Whispers Turn

Sherilyn frowned, fighting off a wave of discomfort. “Mr. Johnson, you must be out of your mind. I don’t know anything about it. Sylvia told me when to show up, and I did so!! might not be a superhero, but I meant it when I said I wouldn’t stick around you. 

With that, she spun around and stormed off. 

Gilbert shouted, “Sherilyn, where are you headed? 

Was she, perhaps, storming off in a huff? 

Gilbert watched her retreating figure with a deep gaze, a mix of amusement and frustration bubbling inside him. “Running away, huh? Fine, if I bother with you again, I’m a fool!” 

Meanwhile, Sherilyn stood where she’d gotten off earlier, at a loss. No way back home at the hour? What was she supposed to do? She looked around, stranded in a place that seemed miles away from anything. 

Then, a black car pulled up before her. The window rolled down. 

“Sherilyn.” 

It was Yates, whom she had met a few days ago. His presence wasn’t surprising, given the business dealings between the Johnson and Elliott families. Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

Sherilyn greeted him, “Mr. Elliott.” 

“Oh?” At the formality, Yates chuckled. “Mr. Elliott? Oh, come on, don’t be a stranger. Would calling me Mr. Elliott?‘ be too much?” 

Sherilyn brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. “Yates.” 

“That’s more like it.” Pleased, Yates continued. “No ride back at this hour. What brought you here?” 

Before she could answer, he added, “Hop in.” 

“Thanks, Sherilyn said and got into his car without hesitation. 

During the ride, she explained what had happened. She sighed with a hint of regret, “I wouldn’t have gone for tea with Sylvia if I had known. I should’ve come here earlier.” 

Yates got the picture. It seemed Sylvia had set it up on purpose. 

He glanced at the girl beside him, teasing, “Really? Or maybe, deep down, you wanted to stay and spend time with Gilbert? Who knows, you might patch things up.” 

What? Sherilyn paused, a bitter smile playing on her lips. 

Given how she had ‘claimed Gilbert back in the day, and without knowing what had 

transpired over the years, Yates‘ assumption was somewhat understandable. 

“That was the old me. It’s all in the past. Besides, Gilbert and I, we never really had a thing, she said, dismissing the idea of rekindling anything. 

Yates fell silent. Looking in the rearview mirror at the calm girl, he believed she had changed. 

When they got back to the hotel, it was past six. 

Yates looked down at Sherilyn, “Hungry? Let’s grab something to eat. I’m starving, too, and I’ve got work later, Come on, keep me company.” 

“Sure,” she agreed. 

They headed to the diner, where Yates took charge of ordering. 

“Dig in,” he urged Sherilyn. 

“Thanks, Yates.” She was indeed hungry. The light afternoon tea had long since worn off. 

As they started eating, Yates‘ phone rang non–stop. He was there on business, after all. 

One call barely ended before another began. 

“Yeah, it’s me.” Whatever he heard from the other end made Yates frown. Standing up, said, “Really? Hold on, I’ll be right there.” 

he 

He seemed to have an emergency. 

Putting down his phone, he quickly told Sherilyn, “I’ve got to handle something. Take time to eat.” 

your 

Pointing to his untouched meal, he added, “Eat whatever you like from mine. Just don’t overdo it.” 

“Okay…” Before Sherilyn could say more, Yates was gone. 

Perhaps because he was Gilbert’s friend, Sherilyn felt more at ease with Yates away, her appetite growing. 

After finishing her drink, she eyed Yates‘ untouched glass. It appeared to be water. Assuming as much, she took a big gulp, expecting refreshment. “Cough, cough, cough!” 

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