Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

As soon as Gilbert stepped through the foyer of Golden Oak Manor, a wave of cooking smells hit him.

He immediately frowned. "What's that smell?"

The lights were on in the living room, and there seemed to be activity coming from the kitchen. Someone was home? How could that be? Could it be a burglar?

No, that didn't make sense. Not only would a burglar need the guts to break in, but they'd also start cooking.

He chuckled at the thought. Golden Oak Manor's security was top-notch. Even a mouse from next door would think twice before sneaking in.

"Who's there?" Gilbert's handsome face darkened as he shouted, "Show yourself!"

"Coming!" At his call, Sherilyn responded and hurried out to meet him, her hands clasped in front of her.

She spoke softly, "You're back."

At that moment, Gilbert was stunned.

The girl before him was tall and slender, perhaps too slim, but undeniably beautiful, especially her bright, big eyes that seemed to take up half her face.

Yet, there was a strange sense

of someone invading his space, whatever the

chuckle escaping

lip,

subconsciously, then suddenly startled. Sherilyn? As

it. His grandmother had mentioned bringing Sherilyn back. He knew about

called him about it earlier that day. He had agreed but then

noticing the changes in her. She had shed her youthful innocence, and upon closer inspection, the shadow of her former self lingered in her, adorned with a more mature allure. She

A faint sneer escaped him. What did it matter? No matter how stunning she was on the outside, it couldn't hide

delayed for almost

moment. I'll be right back." Gilbert

She stayed put, as he had instructed,

returned and sat on the couch, gesturing for her to sit opposite

Sherilyn nodded. "Okay."

across from each other, and Gilbert opened a folder, placing it in front of Sherilyn.

What was this?

In black and white,

Gilbert spoke evenly, "But Grandma disagreed,