Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Chapter 23

Sherilyn paused, her hands tightening into fists at her sides.

She continued, "Sorry for taking up your time. It's getting late. You should get some rest."

Without waiting for Gilbert to respond, Sherilyn stood up, intending to get a fresh pot of hot water to soak her feet, effectively ignoring him. Gilbert scoffed quietly, figuring arguing was just a waste of time. After all, she was back safe and sound. All his worrying had been for nothing! But as he turned to leave, something she said earlier stopped him in his tracks. How did she say she got back? Did she say she walked back?

He spun around, pointing at Sherilyn's feet.

"Cut the act" he said sharply.

What? Confused, holding a basin of water, Sherilyn couldn't grasp his meaning

"Hmph." Gilbert squinted at her, his expression one of utter disdain. "You said you walked back? Thinking I wouldn't believe you, you decided to soak your feet before me as proof? You think it would make me believe you?"

Had she walked back from the Southern District Sanatorium to Golden Oak Manor? Couldn't she call a cab? Seriously?

that? Did she think he was a fool? She was trying to gain his sympathy with this act! She hadn't given up on

playing the martyr won't work on me.

he walked away, not

forming in her throat. It took quite a moment before she could recover.

next day, Sherilyn got a call from Colin, asking her to drop by the Neon Nights Bar. Her

1. on.

is crucial. It's your first time on stage, and I expect much of you!" "Sure, Colin," Sherilyn took it seriously, walking the stage

to practice these coming days

was already dark. Sherilyn didn't return to Golden Oak Manor because Sylvia had asked her to visit Francis. With the busy day ahead, she only had the evening to see him.

she wanted to visit Francis, too. Her hesitation was due to the Johnson family's potential disapproval. In their eyes, even in Sylvia's,

was still healthy when she

gentleman. He was older than Gilbert,

kind to her. Sherilyn didn't have a brother, but she felt that

hospital, Sherilyn headed to the ward based on her memory.

no choice, she called Sylvia. "Sylvia,/did Fran move hospitals? I can't find