Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?



Again, the same old talk.

Gilbert stood rigid with his back turned, not moving an inch.

The old man, always trying to push him into taking over the Harrison legacy!

Without a word, he pushed the door open and walked in.

"Ah..."Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

Behind him, Naylor sighed, a note of resignation in his voice. Couldn't even his mother persuade him to change his mind? What would it take for him to return?

...

Gilbert had been keeping vigil at Katy's side in the hospital for two days and nights. On the third morning, seizing the moment while she was deeply asleep, he finally left.

He returned to Golden Oak Manor just before 7 a.m.

As he entered the foyer, he noticed a light on in the living room.

Someone else was awake?

Then, he saw Caroline wheeling herself over, a faint smile gracing her face, "It's been a few days, I thought you had vanished."

"Caroline." Gilbert frowned slightly, his eyes avoiding hers.

Caroline had sent him several messages over the past few days, but he hadn't replied to any.

"I'm not blaming you," Caroline chuckled. "You've come at just the right time; come have breakfast."

"...Alright."

They moved to the dining room, one after the other.

Inside, the hired help and Caroline's caregiver were already there, with the breakfast table set.

Gilbert pulled out a chair and sat down.

"Ms. Bet," the caregiver handed a glass of water to Caroline, "take your medication first."

"Sure." Caroline nodded, taking the medication.

Gilbert frowned, "What medication are you taking?"

He recalled that her treatment was mainly through IVs and physical therapy; she wasn't supposed to be on any oral medication. "It's for diarrhea, to settle the stomach."

The caregiver interjected before Caroline could reply.

"You're really..." Caroline frowned, giving the caregiver a stern look, "Why are you so talkative?"

The caregiver looked innocent, "Shouldn't Mr. Johnson know?"

"What's going on?" Gilbert sensed that something was amiss. Clearly, there was more to the story. He

didn't ask Caroline, instead directing

his attention to the caregiver

"Go ahead."

So, the caregiver explained, "Mr. Johnson, you haven't been around in the past few days, and Ms. Bet has been waiting to have meals with you. She'd wait until the food went cold realizing you weren't coming, before eating."

Glancing at Caroline, "She's not very active these days and has a weak stomach. How could she eat cold food? And now, she's got a stomach bug, diarrhea..."

"Enough already."

Caroline grabbed the caregiver's arm, smiling at Gilbert, "We're eating, let's not talk about this and spoil the appetite."

Gilbert couldn't bring himself to smile.

He was well aware of the past days' events.

Even though he was tied up with Katy, he hadn't even taken the time to reply to a message.

"I'm sorry."

Gilbert felt a pang of guilt, "In the future, if I can't make it back, I'll make sure to message you."

"Yeah, alright." Caroline smiled softly, nodding, and then added, "No need for apologies. Given our relationship, it's not like I'd hold it against you." "And another thing."

Gilbert's brow furrowed as he gently cautioned her, "No more cold meals, okay?"

"Got it." Caroline flashed a big grin, "Let's eat before this gets cold too."

Two days later, it was time for Rebecca White's surgery.

Outside the operating room, Sherilyn and Francis waited anxiously.

During the wait, Sherilyn turned to Francis. She had been pondering over something for a while and now felt compelled to speak.

"Big brother, don't think I'm overstepping."

Hearing this, Francis turned to her, "Go on."

"It's better to come clean about your

identity to Rebecca sooner rather than later it's something you can't hide forever. Better she hears it from you than discovering it on her own or hearing it from someone else."

"What do you think, brother?"

They say it's best to clear the air before uncertainties take root.