Whispers Turn

She was already thin, lying there so frail and petite, a shadow crossed Gilbert’s eyes as his heart gave a painful squeeze.

After she had been given some water, the nurse helped Sherilyn to lie back down and tucked her in before leaving the room.

Gilbert moved closer, sitting on the edge of the bed, and gently took her hand.

When he finally spoke, his voice was choked, “Sherilyn, I’m so sorry.”

He had been such a fool! All because of jealousy, he had deliberately ignored her calls!

She must have felt so scared and helpless, especially when he didn’t answer. How desperate she must have been?

Thankfully, the housekeeper had come back, or else…

Gilbert shuddered at the thought, overwhelmed by a wave of relief and fear.

Suddenly, he leaned over, enveloping Sherilyn and the blanket in a tight embrace, “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.” Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

Sherilyn didn’t resist; partly because she was too weak, and partly because she knew it was pointless.

Being held by him, memories from four years ago surfaced…

How similar was this scene?

This man, never once had he been by her side when she needed him the most…

“Sherilyn.” Gilbert cradled her face, full of remorse and fear. “From now on, I won’t ignore your calls, no matter what happens…”

“Gilbert.” She unexpectedly called his name.

“Yes? What is it?”

With her cheeks in his palms, Sherilyn managed a smile, “I was wondering, did you ever ignore Caroline’s calls like this?”

Gilbert froze.

Her smile was faint. “If the call last night had been from her, would you have ignored it too?”

“Sherilyn?” Gilbert’s heart clenched painfully.

Even though she was smiling, it hurt him more than if she had been crying or throwing a

tantrum.

13:32

“Sherilyn, it was my mistake. Forgive me this time, I swear there won’t be a next time!”

Sherilyn just smiled, allowing him to hold her.

Her words belied her true feelings. “Alright, you said it.”

“Yes!” Gilbert pulled her closer into his embrace, as if afraid she might leave, “I won’t dare again.”

He helped her lie back down, then discussed with her, “The doctor mentioned that we need to conduct a thorough examination to understand why you fainted…”

“No need!” Before he could finish, Sherilyn firmly refused, “I don’t want any examination.”

Gilbert frowned, trying to coax her, “Let’s just do the examination to clarify things, please…”

“I’m just a bit weak.” Sherilyn shook her head stubbornly, “It’s from dieting too much, just a bit of anemia, nothing serious.”

No matter what Gilbert said, she refused.

“I don’t like examinations. Don’t force me!” Sherilyn turned her head away, ignoring him in annoyance.

Gilbert was at a loss, knowing she was upset even when he was trying to do what was best for her.

And yet, he couldn’t resist her ways.

“Alright, alright, no examinations.”

Gilbert gave in, then made her promise. “But if there are any symptoms next time, you must come to the hospital immediately, deal?”

Sherilyn gave him a look. “Fine.”

Next time? There might not be a next time.

Since she refused the examination, the doctor gave some advice on care and allowed her to be discharged.

That evening, after dinner.

Sherilyn lifted her arms towards Gilbert, “Carry me.”

“Lazy, aren’t you?” Gilbert teased, touching her hose, but dutifully crouched in front of her, “Your chariot awaits, my princess.”

With a slight smile, Sherilyn leaned onto his back.

“Let’s go!” Gilbert, carrying her, stood up and headed upstairs.

Suddenly, he tensed up, his entire body going stiff.

A surge of adrenaline shot from his feet to his head!