Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

His gaze was fixed on her, his eyes burning with an intensity that suggested the answer meant the world to him.

Sherilyn shifted uncomfortably in his embrace, trying to dodge the question, "Let's eat before it gets cold. I'll go grab us some forks..."

Avoiding the question?

Gilbert saw right through her, a hint of disappointment in his eyes.

But at least, Sherilyn hadn't denied it.

"Holding out on me, huh? Is it really that hard to say you like me?" he teased, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I'll get the forks myself. If you made it, I'm sure to clean the plate, crumbs and all!" He let her go and turned towards the cabinet.

As she watched him walk away, Sherilyn felt a wave of dizziness wash over her. For a moment, she wavered.

She thought, if he could accept Jenna, treat Jenna well, maybe, just maybe, they could make it work...?

A dangerous thought flickered through her mind, and suddenly, the room seemed to spin, her head felt light, and her heart raced.

Sherilyn quickly steadied herself against the kitchen island, silently waiting for the dizziness and palpitations to pass.

Johnson Mansion.

Late at night.

The ring of his cellphone jerked Francis awake from his sleep. It was Sawyer.

to

Francis," Sawyer, usually composed, sounded panicked,

What??

wide awake,

through his control, "Incompetent! You lost a three-year-old

with Sawyer, as Francis hadn't yet decided how to break

other end, Sawyer remained silent, offering

busy; he wasn't

working in shifts, more than enough to take care of a

the window, noting the time. It was 2 AM. How could such a young

"At 8 PM, the nanny made sure the young master went to bed, everything

nanny checked on himin the middle of

was terrified,

child sneaking out of the house

silently, his

continued, "I've already contacted the police, and our

short, he was doing everything

so far, there was no

something he had to inform

"Where are you now?"

"At the front door."