Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Had he seen everything? But, what was he talking about?

Blinking in bewilderment, Sherilyn blurted out, “It’s not that I was too polite to refuse; I wanted to get in his car, that’s why I did. Uh…”

Before she could finish, she grimaced, wincing at the increased pressure on her jaw.

Gilbert looked down, his gaze hidden in the depths, “You want to go with him? Do you even realize what you’re saying?”

His eyes fixed on her face, his voice low and mockingly soft.

Sherilyn couldn’t help but swallow, “What’s the problem? Can’t I get in his car?”

“Sherilyn!”

Finally, Gilbert couldn’t contain his low growl, expressing his irritation, “I said I would pick you up!”

“But I didn’t ask you to come!” Sherilyn retorted, her chin raised defiantly, “I don’t need you to! Stop doing this in the future!”

Instantly, his expression shifted slightly, as if he couldn’t believe what he had heard, falling into a long silence.

Don’t need?

“Huh.”

Gilbert let out a short laugh, gazing at her deeply. “Don’t tell me, you actually fancy Edgar! ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

You like him?”

“Yes!” Without a moment’s hesitation, assertively, Sherilyn responded.

As if fearing he hadn’t heard clearly, she added, “I like him, is that a problem?”

“You…” Gilbert paused, looking mad. “Say that again?”

Hmph.

Sherilyn wasn’t afraid of him, meeting his gaze with certainty.

“Yes, I do like Edgar! What’s wrong with that? He’s outstanding, comes from a good family, and he’s nice to me too! Even Sylvia says he’s a good match for me!”

“Enough!”

Her non–stop praise of Edgar ignited a fury in him, erupting like boiling magma, unable to be contained.

He restrained himself over and over, his face emotionless but full of stormy clouds as he stared at her, “So quickly, you’ve taken a liking to Edgar? Is your affection that cheap? Is any

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man enough for you?”

Just days ago, she was saying she liked Ernest, that old man, and now, it’s Edgar!

A raging fire burned in Gilbert’s heart, growing more intense.

“Sherilyn, didn’t you like me? Hmm?”

His nerves taut

taut, he couldn’t help but pull her closer, pressing her into his embrace.

“Haven’t you liked me for many, many years? Is your liking for Edgar as much as for me?”

His hands, cradling her cheeks.

Sherilyn recognized this gesture all too well!

As he leaned in to kiss her, Sherilyn quickly turned her face, dodging his lips.

“Sherilyn?” Gilbert’s expression darkened further. Was she avoiding him?

Sherilyn breathed heavily, her eyes filled with wariness.

“Yes, I once liked you a lot! But, didn’t you reject me? Didn’t you despise me?”

Suddenly, Gilbert froze, unable to respond.

Yes, he had indeed despised her…

Seizing the moment of his daze, Sherilyn pushed him with force, sending him stumbling out

the door.

“You shouldn’t be here! Please leave! And, don’t come back again!”

With that, she slammed the door shut.

Gilbert stood outside, lost in thought, motionless for a long while…