Whispers Turn

Chapter 23 

Sherilyn paused, her hands tightening into fists at her sides. 

She continued, “Sorry for taking up your time. It’s getting late. You should get some rest.” 

Without waiting for Gilbert to respond, Sherilyn stood up, intending to get a fresh pot of hot water to soak her feet, effectively ignoring him. 

Gilbert scoffed quietly, figuring arguing was just a waste of time. After all, she was back safe and sound. All his worrying had been for nothing! 

But as he turned to leave, something she said earlier stopped him in his tracks. How did she say she got back? Did she say she walked back? 

He spun around, pointing at Sherilyn’s feet. 

“Cut the act” he said sharply. Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

What? Confused, holding a basin of water, Sherilyn couldn’t grasp his meaning 

“Hmph.” Gilbert squinted at her, his expression one of utter disdain. “You said you walked back? Thinking I wouldn’t believe you, you decided to soak your feet before me as proof? You think it would make me believe you?” 

Had she walked back from the Southern District Sanatorium to Golden Oak Manor? Couldn’t she call a cab? Seriously? 

Did she really expect him to buy that? Did she think he was a fool? She was trying to gain his sympathy with this act! She hadn’t given up on him. 

Gilbert shook his head in mockery. “Sherilyn, playing the martyr won’t work on me. Save it!” 

After saying that, he walked away, not looking back this time. 

Sherilyn stood frozen, a lump forming in her throat. It took quite a moment before she could recover. What a load of crap! 

The next day, Sherilyn got a call from Colin, asking her to drop by the Neon Nights Bar. Her outfit was ready, and he wanted her to try it 

1. on. 

He also showed her the stage. “Get familiar with it. What you’ll perform is crucial. It’s your first time on stage, and I expect much of you!” “Sure, Colin,” Sherilyn took it seriously, walking the stage and confirming with Colin the dance routine and music for the night. 

She also needed to practice these coming days to ensure everything went smoothly. 

By the time she finished, it was already dark. Sherilyn didn’t return to Golden Oak Manor because Sylvia had asked her to visit Francis. With the busy day ahead, she only had the evening to see him. 

For this, she even splurged‘ on a bunch of sunflowers, which symbolize respect and adoration. 

After all, she wanted to visit Francis, too. Her hesitation was due to the Johnson family’s potential disapproval. In their eyes, even in Sylvia’s, she was a ‘sinner‘ 

She remembered Francis was still healthy when she first met the Johnson family. 

Compared to Gilbert, Francis‘ demeanor was gentler, the epitome of a gentle and refined gentleman. He was older than Gilbert, naturally taking on the role of an elder brother to Sherilyn. 

Francis had always been kind to her. Sherilyn didn’t have a brother, but she felt that even if she did, he couldn’t have been better than Francis 

Arriving at the hospital, Sherilyn headed to the ward based on her memory. However, upon arriving, she realized Francis was no longer in his usual ward. 

Left with no choice, she called Sylvia. “Sylvia,/did Fran move hospitals? I can’t find him.” 

“Oh?” Sylvia sounded surprised, “Did you go by yourself? You didn’t go with Gilbert?” 

“He’s…” Remembering Sylvia’s upcoming surgery, Sherilyn kept her promise, “He’s busy I can manage on my own.” 

“Okay then,” Sylvia sighed, “No, we didn’t change hospitals. They built a new wing. Just head toward the back…” 

So, he got transferred to the new VIP wing 

“Got it, Sylvia. I’ll find it.” Hanging up: Sherilyn walked to the VIP wing. 

Pushing open the door to the ward, the smell of disinfectant washed over her. Approaching the bed, she looked at the sleeping Francis her eyes welling up with tears instantly. She gently took his hand in hers. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she whispered, Fran, it’s me. Sherilyn. I’m here to see you.”