Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

"You've given me too much credit," Gilbert said, his lips curling into a self-deprecating, bitter smile. "I don't know if anyone in this world can truly put others above themselves... but clearly, I'm not there yet." Was this really the end for them?

"From now on..." Gilbert admitted, "I won't personally handle her matters. But she's all alone in this world now, so at the very least, I need to ensure she's doing alright."

Sherilyn furrowed her brows, momentarily at a loss for words. It was all too sudden; she couldn't wrap her head around it yet.

"Sherilyn..." Gilbert's eyes flickered, a featherlight touch seemed to brush his heart as he reached out and took her hand. "You mentioned before..."

"Sherilyn!" called a voice from behind.

"Yes?" she responded.

Taking the opportunity, Sherilyn withdrew her hand from Gilbert's grasp and turned to see Blake and Michael approaching.

"Blake, Mr. Michael," she greeted them. Michael was the lead actor in her last project, a favorite of Mr. Marshall, and also the lead in this new drama alongside Sherilyn, making him her senior. "Sherilyn," they both acknowledged, noticing Gilbert and instinctively softening their demeanor.

"Mr. Harrison, are you here to pick up Sherilyn?" Blake asked.

"Blake," Gilbert nodded with a slight smile, "I'm entrusting Sherilyn to your care again."

"It's my honor. Don't mention it," Blake replied with a laugh. "Mr. Harrison, we were just about to go for a script read-through followed by dinner. Would you like to join us?"

He trailed off, looking inquiringly at Gilbert.

"I definitely need to be there," Sherilyn quickly interjected. As the female lead, she couldn't miss the first gathering of the main crew. Besides, she didn't want to leave with Gilbert right now. She was unsure how to face him, so maybe it was best to avoid him for the time being.

She looked up at him, "You must be busy, you go ahead..."

"Let's go together," Gilbert said, a shadow passing through his eyes, a hint of feluctance visible as he looked towards Blake. "I hope I'm not intruding."

"Not at all!" Blake couldn't welcome him fast enough an invitation highly coveted by many.

"Mr. Harrison, please..."

"Please."

...

Upon arriving at the venue, Gilbert's phone buzzed with a message.

[I saw you and Sherilyn together.]

Gilbert's heart skipped a beat, his grip on the phone tightening. Glancing at Sherilyn, who was conversing with her colleagues, he discreetly stepped aside. Opening his phone, he dialed a number.

"Hello?" The call connected, and Caroline's soft laughter came through.

"Where are you?" Gilbert stood still, scanning his surroundings. She had said in her message that she saw him with Sherilyn... was she following him?

As if she hadn't heard his question, Caroline asked instead, "Did you arrange this because of Sherilyn?"

Gilbert paused, "No. It's my issue, my selfishness, my fault towards you."

Silence lingered on the other end.

"I understand, Caroline said softly, with a hint of a smile in her tone. "You should have just told me directly, you know. Did you think f'd stand in the way of your happiness? I was worried something had happened to you."

Gilbert was at a loss for words, only managing a remorseful, "I'm sorry."

"Silly," Caroline chuckled, her voice thick with emotion. "Gilbert, I just want you to be happy, you know that."

"Yeah," Gilbert nodded, his voice strained. "You too, take care of yourself."