Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

"Alright, I'll be right over."

Hanging up the phone, Gilbert immediately rushed to Pinecrest Villa.

This wasn't his first visit because this was where Sawyer lived.

Pressing the doorbell, it was Sawyer who answered.

"Mr. Gilbert," Sawyer stepped aside, saying, "please, come in."

"Thanks." Gilbert nodded, stepping inside.

"You're here."

Inside, Francis was sitting on the couch, waiting for him.

"Big bro," Gilbert flashed a smile, looking around, "What's up? You're being all mysterious."

Francis' expression was serious as he stretched his arms and stood up from the couch. Gilbert quickly picked up a cane lying nearby and handed it to him. "Big bro, here." "Thanks." Francis took it, casting a glance at his brother, "Follow me upstairs."

"Oh, okay."

Gilbert felt a chill, sensing something wasn't quite right.

He followed his brother upstairs.

Francis led the way, silent, stopping in front of a door.

Gilbert was

nodded. "I want

for the doorknob and gently turned it... the door

Gilbert looked inside.

like someone had tried to tidy up by arranging items neatly around the edges. There was a carpet in the

a little boy, about three years old, was sitting cross-legged, completely absorbed in playing with

was stunned, looking

he could speak, Francis carefully closed the door, not wanting to startle the child

was holding his

questions, yet unsure

child? Where

away in Sawyer's place? Seeing his brother's grave and cautious demeanor, could it be,

his brother and

as you're thinking, he's

How could this be? How was this

He remembered.

for someone. It

deny a woman's intuition. It's eerily

of having an affair, even though

at his brother and

over, he rephrased

ask, how do

firmly, "Big bro, don't forget your promise to Caroline! Without her, you wouldn't

distinguished face devoid