Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Sherilyn filled the kettle, rolled her sleeves, and gently washed and changed Sylvia into clean clothes with patience and care.

Yates and Gilbert sat facing each other.

Yates gestured toward the interior. “She’s changed, hasn’t she?”

“Changed?” Gilbert seemed annoyed. “You’ve only seen her a few times, and you think your can tell she’s changed?”

“Come on.” Yates squinted, “For some things, you don’t need to see many times to understand. Her whole demeanor, the look in her eyes, it’s all different now.”

His tone sounded almost admiring.

It only irritated Gilbert further, who retorted and smirked, “People don’t change their spots. that easily. It’s all an act!”

“An act?” Yates raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. “She puts on an act for you, but does she need to do that with me? You know…”

Yates seemed to see through Gilbert. “I know you don’t like her. But haven’t you two signed the divorce papers?”

He then gestured toward the interior again. “Considering what Sherilyn’s done for Sylvia, cut her some slack and treat her like family, at least.”

“All this talk?” Gilbert snorted, “You came to see Grandma and haven’t helped out at all. Have your food. Off you go!”

“I will not.” Yates bantered back, “I promised I’d leave this for Sherilyn…”

“Enough!” Gilbert laughed and scolded, “My family, isn’t she? Since when is it your place to care? Get moving!”

“Fine then.” Yates didn’t argue further and quickly finished his breakfast. “I’ll be heading. out soon.”

Sure Gilbert nodded, “I’ll be a bit later.”

They had a business project and planned to leave together after Yates visited Sylvia. But plans changed, and Gilbert had to wait.

After Yates left, Sherilyn came out after she cleaned Sylvia and changed her into fresh clothes. She was holding the soiled clothing.

The caregiver hurried over to take them. “I’ll wash these.”

“Okay, thanks.” Sherilyn nodded, letting go.

Gilbert watched her, his tone unconsciously softer, “Go wash your hands.”

“Oh.” Sherilyn did as told, knowing she indeed needed to wash. When she returned, Gilbert. gestured toward a chair across from him. “Take a seat.”

Sherilyn was puzzled. “Is there something you need?”

If it wasn’t anything serious, she had to go–there was a rehearsal waiting for her.

“Just sit.” Gilbert frowned, not the patient type. “What? Is the chair all in nails? Can’t sit?”

Speechless, Sherilyn reluctantly sat–down.

Gilbert was satisfied, a smirk playing on his lips, pointing to his breakfast on the table. “Eat.”

Huh? Sherilyn was shocked, thinking she misheard. Was he offering her to eat? But, just a moment ago, he clearly said no. Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“Uh, ahem…” Noticing her expression, Gilbert could guess what she was thinking.

Gritting his teeth, he awkwardly spoke, “About earlier, that was my bad. Sorry.”

Sherilyn was stunned and couldn’t believe he was apologizing. That was rare, probably the first time Mr. Johnson had apologized to her! But she knew it was all for Sylvia.

Sherilyn quietly said, “You don’t have to be sorry. I know you don’t like me, and it’s natural to be unhappy seeing someone you dislike. But I came here for Sylvia. In the future, I’ll try to stay out of your way as much as possible.”

She curved her lips slightly, gesturing toward the breakfast table. “You don’t owe me an apology. I’ll skip breakfast.”