Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

"Okay." Francis replied.

In the afternoon, Caroline had indeed come back early, just as expected.

The Johnson Mansion was particularly serene that afternoon. Everyone was indulging in their siesta, and even the housekeeper, Cara, was nowhere to be seen.

With a cautious heart, Caroline silently ascended the stairs. Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

On the surface, Francis' 'playing the field' seemed like a distant memory, but its shadows still loomed large in Caroline's heart.

She yearned to uncover whether Francis had truly moved on.

Reaching Francis’ bedroom door, she refrained from knocking, silently twisted the knob, and entered.

Unexpectedly, she found Francis in the middle of his nap.

Caroline couldn't decide if she felt disappointed or relieved. Eager not to disturb his sleep, she tiptoed to his bedside, only to notice his phone resting beside the pillow.

Her heart raced.

Caroline picked up the phone, swiped the screen, and used Francis' face for facial recognition.

The phone unlocked!

Her eyes glued to the screen, Caroline was struck dumb upon realizing the photo displayed—

It was a candid shot of Sherilyn leaving a dance rehearsal with her colleagues!

It must have been Sawyer who took it and sent it over!

A rush of emotions left Caroline feeling cold and dizzy. She clutched her forehead, her steps faltering.

Disbelief swept over her as she glanced at the sleeping Francis.

Sherilyn? The girl in the hurriedly burned photograph was Sherilyn!

How could this be?

Caroline couldn't fathom Francis harboring such feelings for Sherilyn. When had this happened?

It must have been years ago. And she hadn’t noticed a thing?

Scoffing quietly, Caroline could hardly believe it. Sherilyn, who was always seen with Gilbert, had silently captivated Francis' heart as well?

How ludicrous! The whole of Sunhaven believed Caroline enjoyed the affection of two brothers when, in reality, she was merely a placeholder. Sherilyn was the true siren who enchanted them both!

Suddenly, her gaze hardened as she stared at Francis.

He had betrayed her! And with his younger brother's woman, no less!

Caroline raised her hand, intending to wake him for a confrontation. Yet, she froze.

No, that wouldn’t do. What if he admitted everything? She would lose it all!

She needed to stay calm. One wrong move could ruin everything. She had to carefully consider her next step.

At least now she knew who Francis truly longed for.

...

The day Sylvia went for her checkup, Sherilyn accompanied her.

After returning to the Johnson Mansion, they found Francis waiting in the living room, seated in his wheelchair.

"We're back..."

"Yes, Fran, we're back," Sherilyn replied with a smile.

The matriarch insisted Sherilyn stay for dinner. "Sherilyn, have dinner with us tonight."

"Oh, Sylvia, I can’t," Sherilyn apologetically declined. "I have to head to the dance troupe tonight."

"Huh?" The matriarch was puzzled. "Isn’t there no performance today?"

"True. But we're gearing up for a tour soon, so I need to practice."

Dancing, a skill that demanded relentless practice, couldn’t afford a day's neglect.

"Fair point."

With that, Sylvia found it hard to insist, "Alright then, I won’t keep you."

"Sylvia, Fran, I’ll just use the restroom."

"Alright..."

As they were speaking, Gilbert strode in, keys in hand, joining the gathering.