Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

As soon as Gilbert stepped through the foyer of Golden Oak Manor, a wave of cooking smells hit him.

He immediately frowned. "What's that smell?"

The lights were on in the living room, and there seemed to be activity coming from the kitchen. Someone was home? How could that be? Could it be a burglar?

No, that didn't make sense. Not only would a burglar need the guts to break in, but they'd also start cooking.

He chuckled at the thought. Golden Oak Manor's security was top-notch. Even a mouse from next door would think twice before sneaking in.

"Who's there?" Gilbert's handsome face darkened as he shouted, "Show yourself!"

"Coming!" At his call, Sherilyn responded and hurried out to meet him, her hands clasped in front of her.

She spoke softly, "You're back."

At that moment, Gilbert was stunned.

The girl before him was tall and slender, perhaps too slim, but undeniably beautiful, especially her bright, big eyes that seemed to take up half her face.

He didn't recognize her. Yet, there was a strange sense of familiarity.

Still, Gilbert's expression hardly softened. He disliked the idea of someone invading his space, whatever the reason was. "Who are you? How did you get in?"

Sherilyn paused, a brief chuckle escaping her. So, he didn't remember her.

She bit her lip, replying softly, "I'm Sherilyn."

"Ah..." Gilbert nodded subconsciously, then suddenly startled. Sherilyn? As in...?

Oh, right. Gilbert finally remembered it. His grandmother had mentioned bringing Sherilyn back. He knew about it.

Sylvia had called him about it earlier that day. He had agreed but then forgot amidst his busy schedule.

Gilbert eyed Sherilyn, noticing the changes in her. She had shed her youthful innocence, and upon closer inspection, the shadow of her former self lingered in her, adorned with a more mature allure. She had become more beautiful.

Hmph. A faint sneer escaped him. What did it matter? No matter how stunning she was on the outside, it couldn't hide her rotten character!

Her return was timely. The issues, delayed for almost four years, needed to be resolved.

"Wait here for a moment. I'll be right back." Gilbert gave her a cold glance before heading upstairs.

"Okay," Sherilyn nodded, watching his retreating figure. She stayed put, as he had instructed, quietly standing there.

After a while, Gilbert returned and sat on the couch, gesturing for her to sit opposite him. "Sit."

Sherilyn nodded. "Okay."

They sat across from each other, and Gilbert opened a folder, placing it in front of Sherilyn. "Take a look. If there's no issue, sign it."

What was this?

Sherilyn glanced at the document. In black and white, it stated a Divorce Agreement.

"It should've been resolved four years ago." Gilbert spoke evenly, "But Grandma disagreed, and I obliged. Now..."

Sherilyn looked up. "She agreed?"

Gilbert hesitated, his eyes narrowing slightly before admitting, "No."

Sylvia was too stubborn, refusing to give up even after four years. Bringing Sherilyn back, she still hoped they could make it work.

That was impossible. So, he had prepared for this moment. "I don't love you, and you know that. Our marriage was a mistake from the start. It's been nearly four years. It's time to end it."

Sherilyn listened quietly, not saying a word.

Thinking she might disagree, Gilbert frowned. "If you don't agree, I'll have to file for divorce. We've been separated for over two years. A lawsuit would ensure a divorce..." Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

"There's no need for that." Before he could finish, Sherilyn interrupted softly, "I agree to the divorce."

"You do?" Gilbert was surprised.

"Yes." Sherilyn nodded again. "I agree."