Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

"It's not really convenient to talk here..."

It was Gilbert who broke the silence, his gaze and tone filled with an almost tender consideration. "I haven't had dinner yet, how about we grab something to eat together?" "...Okay."

After a moment of silence, Sherilyn agreed.

So, they headed to the Crimson Table.

"What would you like?"

Sitting across from her, Gilbert slid the menu her way.

Sherilyn didn't take it, instead she sipped her water, "Anything's fine."

"Alright then, I'll choose."

Gilbert ordered a variety of dishes, then asked, "Is that okay?"

"Mhm." Sherilyn nodded, everything he picked was to her liking, so there was no issue.

"Then it's settled."

While they waited for their food, Sherilyn put her water glass down, absentmindedly twirling it in her palms.

Looking at him directly, she spoke slowly yet earnestly, "Thank you, for what you did for Galen."

Gilbert paused, barely opening his mouth to respond when Sherilyn continued.

"Even though it sounds ungrateful to say this, I still need to make it clear... I didn't ask you to do that..."

She looked at him, her expression serious, "If you think you can use this to make me accept you, to be with you, that's not going to happen."

Gilbert's expression stilled, the smile fading, "I didn't think that. If I wanted to force your hand, I would have contacted you first, waited for your agreement before I helped, right?" He restrained the urge to hold her hand, his gaze on her burning yet restrained.

"I did it for you, but not to pressure you."

Sherilyn was taken aback, the vulnerability and depth of feeling in his eyes seemed genuine.

But this man, compared to Karol...

A pang in her heart, Sherilyn forced a smile, "Let's not talk about this anymore..."

"Sherilyn..."

"I can't accept you."

Sherilyn sighed softly, a deep sense of resignation in her voice, "Your feelings for me, you should direct them towards someone else." "Someone else? Who?"

Gilbert's breath hitched, suddenly grasping her hand, "I don't have feelings for Karol, she and I..."

"Stop!"

Sherilyn closed her eyes in pain and resistance, pulling her hand back don't want to hear that name! I don't wandto know about anything between you two!"

"Sherilyn..."

As they were speaking, the waiter knocked and entered with the food cart.

"Mr. Harrison, Ms. Gomez, please enjoy your meal."

"Thanks."

Gilbert glanced at Sherilyn's face, picking up the fork and knife to serve her, "Let's eat first." "Thank you."

Sherilyn lowered her head, quietly eating without resuming their previous conversation. The table was quiet, the only sounds were the soft clinks of cutlery.

Gilbert silently took care of her, and when she was nearly done, he handed her a napkin. "Sherilyn, I came today because there's something I need to discuss with you."

"What is it?" Sherilyn took the napkin, wiping her mouth.

"It's about... you and Jenna moving in with me."

Sherilyn's eyes widened in disbelief, but she knew she hadn't misheard.

"What?"

She laughed, a bit mockingly.

"What are you talking about? You just said you wouldn't pressure me,

have forgotten that already?"

"No!"

Gilbert hurriedly shook his head, "You're misunderstanding, I'm not trying to pressure you."

"Then what do you mean?"

Sherilyn looked at him steadily, "What are we to each other, that we should move in with you?" "One Harrison is back!"

Gilbert's words came out rushed, his frustration evident.

"One..." Sherilyn was momentarily taken aback.

"Yes."

Gilbert nodded, explaining, "Naylor's

eldest

by

, he had been sent abroad r but has recently gone missing."