Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

"It's so bizarre."

Rebecca White's eyes, wide and filled with innocence, suddenly brimmed with tears that silently rolled down her cheeks. "How could James possibly be my child? I've never had a child... Never."

"Ugh..."

Suddenly, Rebecca clutched her head in agony.

"My head is killing me!"

She winced, shaking her head in pain as her complexion turned even paler. "Why does it hurt so much?"

Her phone buzzed in her pocket.

It was Francis.

Clutching the phone tightly, Rebecca hesitated for a moment before swiping to answer, "Hello?"

"Rebecca."

Francis's voice was as calm and soothing as ever, "I got held up today. Are you back at the dorm? I'm downstairs. Mind if I come up to see you?" "...Sure," Rebecca managed a faint smile and agreed.

"I'll be right up."

"Okay, I'll wait."

After hanging up, Rebecca opened the door and entered the dorm. Soon after, Francis arrived.

"I'm here."

Rebecca opened the door for him, "Come in, make yourself at home."

"Thanks."

Francis stepped inside, placing a bag on the table, "Brought some snacks. Picked up some for James and thought of getting you some as well." He glanced at her and chuckled softly, "You're just like a kid yourself."

"Thanks."

Rebecca pursed her lips, not looking at the bag of snacks but directly at him, taking a deep breath.

"Mr. Johnson, you don't have to do this anymore."

Francis's eyes flickered with surprise.

Mr. Johnson? What's with the formality?

Raising an eyebrow, he reached across the table, taking Rebecca's hand in his, "Rebecca, are you upset?"

The sudden distance between them puzzled him...

"Is this about Caroline? Are you mad at me?"

He could understand why she might be upset.

"I promised I'd take care of her, and wasn't lying. I've arranged for her to see a doctor in Quinland. Just give me some time, I'll have her sent abroad soon..."

"It's not that."

Rebecca looked down, withdrawing her hand. "Mr. Johnson, I know everything."

"Know what?" Francis was confused, feeling a void as her hand left his.

"Mr. Johnson..."

Rebecca forced a smile, "You've mistaken me for James's mother... that's why you've been so kind."

Her smile grew more strain

I'm not his mother. You've

misplaced your affection. You should find James's real mother."

Francis looked at her, initially stunned, then his expression darkened.

He cleared his throat before speaking, "Did someone say something to you?"

"What?" Rebecca blinked, then nodded, "Yes, it was Caroline. She came to see me..." Ah.

Francis scoffed softly. "Of course, it was her."

At Johnson Mansion, he had instructed the staff to keep them apart.

But Caroline, determined as she was, had still managed to confront Rebecca!

Seeing his displeasure, Rebecca

said, "I should thank her. If it weren't for her, 'd still be in the dark....

enjoying something that

"How is it not yours?"

mine..."

swnovel

Francis's eyes narrowed, cutting her off, "Rebecca! Listen to me! The kindness I've shown you, you deserve it!"

"But..."

Rebecca's eyes widened with confusion and helplessness.

"I'm not James's mother..."

"Rebecca..."

Francis's brows knitted together, puzzled by the whole situation.

"Don't you remember giving birth to a child?"

Rebecca stared at him, dumbfounded, her mouth agape, "What do you mean?"