Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

“Sylvia,” Sherilyn shook her head, not a trace of happiness on her face. “I just… don’t love him anymore.”

It took Sylvia by surprise. It wasn’t the first time she had heard these words. The last time Sherilyn was at the Southern District Sanatorium, asking for her approval to divorce, she had said the same thing. But Sylvia couldn’t help but feel there was more to it.

“Sherilyn, are you worried?” Sylvia asked, “Worried he’ll neglect you like

before? That won’t happen. This time, it’s different. It’s not just me pushing for

1. it. It’s his own decision…”

“You know him. Once he sets his mind on something, not even nine bulls could pull him back. He’s committed.”

Sherilyn believed that. When Francis had his accident, Gilbert had sworn by his bedside that he’d take responsibility for Caroline from then on. And he had kept his word. NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.

But still, Sherilyn couldn’t agree. “Sylvia, it’s not that I’m worried about.”

Sylvia pressed, “Then what is it?”

“Sylvia.” Sherilyn’s smile was tinged with bitterness. She reiterated, “I don’t love him anymore.”

Sylvia was stunned, momentarily at a loss for words. If she had said it once or twice, it could have been dismissed as Sherilyn trying to save face, afraid of rejection. But there was no need for pretense.

Gilbert had expressed his desire to call off the divorce. If she still harbored feelings, she would have taken the chance to step into the role of Mrs. Johnson gracefully, right?/

“Are you serious?” Sylvia couldn’t believe it.

“Yes, Sylvia. I am,” Sherilyn affirmed with a nod.

“How could this be?” Sylvia was perplexed. “You’ve been infatuated with him. since you were fifteen.”

Sherilyn would always talk about Gil. Everyone in the Johnson family knew it.

“Yes, that’s true.” Sherilyn smiled, shaking her head gently. “But, Sylvia, even the deepest of affections can fade away over four years.”

At those words, Sylvia’s breath hitched.

Yet, Sherilyn smiled, “Looking back, I wonder if I ever truly loved him.”

“What?” Sylvia was shocked.

Sherilyn continued, “I was too young then and hardly knew better. You always talked about wanting me as your granddaughter–in–law, and I took it for granted that I loved him.”

“Sherilyn…” Sylvia’s face was a mix of shock and disbelief, looking like she was denying the present feelings and their shared past.

“So, Sylvia.” Sherilyn took a deep breath, her lips pursed. “Divorce is the only path for us, and it’s the right one.”

At this point, there was nothing more Sylvia could say. She conceded, “I understand your decision.”

Sylvia raised her hand, gently smoothing Sherilyn’s hair. “Don’t worry. Although I spoke on his behalf, that’s all I did.”

Sherilyn was puzzled. “Sylvia?”

“What are you looking at me like that for?” Sylvia smiled softly, pinching her cheek. “I always hoped you’d have a good and smooth life ahead. I meant

that.”

Tears welled up in Sherilyn’s eyes, “Thank you, Sylvia.”

“Silly child, what are you thanking me for?” Sylvia let her go, “Go check if breakfast is ready in the kitchen.”

“Okay, will do.” As Sherilyn headed for the kitchen, Sylvia’s expression darkened, “Come out.”

The curtains on the patio were swiftly pulled back, revealing Gilbert, who had been listening in. He had been up early, part of the plan for Sylvia to act as the mediator.

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