Whispers Turn

Westen paused. & alerien poured, thakto recaping her m

y ‘Walt, at case, I went to fetch af chess, I went to fetch tirling i tvark?

and

mga Gilbert Bathed her a smile. Be carefd on your way, art hurry back”

mething for you Wouldn’t!

with a wave of her hand, Shentyn turned and left the twigpital room.

The murment the door clicked shut, a sudden pang of arciety clenched at Gilbert’s heart, an inexplicable worry gripping him. She had left, just like that, never to return…

Stepping out of the hospital building, Sherilyn joined David in the car.

As they drove towards the hospital’s main gate, passing a small grove, Sherilyn caught a glimpse of Francis and Caroline through the car window.

Were they arguing about something?

The car sped away, and they were out of sight.

In the grove,

Caroline’s eyes were red, her back turned to Francis.

“Caroline.” Francis, leaning on a cane, handkerchief in hand, attempt

wipe away her tears.

“Stop crying, it’s all my fault. If you’re upset, take it out on me.”

“On you?”

Caroline spun around, eyes blazing with resentment. “Fine, then let me ask you directly! The child is three years old, where’s his mother? You’ve kept him at the Sawyer’s, and that woman, where have you kept her?”

“There’s no woman.”

Francis uttered those four words, his brow furrowed, a beautiful face flashing before his eyes…

With a firm resolve, he declared. “There’s no other woman.”

“What?” Caroline was taken aback, her voice tinged with sarcasm. “Do you think I’m a fool? No woman, did you give birth to the child yourself?”

“That’s not what I meant.” Francis shook his head. “I only acknowledge the child. As for the child’s mother… I don’t know who she is, and I have no intention of entangling with her.”

Caroline froze, staring into his eyes with disbelief.

Hesitantly, she uttered, “Are… Are you serious?”

“Yes” Francis‘ gaze held hers, his hand with the handkerchief reaching out to gently wipe her tears.

“The child was an accident. His mother is a stranger to me. How could I abandon you for her?”

With every word, Caroline felt the sincerity, heard the clarity.

Her eyes welled up again, tears streaming down.

“Why?” Francis was taken aback. “Crying again…”

“Francis!”

14.46

Before he could finish, Caroline, crying, threw herself into his arms, clinging tightly around his waist, sobbing.

“You said it! You promised! Don’t you dare lie to me! Never lie to me again!”

Francis lowered his gaze, a soft sigh barely audible.

Lifting his arms, he gently embraced her.

“Yes, I said it, and I won’t lie.”

Caroline was beside herself, crying nonstop. “Francis, I can’t live without you. You’re everything to me. I can’t leave you.”

Francis‘ eyes softened, his voice tender. “I know, I understand.”

Back at Golden Oak Manor, Sheril

pulled out a suitcase, packing several of Gilbert’s outfits and his frequently used items, nearly finishing the task. This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

She carried the suitcase downstairs to David, who was w

“David, thank you for this.”

1. g.

“Ms. Sherilyn, you’re too polite.” David took the suitcase, heading outside. “Ms. Sherilyn, let’s go.”

“David.”

Sherilyn stood still, not moving. “You go ahead and deliver it. I won’t be joining you.”