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."

some rest. You're still recovering, I'll take the night shift, and

Francis nodded, not objecting.

happens at night, just let the nurse handle it. Call me immediately if anything's

playful glare, "Do you really

apologies for stating

his arm to take the pencil with him. Caroline curled her lips into a smile, pretending not

...

sat by the hospital bed, a book in hand, gazing

people could look

"Gilbert."

her lap and whispered, "The doctor said we should talk to you more. I've been talking to

I read to you instead? 'The Count of Monte

lowered her gaze and began

around, Haydée's complexion was

wake up soon. Promise me,

open the door of the

bed, his

the

Caroline dozing off bet

a copy

Cristo" beside her.

almost inaudibly,

con cocon