Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

All night long, Sherilyn dodged his questions.

Every time he opened his mouth, she'd skillfully change the subject.

"You're doing this on purpose."

Gilbert Johnson's voice carried a hint of hurt, his eyes reflecting the lively sparkle in hers. "You promised me, you can't back out now." "Let go first, then we can talk..."

He was holding her a bit too tightly, and Sherilyn Gomez struggled to break free, to no avail.

"No."

Gilbert shook his head, his brows furrowed deeply, his gaze dark and unyielding as he stared at her.

"If I let you go, you'll run off. Just say what you have to say, and then I'll let go."

This was his stubborn side showing.

But Sherilyn knew there was no escaping this. Reluctantly, she leaned into his embrace, tilting her head slightly.

"Yes, I did say that, but what I meant was giving you a chance, not necessarily committing to anything."

"That's enough for me."

Gilbert's eyes softened, his features gentle yet handsome.

""You used to like me a lot... I'll work hard to make you feel that way again."

Sweet nothings were always appealing.

If Sherilyn was still in her twenties, she might have been moved enough to embrace him tightly right then.

But in that moment, her hand, hanging by her side, clenched tightly, a subtle pain throbbing at the tip of her heart. Her eyes were filled with deep confusion.

Could things really go back to the way they were?

...

Meanwhile, in the Sunset Ridge Community.

Francis Johnson was sitting opposite Rebecca White.

He had come on behalf of James tonight, whose stubborn insistence was for Rebecca White to become his tutor.

He had made his intentions clear to Rebecca White earlier.

After hearing him out, Rebecca's features twisted in reluctance. "Mr. Johnson..."

Seeing her about to refuse, Francis quickly offered an olive branch.

"If you agree, I'll offer you a position with the benefits of a full-time employee at the Johnson Group."

"?" Rebecca White was taken aback, had she heard him right?

Who in Sunhaven didn't know how difficult it was to get into the Johnson Group? And as a full-time employee!

Francis continued, "James is still young. You'd only need to help him with his studies for an hour after school every day, weekends off. The salary and benefits will be the same as a full-time employee, plus, you'll be offered employee housing."

These terms were hard to resist.

And then, there was the last point.

Living in Sunset Ridge Community, although Sherilyn didn't mind, Rebecca White felt quite embarrassed.

But could she just accept like that?

Such favorable conditions felt like taking advantage of him. She already owed him a lot of money and favors. Rebecca White bit her lip, "Mr. Johnson, I appreciate your kindness, but I'm sorry, I can't accept."

Still refusing?

Francis raised an eyebrow, guessing her thoughts.

In a firm voice, he said, "You're

working for me, and I provide the et

benefit

It's compensation for your

labo and nothing to feel uneasy about."

Hoping to clear any

misunderstandings about his

Vl

intentions, "Don't overthink it. Since

you've already rejected me, I won't

keep pursuing you."

Looking at Rebecca White's pale face, he was blunt, "You're beautiful, sure, but not to the extent that I can't live without you."

"..." Rebecca White was stunned, her eyes wide. Was this guy for real?

But his words, harsh as they were, eased her concerns significantly.

Gilbert didn't press further. "Think it over and let me know when you've made up your mind."

"Alright then."

Rebecca hesitated, leaving some room for thought, not outright rejecting the offer.

Gilbert stood up, "I'll take my leave then, waiting for your response."

"Okay..."

Rebecca White got up to see him out.