Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Outside the TV station, the taping had just wrapped up, and all eyes seemed to drift in their direction.

There was this strapping, handsome guy, all smiles, exchanging whispers and sneaky laughs with those around him.

"Which celeb is that?"

"So hot!"

"Look how tall! Must be a model, right?"

"Hurry up!"

Sherilyn quickly draped her jacket over him.Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

"Can't stand the thought of anyone else laying eyes on me?"

Gilbert, misinterpreting her gesture, chuckled and playfully pinched her nose, "Got a bit of a jealous streak, huh, my little vinegar bottle?"

What the heck? Sherilyn was taken aback. He really knew how to twist things. She was just worried he'd catch a cold, okay?

It was her spilling her drink all over him that had him stripping here, in this chilly weather. If he got sick, it'd be on her.

With a grin, Gilbert slipped on the jacket, rolling up the stained shirt to toss in a nearby bin.

He showed her a toothy grin, "Alright, alright, I'm all yours. No peeks for anyone else!"

Suddenly, Sherilyn averted her gaze.

She just couldn't bring herself to face that smile of his...

Back at Golden Oak Manor, Fidelia greeted them at the door.

"Mr. Johnson, Ms. Gomez, dinner's served, nice and hot. Perfect timing. I'll leave you to it. I'll tidy up the kitchen and dining room tomorrow morning. Goodnight."

With that, she left.

Clearly, Gilbert had given her a heads-up.

"Sherilyn,"

Gilbert enveloped her in his arms, his cheek nestled in her neck, murmuring softly, "These past few days without you... do you have any idea how much I missed you?"

He asked, "What about you? Did you miss me?"

A tremor ran through Sherilyn's heart, her lips parting slightly, "Yes, I did. I—"

Before she could finish, he lifted her chin and sealed her words with a kiss...

That night, as big snowflakes began to fall over Sunhaven.

Gilbert held Sherilyn close, their bodies intertwined like two spoons in a drawer...

It was the closest two souls could be.

Before dawn broke, Gilbert awoke.

He slid out of bed quietly, tiptoeing into the walk-in closet.

When he emerged, Sherilyn was awake, wrapped in a cashmere shawl, her hair loosely tied back.

Gilbert paused, "Did I wake you?"

"No," Sherilyn shook her head. "Woke up on my own."

Then, standing up, "So, you're leaving now?"

"Yeah, the seven o'clock flight."

Sherilyn checked the time, asking, "What about breakfast? Won't you eat at home?"

"No, it's

some early." Gilbert shook his something at the airport. Since

head, taking her hand. "I'll grab

you're up, see me off?"

"Of course." Sherilyn had planned as much. She took his hand, "Let's go."

Hand in hand, they walked downstairs, Sherilyn seeing him to the foyer, watching him change his shoes.

Gilbert leaned in, embracing Sherilyn, their foreheads touching, "What's this today? Can't bear to see me go?"

Sherilyn made a face but didn't argue back.

"Goof." Gilbert's lips curved in

pleasure, "I'll be back in a fortnight calling you every day. Take care of yourself, don't worry me."

"Okay." Sherilyn nodded, pushing him gently, "You should go, it's time."

"Alright." Gilbert let go, "I'm off. Wait for me."

He turned, pulling the door open, careful not to let the cold in at Sherilyn, waving, "Go back in,

catch a chill, you and oil

one."

As the door closed, Sherilyn's eyes quickly clouded over.

Softly murmuring, "Gilbert, goodbye..."

Goodbye for good.