Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

"Sherilyn," Caroline's voice was cheerful, even though her face was hidden behind sunglasses and a mask. "Who knew you could dance like that? You could totally be a dance instructor on TV. I'm so proud of you."

Sherilyn casually threw in a "Thanks" as they talked.

Suddenly, a sleek navy Maybach pulled up in front of them.

"Francis is here to pick me up," Caroline mentioned, inviting Sherilyn, "Where are you headed? Come on, we'll give you a lift."

"No, it's okay," Sherilyn declined with a wave. "Gilbert's coming for me in a bit."

"Oh," Caroline replied with a meaningful smile. "Then I won't keep you from your date. We'll head off first."

At the bottom of the steps, Francis had already exited the car, holding the door open for Caroline.

calls and visits, always

today?" Caroline asked, intertwining her fingers with Francis' and resting

Francis replied, his usual response. "I'm happy as long as

a silver earring. A women's earring, to be precise. At least, that was the style among the Johnsons. This car was Francis' personal choice for picking her up, usually opting for a Rolls-Royce on

heart ached as

treasured, previously thought to belong to Sherilyn. Now, she suspected it belonged to someone else James' mother. Francis had lied again, claiming he wouldn't be involved with James' mom. Then where

days with Francis suddenly seemed like a joke. As he opened the car door for her, calling her name, she forced a smile, taking his hand to step out. Learning from past experiences, she chose not to make a scene. Francis wouldn't admit anything anyway. She had to discreetly find

Soon after, Gilbert arrived.

over to

him intently, making him uneasy. "Why are

saw today?" Sherilyn's eyes

"Who?" Gilbert was clueless.