Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Gilbert's expression was unreadable, though clearly, something was off. "What's wrong?" Sherilyn asked, sensing there was something amiss.

Gilbert's eyes were half-closed, his handsome features shrouded in dim light, and he sounded less than thrilled, "I have to make a trip to London tomorrow. If things go smoothly, I'll be back in a week. If not, it might take me up to a fortnight."

He leaned down and wrapped Sherilyn into his embrace. "Sherilyn, would you come back to Golden Oak Manor with me tonight?"

Sherilyn froze, her heart pounding with mixed emotions.

A voice in her head screamed, this was her opportunity! She had been telling herself to avoid conflicts with him and to get along, just waiting for an opportunity like this!

And now, it had arrived so unexpectedly, and it was a golden one at that!

A week or two was more than enough time for her to leave Sunhaven far behind!

Soon, she would be able to take Jenna and leave this place, leave him, and start a new life!

"Come back to Golden Oak Manor with me, will you?" Gilbert cradled her gently, his voice soft, "I'll call my brother about the Rebecca issue, get him to sort it out. You trust him the most, right?"

"Yeah." Sherilyn smiled warmly, "Okay."

"You mean it? That's great!"

Overjoyed, Gilbert planted a quick kiss on her lips. "Let's go, get changed, and head home!"

He walked her to the dressing room.

"Fidelia made your favorite soup, make sure you have some when we get back..."

can watch

head,

moment, whatever he suggested

would leave Sunhaven for

be their

it was just as well. A quiet night together before parting ways

forget; to move on without further

...

Over at Emerald Estates.

Rebecca sat across from each other, locked

she had attempted to break the ice her

310

"Mhm."

Mr. Francis, would

"Mhm."

nodded, always a man

was at a loss for

so aloof. She could

rang. He stood up

"Hello?"

"Big bro, it's me."

with me tonight.

Before Francis could respond,

with a hint