Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

"Mm-hmm." Caroline tried to sound casual, letting out a laugh mixed with a sigh. "Guess this is goodbye then, take care." "Take care." The line went silent.

Gilbert held onto his phone, feeling a bitter ache in his heart. They'd known each other since childhood, over a decade now, and he never imagined it would end like this. But from Sherilyn's perspective, he completely understood. No woman could tolerate her man being so attentive to another woman. Unless, of course, Caroline was his actual sister. Sadly, she wasn't...

Gilbert pocketed his phone, took a deep breath to steady his emotions, and pushed open the door to the private dining room. Upon entering, he couldn't avoid exchanging pleasantries with Blake and Caleb Marshall. The directors, perceptive to the situation, quickly pointed him in a direction after a brief chat. "Mr. Harrison, Sherilyn's over there."

"Thanks." Gilbert nodded with a smile and made his way to Sherilyn. The gathering featured a buffet, and Sherilyn had chosen a fondue pot, busy dipping various veggies. A few colleagues were seated around her, but they stood up to give Gilbert space as he approached. "Thanks." Gilbert acknowledged them and pulled up a chair beside her. Sherilyn acted as if she hadn't noticed him, focusing solely on her fondue.

"What's cooking?" Gilbert asked, genuinely interested.

Sherilyn finally reacted, glancing up briefly with a quip, "Never seen a fondue before?" Gilbert stifled a laugh.

Then he asked, "Is it good?"

"It's alright," Sherilyn shook her head, "Honestly, it could be better."

"Mm," Gilbert nodded, "The buffet here is so-so. How about I treat you to something really good another time?" "No, thanks." Sherilyn shook her head again, "I'll just make do. Can't eat too much at night, I'll gain weight."

Gain weight? Gilbert almost couldn't believe his ears. Sherilyn was already slim, with a

well-proportioned figure, but she had lost even more weight recently due to stress. The woes of heartbreak, he thought. Remembering Sherilyn's 'Heartbreak' made Gilbert's heart ache.

He picked up a pair of clean tongs, asking, "What would you like? I'll make it for you."

"Whatever," Sherilyn pointed randomly, "Just pick anything."

"Alright." Gilbert opted for vegetables and mushrooms, preparing them carefully before placing them in her bowl. "Here, try this."

"Thanks." Sherilyn started eating, focusing on her meal. Watching her cheeks puff with each bite, Gilbert leaned in and whispered, "About that promise you made me before..."

"Why is it all veggies?" Sherilyn abruptly looked up, glaring at him as she stirred her bowl. "There's not a single piece of meat!"

Gilbert couldn't help but feel innocent in this misunderstanding. Wasn't it she who said she didn't want to eat too much at night, fearing she'd gain weight?

"I was wrong." That's what he thought, but he quickly apologized regardless. It was his fault, it had to be. He grabbed some meat with the tongs, "I'll cook some right now, just give me a few..."

Since Sherilyn wasn't up for a

second round of the evening, and

het

with Gilbert by her side, no one dared to keep her. After finishing their meal, Gilbert drove her back to Sunset Ridge Community. The car stopped in front of her building, and Sherilyn unbuckled her seatbelt to get out. "Thanks for the ride."

"Sherilyn!" Gilbert quickly followed, catching her arm and gently pulling her into a tight embrace. He looked down into her eyes, his voice husky. "Can you give me a straight answer now, after all this time?"