Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

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At the exclusive Pinegrove Club.

Gilbert stepped out of the private dining room, craving a breath of fresh air, with Callie Robinson trotting behind him.

"Gilbert, wait up!"

He glanced back at her, then asked, "Why are you following me?"

"Why so grumpy?" Callie pouted, ignoring his chilly demeanor. "We've known each other since we were kids, remember? You didn't even recognize me last time! Plus, you still owe me an apology."

She was referring to the incident involving her and Caroline Bet.

At that time, Gilbert hadn't recognized her.

But who was Callie? A lady of distinguished heritage, raised with Western values, unfamiliar with the concept of restraint.

Knowing Gilbert would be here tonight, she made it a point to seek him out.

Once Gilbert was informed of her identity, the issue with Caroline had to be brushed aside.

The Robinson family's reputation had to be preserved.

But an apology?

A smirk played on Gilbert's lips. "And how exactly should I apologize?"

Callie laughed, looping her arm through his and saying, "Gilbert, I like you! I've liked you since we were kids! Let's date? I want to be with you!" Really? Gilbert paused, momentarily stunned.

Years ago, another girl had stood before him with that same gleeful smile, passionately confessing her feelings.

[Gilbert, I like you! When I grow up, I want to marry you! I want to be with you forever!]

Yet now, that girl's heart belonged to someone else...

People change, hearts drift apart. This world never promised anything eternal.

Gilbert smirked, "Thanks."

"Thanks for what?" Callie clung tighter to his arm, becoming more clingy, "You just have to agree to date me..."

Gilbert chuckled, cutting her off, "I have a girlfriend. You're out of luck."

Callie raised an eyebrow, unfazed, "Why no chance? I'm confident that once you're with me, you'll like me even more!" Gilbert squinted, thinking to himself how her brazen confidence reminded him of the young Sherilyn...

[Gilbert, you're mine! I like you! One day, you'll like me too!]

"Hello?" Callie waved her hand in front of his face, pouting, "Why so silent? Daydreaming?"

"Nothing." Gilbert snapped out of it with a chuckle, "We've been out here for a while, let's go back in."

Callie held onto his arm tightly, "Then, will you dance with me?"

"I can't!"

"I can teach you!"

---

Golden Oak Manor.

It was past nine, and dinner had gone cold.

e

Sherilyn Gomez, too lazy to reheat and struggling with her pregnancy appetite, opted for a bowl of soup from the pot. That filled her up enough.

Heading upstairs after her meal, she emerged from her bath at ten.

Sherilyn frowned, wondering if Gilbert planned on coming home tonight.

Lying in bed, she idly scrolled through her phone with no particular aim. Suddenly, she paused.

A new social media post caught her eye-it was from Callie, a photo. The backdrop seemed like a fancy ball or cocktail party.

Gilbert

gfacing the bartender, his

long, defined fingers holding a clear glass, slightly tilting his head back as he drank.

Callie leaned close to him, her arm

entwined with his, beaming at the et

camera, her fingertip th

towards the man.

The caption read:

[Us.]

A void opened up in Sherilyn's heart, a momentary daze overtaking her, her mind blanking out.....

Slowly, she regained her senses.