, don’t choke."

The warmth of the touch startled Sherilyn; was this too intimate?

Yet, Edgar quickly withdrew his hand. "There you go."

He was honest and gentle.

"Sherilyn!"

The backstage began buzzing with activity, someone was calling her.

"Where are you? Ms. Hansen is looking for you!"

"Over here!"

"Come quick! Ms. Hansen is here, the media, and some fans too, they're all waiting to see you!"

"Alright, I'm coming!"

Sherilyn bit her lip apologetically, "Sorry, I’ll be quite busy tonight, there's a dinner with everyone after this."

The aftermath of a first performance was unavoidable.

"I understand."

Edgar was always considerate and thoughtful, "Go on, don’t keep them waiting."

"I’m off then!"

Sherilyn smiled, turning to run a few steps, then looked back, waving the bouquet and water, "Edgar, thanks for the flowers!"

She turned again, disappearing into the crowd.

Edgar watched her leave, his smile never fading.

"Ah, the look of love." From a window-side seat, Derek glanced at Gilbert. "How about you?"

"What do you mean?"

Gilbert gave him a look that clearly wasn't amused.

"Forget I asked."

Just as Derek was about to change the subject, Gilbert suddenly spoke through gritted teeth.

"What if I stole her away?"