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.

her. Yet, there was a

expression hardly softened. He disliked the idea of someone invading his space, whatever the reason was. "Who are

paused, a brief chuckle escaping her.

bit her lip, replying softly,

nodded subconsciously, then suddenly startled.

remembered it. His grandmother had mentioned bringing Sherilyn

about it earlier that day. He had agreed but then forgot amidst his

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 had become

did it matter? No matter how

The issues, delayed for almost four years, needed

back." Gilbert gave her a cold glance

figure. She stayed put, as he had instructed,

and sat on the couch, gesturing for

Sherilyn nodded. "Okay."

across from each other, and Gilbert opened a folder, placing it in

What was this?

In black

Gilbert spoke evenly, "But Grandma