Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

"I've changed over the last four years, but you know what they say, 'You can take the girl out of the small town but not the small town out of the girl.' Deep down, I'm still the same."

Sherilyn leaned back in her seat, her smile faint, "You used to despise me so much, I doubt you've grown to like me all that much now."

Their recent interactions had proved as much.

He had feelings for her, sure, but not enough to make her forget the past, let alone to build a future on.

Gilbert felt a turmoil inside, but managed a sardonic smile, "You think you know my feelings better than I do?"

"Hmm." Sherilyn raised an eyebrow. "Ever heard of 'love is blind"?"

She looked straight into his handsome face, serious now.

"I'm simply your backup plan, nothing more. Four years ago, I was naive and it cost me dearly. What would make you believe I'd make the same mistake again? Merely because you find my company slightly less insufferable now?" Hearing this, his eyes darkened.

Sherilyn took a deep breath, "I do appreciate you stepping up for Jenna, taking responsibility. You're not entirely without redeeming qualities."

"But, we don't have to force ourselves to be together for Jenna's sake. Loving her separately is enough."

With that, she closed her eyes, leaning back, clearly done with the conversation.

"Sherilyn..."

halted, biting back his words, and drove on in silence, the corners of his mouth turning down in a bitter

up in front of her

the door, only to find it locked, "Gilbert,

didn't move, instead, he took out a piece of gum from the glove compartment, popping it into his mouth, and then casually

frowned, puzzled, "I want to

in a hurry

arms around

"Sherilyn."

together, do you really feel nothing for me? You

but despite his seemingly gentle hold,

in a flustered tone, "Like you? After

wasn't for Jenna, would

someone

me?"

push him away and turned to exit the car.

voice, he said, "What should I do? I didn't like you before treated you poorly! Butl can't o back in

could have anticipated this

what