Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

The silence in the car became palpable as Gilbert sneaked a glance at Sherilyn through the rearview mirror, silently urging himself to understand her. Sherilyn was missing her mom today, feeling down. He was worried about her, of course, but he also knew he needed to be understanding.

What was the rush, after all? They had only just reconciled a couple of days ago.

Relationships weren't built overnight.

As usual, Gilbert pulled up at the entrance to the Sunset Ridge Community, wanting to walk her in, "Sherilyn, I'll just have a quick word with the security guard."

"No need." Sherilyn waved him off. "Thanks for today. I'm tired and just need some time alone. I'll call you tomorrow."

Then, suddenly leaning in, she gave Gilbert a quick kiss on the lips.

"Bye, goodnight."

"Bye..."

That kiss left Gilbert stunned, a tingling sensation spreading from his heart to his fingertips.

Watching Sherilyn walk away, he felt like he was in a daze, "...Goodnight."

Sherilyn knew just how to get to him!

Originally, Gilbert had planned to head back to Golden Oak Manor.

But with only himself for company, and Sherilyn not there, he decided to turn around and head over to the Johnson Mansion instead.RêAd lat𝙚St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only

After checking in with Cara, Gilbert made his way to the back garden to find Francis Johnson.

Francis had just finished a session of physical therapy and was taking a rest.

"Hey, bro." Gilbert approached, pulling up a chair to sit.

Francis glanced at him, "What brings you back today?"

"Just checking in on you and grandma."

Gilbert, ever the jester, quickly turned the conversation serious, "Bro, I gotta ask, do you know how Sherilyn's parents passed away?"

Unlike Gilbert, Francis had grown up

in the

son family and had known Sherilyn before Gilbert

even joined the family. Dertel.ne

So, he knew more about Sherilyn's background.

"Sherilyn's mom?" Francis frowned, remembering. "I heard from

I

Grandma it was an accident. She went missing for two days, and when they found her, it was at the bottom of a cliff in the woods Must've been a fall."

"I see." Gilbert nodded. "How old was Sherilyn then?"

"Six or seven, I think."

Francis eyed his brother, squinting slightly, "Asking about this stuff, you starting to care for Sherilyn?"

"Well, I mean..." Gilbert felt a bit sheepish under his brother's gaze, "It's only right, isn't it? And still not enough." "Now you're analyzing yourself?"

Francis' face, handsome and refined, was inscrutable, "Are you serious about Sherilyn?"

After a brief pause, Gilbert didn't directly answer the question.

"Bro, this is the first time for me. I don't know if I'm serious enough, but I want to make things work with Sherilyn."

That was seriousness in itself.

For a moment, Francis felt a mix of emotions.

Looking meaningfully at his brother, he sighed, "You've grown up."

Wanting to settle down was indeed a sign of maturity.

Francis thought of Caroline Bet and sighed softly, "Treat Sherilyn well. I look forward to celebrating your happiness."

"Heh." Gilbert blushed even more.

novel.

"What are you talking about? You're the elder brother. If anyone's wedding bells should be ringing, it's yours with Caroline."

Him and Caroline? Francis smiled, patting his leg. "Alright. Just wait."

He started to stand up, and Gilbert rushed to help, but Francis waved him off, "No need, I can manage."

Sawyer was already waiting by the side.

Curiosity getting the better of him, Gilbert asked, "Bro, where are you off to?"

Francis let out a sigh, frowning slightly at Gilbert and saying, "Gilbert, you..."