Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Arriving at the Golden Oak Manor, Gilbert was wrestling with how to gracefully scoop Sherilyn out of the car with one arm when she stirred awake on her own. Blinking her eyes open, she murmured, "Are we here already? Why didn't you wake me?"

Gilbert couldn't help but chuckle, "Seems like you woke up just at the right time. My arm's a bit out of commission; let me just hold your hand instead."

He extended his hand to Sherilyn, helping her out of the car as they walked together toward the house.

"Hmm..."

As they entered, Sherilyn inhaled deeply, "Wow, what's that amazing smell? Is Fidelia cooking up some stew?" "Ms. Gomez, Mr. Johnson, it's oxtail soup."

Sherilyn pulled Gilbert to sit down, pointing at his arm, "Perfect, you could use some nourishment yourself."

"Sure thing," Gilbert replied with a smile.

"By the way,"

During dinner, Sherilyn broached a subject, "Could you maybe not have Abel tailing me anymore?"

"Hmm?" Gilbert raised an eyebrow, not immediately responding.

"Let him stay with you."

Sherilyn glanced at his arm, "If Abel had been there today, you wouldn't have gotten hurt."

"Worried about me?"

hand, gently squeezing

nodding, "Getting slashed with

"Don't be scared."

stretched his arm, pulling her onto his lap, his palm resting on her

you and the

the feeling that Gilbert might be facing some tough

Even if they were to live apart, she hoped

"Just a madman."

resentment towards the wealthy.

keep Abel close by. I don't need a bodyguard, and having him there would really put me at

the

to resist her coaxing, and frankly, unable to withstand her charm,

suppose I

meat, suddenly saying,

paused, then cupped

face, “Listen,

this

I've only met

time, believe it

one

"I believe!"

holding her hand, "I believe! As long as it's you

eyes, "So, were you just talking