Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Steve’s composure hadn’t gone unnoticed by Ernest. She was unlike any of the dancers The Bedenoountered before He had heard from Colin that she was a graduate from the presterous Questend Arts Academy, an international student he less. That bit of anformation led him to believe that her background was quite affluent. © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Sheria Enteet asked a bit curious, ‘de you have any family?”

Sheria, who was in the midst of sipping her water paused, a bittersweet smile crossing her face as she shook her head. “No, it’s just the now.”

We test was visibly shocked.

Thinking he might have misunderstood, Sherilyn clarified, “My family, they’ve all passed eway it’s just me now

That revelation hit Ernest hard. It all made sense new

No wonder she ended up dancing at the Neon Nights Bar and now, was with him.

“Sherive,” he couldn’t help but feel a surge of empathy for the girl before him. “from now on. I’ll take good care of you. Consider me your family.”

“Okey” Sherlyn’s eyes were red–rimmed and she sniffled, managing to pull off a small

smie

“By the way

Ernest fumbled in his pocket and produced a small velvet box, opening it and presenting it

to ther

For you

“What is this?” Sherlyn looked up.

Inside the velvet box was a dazzling diamond ring its exact carat unknown to her but it shimmered brilliantly under the light.

For me?

Yes

With a smile, Ernest took the ring out gently took her left hand, and slowly slid it onto her middle finger.

Do you like it?”

Just then, at the doorway.

“Mr. Gilbert, you’ve got the wrong room. It’s not this one…”

“How could that be?” Pretending to be confused, Gilbert insisted. “I booked this room myself. How could I be wrong? This is the place!”

He had followed Sherilyn here, watched her enter!

No matter what, he was determined to get in today and take her away!

“Ah, Mr. Gilbert, please don’t…”

The waiter couldn’t stop him as Gilbert pushed past, shoving the door open.

Upon entering, he saw Ernest holding Sherilyn’s hand, a giant diamond ring adorning it!

Had things progressed this far between them?

“Mr. Gilbert?” Ernest hadn’t expected anyone to barge in, especially someone he recognized.

Quickly letting go of Sherilyn, he stood up with a smile, “Mr. Gilbert, what brings you here…?”

With a short chuckle, Gilbert stepped closer, extending his hand to Ernest, “Ah, Mr. Smith. Tsk.”

Closing his eyes briefly, he seemed frustrated with himself.

“Sorry, got the room numbers mixed up. Sorry for barging in. Go on with your thing.”

His gaze swept over Sherilyn, carrying a hint of amusement.

“And who might this be… Mr. Smith, aren’t you going to introduce us?”

Ernest, a bit flustered, gestured toward Sherilyn and said, “This is Sherilyn. She’s an assistant on one of our projects, sort of a colleague. Sherilyn, this is Gilbert Johnson.”

“Mr. Johnson, a pleasure.” Sherilyn stood up, politely positioning herself.

“Oh?”

Pretending as if meeting her for the first time, Gilbert’s tone carried a touch of flirtation, “An assistant? This pretty and just an assistant? Mr. Smith, you really shouldn’t be hiding a gem like this.”

Ernest, sweating bullets, quickly shook his head,. “No, no. She’s just an assistant.”

“Is that so?”

Gilbert narrowed his eyes, his gaze fixated on Sherilyn as if pinning her in place.