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."

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

Francis nodded, not objecting.

the nurse handle it. Call me immediately if anything's up with

Caroline gave him a playful glare, "Do you

for stating

out his arm to take the pencil with him. Caroline curled her lips

...

bed, a book in hand, gazing at Gilbert lying there, tracing his features with her eyes. It was

could look

"Gilbert."

said we should talk to you more. I've been talking to

to you instead? 'The Count of Monte Cristo,'

and began

complexion was pale, her gaze stern,

me, you'll wake up by tomorrow

Francis pushed open the door of the hospital room

his brother was

the

Caroline dozing off bet

copy of "The

Cristo" beside her.

almost inaudibly,

con cocon