Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

What is this?

Sherilyn wondered if the evening’s overload of events had scrambled her brain–because

Inside the bag was a pack of… lollipops?

“Daydreaming much?”

Gilbert glanced at her, urging, “Open one.”

He wanted some?

Sherilyn nodded, “Oh, sure.”

She reached in, grabbed a lollipop, unwrapped it, and handed it over, “Here.”

Gilbert’s lips curled into a smirk, sprinkling his expression with amusement. “For me? Why?”

Sherilyn was puzzled. If not for him, then whom? Didn’t he ask her to open it? And now he didn’t want it? Was this some kind of game?

“Ugh.” Seeing her confused look, Gilbert clicked his tongue, freeing a hand to snatch the lollipop, “Open up.”

“Uh?”

Startled, Sherilyn did open her mouth, but not in compliance.

Even so, Gilbert achieved his aim. Holding the lollipop, he popped it into her mouth.

Sherilyn was full of questions. What was happening?

“Heh.”

Gilbert watched her and laughed, a rare moment where they weren’t bickering or at each other’s throats. His pure, child–like laughter made him seem genuinely innocent.

He gestured with a tilt of his chin, “How is it? Good?”

Sherilyn paused, swallowed, and nodded hesitantly, “Yeah.”

“That good? Lost for words?”

Gilbert caught her reflection in the rearview mirror, teasing, “Just enjoying it yourself? There are plenty, can’t you open one for me?”

Did he want one?

Busy again, Sherilyn grabbed another, unwrapped it, and offered it to him, “Here.”

“Mhm.”

10:35

Gilbert leaned in and bit down.

The sweet flavor exploded in his mouth… Huh? What’s the big deal? They’re just super sweet, something little girls would go for.

Considering Sherilyn’s age, well, she almost counts as a little girl.

No surprise she liked them.

“I tossed your lollipops last time.”

Gilbert grimaced, “You gave me a look. Here… I owe you a pack, all flavors included. Happy now?”

This was… his way of making it up to her?! Sherilyn was too shocked to speak.

Seeing her stunned, Gilbert frowned. “What? Don’t like it?”

“Uh…” Sherilyn hurriedly shook her head, “No, no, I love it, thank you.”

Even though she didn’t understand his sudden change, how could she dare say she didn’t like it?

What if she upset Mr. Gilbert and ended up at the police station again?

“Good to hear.” Gilbert seemed pleased.

As the candy melted slowly in his mouth, Gilbert didn’t realize his smile lingered, a sign of his contentment.

Back at her apartment, Sherilyn’s phone rang. Têxt belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.

Actually, it had been ringing in the car too. She didn’t want to answer, so she had silenced

1. it.

But it looked like if she didn’t pick up, the caller would just keep ringing.

Calling in the middle of the night, they really were putting her in a tough spot.

Sherilyn swiped to answer, “Hello…?”

“Sherilyn!” The man on the other end sounded anxious. “Why couldn’t I reach you? Are you okay? Did the police give you a hard time?”

Sherilyn scoffed internally. His concern always came too late!

“I’m fine, hanging up now…”

“Wait!”

The man hastily stopped her, “About the money… I left in a hurry and forgot to give you the card. I have everything prepared. Let’s meet again, and I’ll give it to you…”

10:36

“No need

“Sherilyn?” The man sounded shocked “Are you mad?”

mad?”

Sherilyn didn’t engage with that only saying what she wanted to. “I’ll figure out the money. As for you, let’s not contact each other anymore. After this call, I’ll block you. Please, do the same for me