Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Chapter 1188

Here's your text adapted as a Western-style, localized English novel scene, with Western foods, customs, names, and phrasing. Let me know if you want any details tweaked!

He shook his head, stammering, "It's not about 'pointing fingers' or anything, Sherilyn. I'm just worried about you."

"Worried about what? That I'll run away?"

Sherilyn gave a bitter, self-deprecating smile. "Yeah, as if I could. Trust me, I've thought about it, but I know I can't. Even if I wanted to, there's nowhere for me to go."

Her eyes were rimmed red, a faint shimmer glistening in them.

"No matter what I want, I'm stuck here. Stuck with this endless mess..."

"Sherilyn!"

Gilbert's heart twisted. He pulled her into his arms, holding her tight. "It's not endless. I promise, it's not."

"Oh, really?"

Sherilyn gave a hollow laugh. "And how can you be so sure? Your mom's... issues no one's been able to fix those."

"That doesn't have to affect us!"

Gilbert cupped her delicate back, his voice low and sincere.

"I care about you. Only you. After everything that happened... things are different now. What happened with her was an accident. Please, you have to believe me."

Hmph.

Sherilyn rested her head on his shoulder, letting out a barely audible, cold little

snort.

difference would

got through this, there'd just

too clearly-Caroline was a nightmare that just wouldn't let go. She always found some excuse to cling to

her eyes in

life go on

inside with Jenna after playing in the garden. The scent of freshly cut grass clung to their clothes. As soon as they walked

home

"Daddy!"

Jenna squealed, rushing over.

warm and smiling. "Did you have fun

"I was!"

nodded eagerly, then her face lit up. "Daddy, guess what! My teacher gave me a gold star today

"Wow, really? That's amazing!"

"Uh-huh!"

down. "Wait right here, Daddy! I'll go get my paper to show

her soft,

dashed upstairs, her little feet thumping on

living room fell

Gilbert looked at her,

the antique grandfather clock in the corner, frowning slightly.

have another business dinnet

tonight?"

"No..."

"Oh."

you

smile was thin and brittle. "I forgot. You're

to check

voice was gentle, but every word

"That's not it."