Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

“Enough, I can’t be bothered to argue anymore.”

Sylvia huffed, “All I need to know is who Sherilyn’s new boyfriend is, and whether he’s genuinely good to her. Is that too much to ask?”

“Not at all.”

Gilbert nodded, agreeing without hesitation. Truth be told, he didn’t need his grandmother’s instructions to dig into the matter. He would have done it anyway. Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Leaving the Southern District Clinic, it was naturally Gilbert who offered Sherilyn a ride home. This time, without any reminder from him, Sherilyn consciously took the passenger seat.

As they drove off, she turned her face towards Gilbert and asked, “When are we heading to the city hall to sort out our paperwork? Let me know once you’ve arranged it, okay?”

“Yeah.” Gilbert answered without really thinking. He then casually remarked, “So, you’ve found yourself a boyfriend just days after coming back to Sunhaven? That was quick.”

Sherilyn paused for a moment, then chuckled. “Yeah. Love isn’t about how long you’ve known each other. Sometimes, no matter how many years you spend with someone, if the spark isn’t there, it just isn’t there.”

What she said darkened Gilbert’s mood. Was she hinting at his feelings towards her?

A sudden tightness gripped his chest, his grip on the steering wheel tightening, “Girl, don’t let love blind you. Just because someone’s a bit nice to you doesn’t mean you should lose your head over them!”

“I won’t.”

Sherilyn shook her head softly. “There aren’t many people who’ve been good to me. After my grandma passed, only Sylvia and, well, Fran used to be kind to me. He’s… the third one. I’m really thankful for him.”

That made Gilbert’s heart skip a beat. He felt a rush to defend himself–didn’t he treat her well, too? But the words died in his throat… Because, in truth, he hadn’t been good to her. Not just that, he might have been downright awful!

But was that his fault? If she hadn’t clung to him, insisting on marrying him… perhaps he could have treated her better!

His thoughts were a whirlwind of frustration. Who exactly was this man? He needed to find out!

That evening, Sherilyn went to Neon Nights Bar as usual. Colin found her in the dressing room to inform her, “Sherilyn, I’ve talked to Mr. Smith, and everything’s set for you. Just be

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ready, okay?”

“Okay.” Sherilyn took a deep breath and nodded, “Thank you.”

“Hey, no need for thanks!” Colin was a mix of sentiment and excitement, “From here on out, I might need you to put in a good word for me with Mr. Smith.”

“You’re too kind,” Sherilyn replied with a smile, her mind racing with thoughts of the unavoidable tasks ahead.

The next day, Sherilyn made time to visit the hospital. She registered, waited in line, and saw the doctor. After the examination, the doctor prescribed some medication but hesitated before saying, “This medication shouldn’t be taken in excess. You must follow the dosage I’ve prescribed strictly.”

“I understand.”

“If you experience any side effects, stop immediately and come see me.”

“Will do.”

“And,” the doctor handed her the prescription, “remember, you need to come back for regular check–ups. As your doctor, I need to ensure you’re taken care of.”

“Thank you for your concern.”

Sherilyn took the prescription, paid for her medication, and left. She had contacted this doctor through Joyce. Normally, with her condition, the doctor wouldn’t have prescribed this medication.

But she desperately needed it. So, she had asked Joyce for help, managing to get the medication smoothly. She was aware of the potential harm to her body… but she had no choice. Her condition, which made her averse to physical contact, could potentially stop her–from getting close to Ernest.