Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Though Gilbert wore a smile, who was Sylvia kidding? Sylvia could see right through him. His smile was a thinly veiled blade.

"Gilbert!" Sylvia's voice dropped to a whisper as she gently shook her head at Gilbert, signaling him not to stir trouble.

Was he that flustered? Gilbert couldn't help but laugh bitterly. What did Grandma think he was up to?

The atmosphere turned icy.

Sherilyn and Edgar exchanged glances before standing up together.

"Sylvia," Edgar said with a smile, "Thanks for having us tonight. But it's getting late and Sherilyn and I should get going so you can get some rest. We'll head out now."

"Leaving already?" Sylvia quickly turned around, her smile awkward, yet she positioned herself before Gilbert.

"Yes," Sherilyn nodded, adding, "Sylvia, I'll visit you another day."

Under such circumstances, Sylvia didn't insist on them staying. She nodded, "Okay then, Edgar, take good care of Sherilyn for me. Make sure she gets home safe."

"Don't worry, Sylvia."

"Sylvia, goodbye."

As Sherilyn turned, Edgar offered his hand. She understood the gesture since Gilbert was watching.

Hesitating for a second, Sherilyn took his hand, gracing him with a smile. "Let's go."

Edgar smiled at her. "Alright."

Hand in hand, they walked out side by side.

Behind them, Gilbert chuckled. "Grandma, they've left. Can you let go of me now?"

Silent for a while, Sylvia finally released him, her gaze filled with concern. "Are you alright?"

Gilbert shook his arms. "What could be wrong with me?"

His tone said it all, but he insisted he was fine.

"You know," Sylvia sighed, poking Gilbert’s forehead gently, "Grandma knows you're upset. You've been putting a lot of effort into Sherilyn lately."

Hmph. Gilbert scoffed softly.

"Gilbert." Upon hearing that, Sylvia tensed, "Listen to me. Let it go. Sherilyn doesn't love you anymore. She and Edgar are good together."

‘Even Grandma is speaking up for them?’ Gilbert thought and held back, and his response was indifferent. "I didn't say I would do anything to them. Look how worried you are."

"Really?" Sylvia wasn't convinced.

"Really." Gilbert chuckled softly. "What else? Do you think I'm the type to hang onto one tree? Besides, Sherilyn isn't so special that I can't live without her."

That made some sense.

Sylvia nodded. "Perhaps your feelings for Sherilyn weren't genuine. I think you can't stand seeing someone who used to love you falling for someone else."

At that, Gilbert froze. "Is that so? Grandma, are you saying that's why I acted that way toward Sherilyn?" This is property © NôvelDrama.Org.

"Yep." Sylvia nodded solemnly, "I believe so. Otherwise, how do you explain not showing interest in her all these years?"

Gilbert was stunned, unable to respond.

"Give it some time. Edgar's feelings for her are genuine, unlike yours." Sylvia rambled on, hoping, "I only hope they can make it work to see them happy together. That way, I feel I've done right by her grandmother, fulfilling my duty."

That night, Gilbert stood under the shower, letting the warm water cascade down his scar-laden back.

His eyes closed, and he pondered Sylvia's words.

[Your feelings for Sherilyn weren't genuine.]

[You can't stand seeing someone who used to love you falling for someone else.]

[Why haven't you shown interest in her all these years?]