Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Caroline was puzzled. Why on earth would Francis buy a pencil?

Wait a minute, that brand...

It looked familiar to Caroline, seemingly a classic German label. She immediately grabbed her phone to look it up.

Scrolling through the product page, she found an identical one.

Professional grade drafting pencil.

Caroline frowned, her confusion deepening. Why would he buy such a pencil? He was a businessman, it surely wasn't for his own use. Could it be...?

Her instincts told her it must have something to do with James' mom.

First, the hidden pearl hair clip, then the secretive 'love nest', now this pencil...

Caroline had always felt that Francis was somehow connected to James' mom!

But she also knew that asking directly would get her nowhere. Without a word, she closed the pencil case and put it back in its place...

When the night turned pitch black outside, Francis woke up.

As he sat up, Caroline entered from the adjoining room, carrying a bowl of freshly warmed soup.

"You're awake."

smiled at him, "You must be exhausted. I'll stay tonight, you go and get some rest. You're still recovering, I'll take the night

Francis nodded, not objecting.

added, "If anything happens at night, just let the nurse handle it. Call me immediately if anything's up with

him a playful glare,

apologies for stating the

was draped over the couch, and stretched out his arm to take the pencil with him. Caroline curled her

...

a book in hand, gazing at Gilbert lying there, tracing

two people could look so

"Gilbert."

book resting on her lap and whispered, "The doctor said we should talk to you more. I've been talking to you so much why won't

find me annoying, how about I read to you instead? 'The Count

lowered her gaze and began to read

was pale,

Promise me, you'll wake up

to brighten, Francis pushed open the door of the

bed, his brother

the

Caroline dozing off bet

vencer a copy of "The

Cristo" beside her.

sighed almost

con cocon