Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

"Mm-hmm." Caroline tried to sound casual, letting out a laugh mixed with a sigh. "Guess this is goodbye then, take care." "Take care." The line went silent.

Gilbert held onto his phone, feeling a bitter ache in his heart. They'd known each other since childhood, over a decade now, and he never imagined it would end like this. But from Sherilyn's perspective, he completely understood. No woman could tolerate her man being so attentive to another woman. Unless, of course, Caroline was his actual sister. Sadly, she wasn't...

Gilbert pocketed his phone, took a deep breath to steady his emotions, and pushed open the door to the private dining room. Upon entering, he couldn't avoid exchanging pleasantries with Blake and Caleb Marshall. The directors, perceptive to the situation, quickly pointed him in a direction after a brief chat. "Mr. Harrison, Sherilyn's over there."

"Thanks." Gilbert nodded with a smile and made his way to Sherilyn. The gathering featured a buffet, and Sherilyn had chosen a fondue pot, busy dipping various veggies. A few colleagues were seated around her, but they stood up to give Gilbert space as he approached. "Thanks." Gilbert acknowledged them and pulled up a chair beside her. Sherilyn acted as if she hadn't noticed him, focusing solely on her fondue.

"What's cooking?" Gilbert asked, genuinely interested.

Sherilyn finally reacted, glancing up briefly with a quip, "Never seen a fondue before?" Gilbert stifled a laugh.

Then he asked, "Is it good?"

shook her head, "Honestly, it could

good another time?" "No, thanks."

Gilbert almost couldn't believe his ears. Sherilyn was

recently due to stress. The woes of heartbreak, he thought. Remembering

picked up a pair of clean tongs, asking, "What would you like? I'll

pointed randomly,

opted for vegetables and mushrooms, preparing them carefully before placing them

started eating, focusing on her meal. Watching her cheeks puff with each

all veggies?" Sherilyn abruptly looked up, glaring at him as she stirred her bowl. "There's not a

but feel innocent in this misunderstanding. Wasn't it she who said she didn't want to eat too much at night, fearing she'd gain

but he quickly apologized regardless. It was his fault, it had to be. He grabbed some meat with the tongs, "I'll cook some right now, just give me a