Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

The next afternoon, Gilbert swung by to pick up Sherilyn for their visit to the revered local healer.

After a thorough examination, the healer sighed deeply, "Your first pregnancy really took a toll on your health, didn't it?"

While saying this, he glanced at Gilbert, "I'm surprised, a man from the Johnson lineage can't take proper care of his wife?"

Gilbert's eyes glazed over and he fell silent, unable to muster a response.

The healer continued with a sense of lament, "The burdens of affluence... Why would a fine young woman entangle herself with such a family?"

Sherilyn couldn't agree more. She had no intention of stepping into such a world again.

The healer prescribed some remedies for her.

"Fortunately, you're young and resilient. With proper care, you should recover fully. Let's start with these prescriptions, and see how they work."

"Come in for acupuncture twice a week. I'll prepare the remedies in advance for you to take home after your sessions."

"Thank you," they both said.

Gilbert, with utmost respect, thanked the healer and led Sherilyn out.

As they reached the entrance of Sunset Ridge Community, Sherilyn signaled Gilbert, "You can just drop me here by the curb." "Okay."

Gilbert complied, checking his watch. It was just after three, not yet four - Jenna was probably at the park.

"You're going to see Jenna, aren't you?"

"Mhm." Sherilyn opened the door, stepping out, "I'll see myself out."

She didn't look back, not a hint of reluctance in her departure.

What now?

Clutching the steering wheel, Gilbert watched her go. Was it going to be like this forever? He was Jenna's father, yet now, even a glimpse of his daughter seemed too much to ask for.

He wanted to see Jenna, to hold her... to be a family of three once again...

He admitted to himself, he was shameless.

He never claimed to be a good man, nor did he aspire to be one.

At the park.

Jenna played until the sky began to darken at five. If not for the evening closing in, she wouldn't have wanted to leave.

Sherilyn scooped her up, "Let's go, sweetheart. Sophia made your favorite for dinner."

Jenna's pout turned into a smile at the mention of food, "Yay, yummy food."

"Jenna?"

Hearing his voice, they turned to see Gilbert approaching with a gentle smile.

"Mister!" Jenna's eyes sparkled, wiggling excitedly in Sherilyn's arms, "Mommy, it's Mister!"

Sherilyn's gaze hardened on Gilbert's smiling face. What was he doing here? What did he want?

Gilbert closed the distance in a few steps.

"Mister!" Jenna stretched out her arms, eager for Gilbert to hold her. "Hug!"

Sherilyn hesitated, then let go.

Gilbert's face lit up as he took Jenna in his arms. The soft weight of her,

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"Mommy, it's Mister!"

Jenna tried to introduce them, but her small voice struggled to explain.

"Don't worry. I will explain."

Gilbert, trying to appease both, could see and

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Sherilyn's lips curled in a sardonic smile at his act. Was this his plan?

Since she hadn't allowed him to see Jenna directly, was this his move?

Luckily, he didn't acknowledge Jenna directly.

In Jenna's presence, Sherilyn played along, "Hello, Sherilyn."

"Jenna," she reached for her daughter, "Let's head home for dinner."

"Sir!" Jenna clung to Gilbert, reluctant to leave.

Gilbert's heart melted at the sight, "Hungry, Jenna?"

Jenna nodded obediently but kept her gaze on him, "I missed you."

"I missed Jenna too."

Gilbert's heart softened completely "How

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