Whispers Turn

In the small town of Sunhaven, it was no secret that Sylvia’s two grandsons had fallen for the same woman. It was the kind of juicy gossip that kept the local diners buzzing and filled the air with whispers at the Sunday church potlucks. 

Honestly, Sylvia had always played a matchmaker between Sherilyn and Gilbert. She liked Sherilyn well enough, but there was a more selfish motive behind her meddling. She couldn’t bear the thought of the Johnson family becoming the town’s laughingstock again or airing their dirty laundry to the public. So, in her mind, the best solution was to set Gilbert up with a different match.. 

And, in the end, she succeeded. Gilbert and Sherilyn tied the knot, but things, well, they didn’t turn out quite as happily as in the fairy tales. 

As the years rolled by, Sylvia aged, and seeing the couple grow into nothing more than bitter spouses weighed heavily on her heart. Tears would cloud her eyes as she repeated, “I’m so sorry, so sorry, I’ve done you wrong, my dear. How will I ever face your grandmother when my time comes?” 

“Sylvia,” Sherilyn softly pulled out a tissue and dabbed at Sylvia’s tears. “Can you just agree to it? Let us get a divorce?” 

“Sherilyn?” Sylvia paused with a hint of hope in her voice. “Is there no turning back? I thought, well, I thought you loved Gilbert.” 

Despite her ulterior motives, Sylvia truly believed they were a match made in heaven. 

“I did, once,” Sherilyn smiled faintly, her resolve hardening. “But after he left me alone in Crestwood for four years, any love I had just faded away.” 

At the mention of those four heartbreaking years, Sylvia felt as if she’d been struck. Her tears dried up instantly, understanding the gravity of Sherilyn’s words. That wasn’t just talk. Sherilyn was serious about it. 

“Fine,” Sylvia breathed deeply, nodding. She glanced toward the bathroom. “Gilbert, did you hear all that?” 

Sherilyn jumped a little when she turned and saw Gilbert coming out of the bathroom and heading their way. 

He’d stayed over to keep Sylvia company and was supposed to leave before Sherilyn arrived but had overslept. 

“Grandma,” Gilbert walked to the bedside, his presence causing Sherilyn to look away, her brows knitting slightly. 

“Sherilyn,” Sylvia patted her hand. “In front of Gilbert, I have to ask you again. Did you mean every word?” 

1/2 

10:19 

“Yes,” Sherilyn didn’t hesitate, her response immediate. Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

Gilbert’s frown deepened, a tightness forming in his chest at her words. 

“Well,” Sylvia sighed heavily, “I agree to your divorce, Gilbert.” 

Gilbert stiffened, at a loss for words. Just days ago, he’d been blaming Sherilyn, and then, she had resolved it. 

Yet, Sherilyn could only express her gratitude. “Thank you, Sylvia.” 

“Hmph,” Sylvia looked at Gilbert with disdain. “No need for thanks. I’m not doing this for you. If Sherilyn hadn’t pleaded with me, I would’ve never agreed. If anyone, thank her.” 

“You don’t have to,” Sherilyn said with a genuine smile, glancing at Gilbert. “It’s the best for both of us.” 

Her happiness was evident, making Gilbert’s brows furrow even more. Was her affection for him all the time just an illusion? 

“But,” Sylvia added, shifting the mood, “we can’t rush the divorce papers.”