Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

“Right.”

Edgar suddenly remembered, “Sylvia mentioned you’ve just returned from studying abroad too? Where did you study?”

“Crestwood.”

“Really?” Edgar’s face lit up with excitement, “I was in Crestwood too. Which school were you at? Maybe we’re alumni.”

Sherilyn couldn’t help but laugh, “I doubt it. I was at Crestwood Arts University, studying dance.”

“Oh.” Edgar’s smile faltered a bit, “I attended Crestview College. Both in Crestwood, and I’ve never come across you. That’s surprising.”

Sherilyn chose to ignore his last remark, giving him a thumbs up. “Definitely elite material.”

Edgar blushed slightly, laughing it off, “Well, the school might be top–notch, but I’m far from being an elite.”

“Um…” Edgar had another question nagging at him. “If you don’t mind me asking–why are you dancing at the Neon Nights Bar?”

Logically, with the Johnson family backing her, she really didn’t need to expose herself in such a place.

His heart raced, fearing she might take offense. But Sherilyn seemed unfazed, stating simply, “I need to work to support myself. I’m trained in dance, and tell me, where else in Sunhaven. could I

earn more than at the Neon Nights Bar? Right?”

“True.”

Edgar nodded, smiling.”

So, she needed to work at the Neon Nights Bar to make ends meet, implying… she no longer depended on Gilbert.

“You’re quite curious, aren’t you? Intrigued by what you’ve heard about me?”

Sherilyn squinted, tilting her chin towards the bustling crowd.

Among them were many familiar faces–Sunhaven’s young elites she knew from when her ‘infamy‘ was at its peak.

“What have they been saying about me?”

“Uh…” Edgar was at a loss for words.

Sherilyn laughed, shaking her head without a care, “Why the nerves? Even if you don’t say it, I know. They must’ve painted me as arrogant, manipulative, ruthless…”

08:25

She took a deep breath, her smile widening, “And they’re right…”

“No, you’re not!”

Edgar cut her off eagerly, his frown deep and serious.

“Hm?” Sherilyn paused, slightly dazed.

“I said, you’re not.” Edgar’s handsome face was filled with sincerity. “The Sherilyn I know is an incredible dancer. She shines on stage, smiles at strangers she passes by, and at crowded parties, she finds a secluded corner to escape to and enjoy her snacks.”

This was the Sherilyn he saw. She wasn’t arrogant, she wasn’t scheming and she certainly wasn’t heartless.

Sherilyn was taken aback, feeling a warm surge of emotion well up inside her.

After enduring so much injustice, Edgar, besides Joyce, was another person who offered her praise and trust. Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Not far off, Sylvia and Gilbert stood side by side, watching them.

“Is that the boy?”

Sylvia squinted, pondering, “He looks like… he’s from the Ferguson family, right? Edgar, isn’t it? Yes, Edgar!”

She couldn’t help but praise, “I like him. He seems a good match for Sherilyn.”

Pulling on Gilbert’s arm, she added, “They seem to be getting on well; let’s not disturb them… Give them some time, who knows what might develop.”

“Alright…”

Gilbert turned away reluctantly, his chest feeling tight as if stuffed with cotton, struggling to breathe.