Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

“Good girl.” Sylvia smiled contentedly. “No rush. Enjoy some afternoon tea with me before you go.”

The documents Gilbert needed weren’t urgent until the evening. Heading out too early wouldn’t be proper. It’d be better to leave for the evening.

“Oh, okay.” Sherilyn was oblivious to Sylvia’s intentions. “I’ll do as you say.”

Around four in the afternoon, Sherilyn left the Southern District Sanatorium. She carefully placed the leather folder into her backpack and boarded the coach to Starfield.

Starfield was a bit of a trek, being a developing town under the jurisdiction of Sunhaven. The coach journey took a solid two hours.

Upon arrival, following the address sent by Sylvia, Sherilyn walked a while longer before finding the hotel where Gilbert was staying.

The hotel was brand new, with fresh paint lingering in the air. Sherilyn slung her backpack to her front at the hotel and dialed Gilbert’s number. Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

In his room, Gilbert picked up his phone. Sherilyn? Why was she calling? He couldn’t help but recall what she had said the other day about coveting his brother’s love.

His face darkened, and he flipped his phone over.

Meanwhile, holding her phone, Sherilyn blinked in confusion. “Why isn’t he picking up?

Doesn’t he need the documents?”

Maybe he was busy? Or it wasn’t a good time?

Sherilyn pondered and sent him a message. [Sylvia asked me to bring something to you.]

She then took a photo of the leather folder and sent it over.

Gilbert’s phone vibrated again.

“Hmph.” Gilbert scoffed. Not over yet? Didn’t he seem despicable to her? Why did she still have to contact him? But he picked up his phone and swiped to see.

His gaze softened, realizing she was here to deliver documents.

Suddenly, he stood up and exited the room.

Outside, the day had turned to night. The sunset was just a sliver, resting on the horizon’s edge.

Sherilyn was in a yellow T–shirt paired with utility jeans, her smooth, long hair flowing behind her, tied with a black leather band. She stood there, slender and tall, like a swan bathing in the twilight.

10:15

Gilbert unconsciously swallowed, feeling a tickle in his throat.

He approached her. “Sherilyn.”

After hearing him, Sherilyn looked up. “Here you are.”

She hurriedly took off her backpack and handed him the leather folder. “Here. Check it out. Is it all there?”

“Yeah.” Gilbert flipped through it, confirming, “It’s all here.”

He closed the leather folder, chuckling at her. “You picked your timing.”

Sherilyn was confused, unsure of what he meant.

“Don’t play dumb.” Gilbert pointed to his wristwatch. “I called Grandma at one, and you’re only delivering this now. You know there are no buses back at this time, trying to stay over, right?”

Sherilyn was still not catching on, her mind fixated on his statement. There were no buses back at the hour?

“Heh.” Gilbert’s smirk was plain to see. “You’ve pulled these tricks before, haven’t you?” He had thought she truly gave up on him and stopped pestering him! Yet, here she was, pulling the stunt. It seemed she was never giving up!

“Okay then.” Gilbert generously gestured, “Given the effort you’ve made to come here, follow me, and I’ll have someone take you to a room to rest.”

He turned and walked ahead, expecting her to follow obediently.

But Sherilyn remained still, not moving an inch. She finally understood that he thought she had intentionally arrived late!

Gilbert looked back to see her still standing there, his tone displeased. “What, are you mad that I caught on to your plan? Cooking up another one?”