Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

"Where on earth could Sherilyn be?"

The news from Sawyer and Charles wasn't promising. They had combed through every nook and cranny of Emerald Vista Avenue, turning the place upside down, but there was no sign of Sherilyn.

For nearly 24 hours, it was as if she had vanished into thin air.

No check-ins at hotels or motels.

No sightings at bus terminals, airports, or even at the traffic accident departments...

Caroline came by, urging them to come eat.

"Sylvia, Francis, Gilbert, breakfast is ready. Come have something to eat," she said.

"Oh, how can I even think about eating?" Sylvia sighed deeply.

"Sylvia," Caroline gently persuaded, "I know you're worried, but you need to take care of yourself too."

She then turned to Francis, "You too, especially with you still in recovery. You need your strength."

"Alright," Francis nodded, glancing at Gilbert. "Let's go eat."

"No, thanks."

Gilbert shook his head, making his way upstairs. "Grandma, big bro, you guys go ahead. I'm not hungry." "Gilbert..." Caroline started, wanting to follow and persuade him.

"Let him be," Francis stopped her, seemingly understanding Gilbert's need for solitude.Belongs to NôvelDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

Caroline paused, puzzled. Was Francis insinuating Gilbert was venting for Sherilyn?

Upstairs, Gilbert didn't head to his own room but to Sherilyn's, collapsing onto her bed still clothed.

Burying his face deep into her pillow, he could smell her scent with every breath.

"Where are you?" he whispered to himself.

Sleep had eluded him all night, but even lying here brought no comfort, only a headache that felt like his skull was splitting. After what felt like ages, there was a knock at the door.

It was Charles.

"Mr. Gilbert."

With heavy, red-rimmed eyes, Gilbert got up to answer, "What is it?"

Charles, sensing Gilbert's mood, tread carefully, "There's... an issue at the company that can't wait."

"Alright," Gilbert nodded after hearing him out, "I'll get ready and head over."

"Thank you, Mr. Gilbert."

After a quick shower, shave, and change of clothes, Gilbert was ready to leave when Caroline found him.

Seeing the redness in his eyes and

the dark circles underneath, she said You're heading to the office?

Please, eat something before you go

"No need."

"Gilbert!" Caroline caught his arm, "If you were staying home, I wouldn't insist. But going out, on an empty stomach, how will you have the energy?"

A

"Caroline," Gilbert took a deep breath, pulling away, "I can't eat knowing Sherilyn might be out there, starving."

Caroline stood there, a mix of frustration and amusement in her expression, "So her being hungry is my fault? Why are you snapping at me?"

"Caroline," Gilbert's voice rose, his frustration evident, "Don't ever take Sherilyn's things again."

"What?" Caroline was stunned, "What have I taken from her?"

"That dress."

Gilbert's eyes narrowed, "You knew that dress was made for Sherilyn, yet you insisted on taking it from her."

Caroline was taken aback, laughing in disbelief, "Ha! Are you blaming me now? Over a dress?"

Gilbert paused, the tension palpable,

"I'm just saying... if Sherilyn hadn't been without her dress, she might have come to the party. And none of

this would have happened one of

"So..." Caroline couldn't believe her ears, "You're blaming me?"