Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

In an instant, Edgar could sense Sherilyn stiffening up next to him.

"Gilbert," Edgar said, his jovial expression fading into seriousness, "I'm sorry, but I can't step aside. If you have something to say to Sherilyn, say it."

He then looked at Sherilyn. "Sherilyn is my girlfriend, and there are no secrets between us."

Sherilyn's eyes widened, her lips parting in surprise.

Instinctively, she wanted to protest. But then, seeing Edgar slowly and gently shake his head at her, she understood his intent. If she protested, Gilbert wouldn't let her off easily!

But should she go along with Edgar's words? How unfair would that be to Edgar? Sherilyn clenched her fists, her inner turmoil raging.

"Heh." Gilbert chuckled, glancing at Sherilyn before his gaze landed on Edgar again, a thin veil of mockery in his eyes. "You say Sherilyn's your girlfriend? Sadly, Sherilyn doesn't seem to acknowledge that..."

He reached his hand toward Sherilyn, attempting to pull her toward him, their side-by-side stance irking him greatly! "Sherilyn, come here..."

"Yeah," With a sudden burst of courage, Sherilyn stepped back and stood her ground, confirming, "I am Edgar's girlfriend!"

The atmosphere suddenly went silent. The air itself seemed to freeze.

Gilbert talked in a voice as light as air, though his smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "What are you talking about?" His tone was gentle yet carried a chilling threat. "Don't talk nonsense."

Sherilyn met his gaze, unwavering, her voice steady, "I'm not talking nonsense. It's true."

Edgar looked down, giving Sherilyn an encouraging look.

There was no turning back. Sherilyn took a deep breath, raised her arm, and took Edgar's hand, interlocking their fingers tightly. Yet, it still didn't seem enough. Holding his hand up, she stared defiantly at Gilbert. "See?"

"Indeed." Playing his part, Edgar gripped Sherilyn's hand tighter. "Gilbert, as you can see, Sherilyn and I love each other, and we hope you can wish us happiness." ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

The scene was like a thorn in Gilbert's eye! Sherilyn wouldn't let him touch her, yet Edgar could? For a moment, Gilbert closed his eyes, his heart twisting in pain and numbness. How could it be? How could he feel this way?

When he opened his eyes again, Gilbert glared at Sherilyn with a look so conflicted that it was hard to tell if he was laughing or furious. How did she manage this? He had been pursuing Sherilyn hard, yet Sherilyn had secretly been with Edgar.

"Sherilyn." Struggling to contain his anger, Gilbert said sternly, "Come here, and I'll pretend you never said anything!"

He extended his long, distinct hand toward her.

Sherilyn's breath hitched.

"Gilbert!" At that moment, Edgar stepped in, shielding Sherilyn with his body against Gilbert's visibly enraged face. "Don't make this hard for Sherilyn!"

"Get lost!" Finally, Gilbert exploded. "Don't think just because you're Yates' cousin that I won't touch you!"

He raised his hands, grabbing Edgar by the collar.

"Gilbert!" Edgar met his gaze without a hint of fear, "I respect you, but it doesn't mean you can bully my girlfriend!"

The tension was palpable, a standoff imminent.