Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Caroline stormed out of the room, her frustration palpable as the door slammed shut behind her.

Gilbert massaged his temples, feeling utterly helpless. Was his brother really seeing someone else? Even if he did know, he wouldn't tell Caroline, but the truth was, he was completely in the dark about the whole situation.

That night, the Johnson Mansion was restless, with sleep eluding most of its inhabitants.

...

The next morning found only Sylvia and Francis at the breakfast table. Gilbert had left early, and Caroline, unusually, was still in bed.

Sighing, Sylvia put down her cutlery and looked at Francis. "Francis, I have no idea what's going on, but if there's any truth to these rumors, even if you're my own flesh and blood, I have to be fair— playing two sides isn't right!"

Francis remained silent.

"You know," Sylvia continued, somewhat siding with Francis, "I believe there must be a reason. You've always been sensible. Now, about Caroline—" She gestured upstairs, "She's upset. Go on, go make it up to her."

"...Okay." Francis nodded slowly.

"That's more like it," Sylvia breathed a sigh of relief. "Caroline has waited for you for years. You can't let her down now."

She called over the caregiver, "Come, help Francis upstairs."

"Of course, ma'am."

Upstairs, the caregiver wheeled Francis to Caroline's door and knocked. "Ms. Bennett, Mr. Francis is here." This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.

No response came.

The caregiver tried the knob. "Mr. Francis, the door isn't locked."

"Okay." Francis nodded, signaling the caregiver to leave.

"Mr. Francis, I'll wait here for you."

Francis acknowledged her with another nod and pushed the door open, entering the darkened room. The curtains were drawn, and as his eyes adjusted to the dim light, he wheeled himself closer to the bed.

Caroline was lying with her back to him, silent as if unaware of his presence.

Holding onto the wheelchair armrests, Francis struggled to start, "I'm... sorry..."

Suddenly, Caroline's eyes snapped open, shocked, yet she remained still. The man behind her continued, slowly, "Don't... be... mad..."

With no response, Francis inched closer, trying to stand up.

"What are you doing?"

Caroline, sensing something was off, quickly turned and caught Francis just as he was about to fall. They ended up in a tight embrace.

"I'm... sorry..." Francis apologized again, his voice low in her ear.

Caroline's eyes welled up with tears. "If you're sorry, then why did you do it?"

"No, not... that..." Francis shook his head.

"What then?" Caroline looked confused. "You mean, it's not what I think?"

"...Yes." Francis nodded slowly.

"So..." She almost blurted out, asking who the other woman was, but recalling his extreme reaction the day before, she bit her tongue. Never mind. Men need their pride; she couldn't corner him.

"Just promise me," Caroline stepped back, "there won't be anything between you two."

For a moment, Francis' gaze darkened, but then he nodded. "Yes."

He agreed?

"Francis!" Caroline opened her arms wide and embraced him. "I've waited for you for four years. Do you have any idea how I've made it through? I can't lose you..."

Francis remained silent, his brows furrowed deeply in thought.

It looked like they had made up.

Caroline let go and got out of bed. "I only have one shoot today, so I'll be back early. I'll help with your rehab when I get back. Wait for me, okay?"