Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

On that day, Sherilyn dropped by Blake's place to finalize the contract.

"Sherilyn," Blake greeted her with a warm smile and a handshake. "It's a pleasure to work with you."

Sherilyn chuckled, "I just hope I won't be too much trouble."

"Trouble? Not at all."

Blake stood up, gesturing for her to follow him out. "You're a hard find for us. Come on, let's get your makeup trial done. Mr. Marshall needs to approve, too."

He playfully wrinkled his nose, "There's no one pickier!"

Sherilyn smiled lightly, trailing behind him.

The makeup room was bustling with artists and stylists ready for her.

Her role, though not the main one, demanded perfection in her appearance due to its specific requirements.

Today's audience wouldn't be easily fooled. Failing to live up to the 'world's greatest beauty' title would unleash a keyboard war.

The role involved eight different makeup looks, each necessitating a photoshoot for promotional posters. It was going to be a busy day.

By the time Sherilyn was done, it was nearly seven in the evening.

Luckily, her part wasn't a daily commitment; otherwise, she might have reconsidered her participation.

As she was preparing to leave, Blake approached her, a bouquet of flowers in hand.

"Sherilyn, these are for you. Welcome to the team."

"Thank you," she said, accepting the flowers with a smile.

Glancing at his watch, Blake asked, "Heading home? I'm leaving too. It's tough to get a ride at this hour. Let me drive you."

Sherilyn hesitated, "That's too much trouble for you."

"Not at all," Blake insisted, leading the way. "After the favor you've done me, driving you home is the least I can do. My car's just outside." "Alright then, thank you."

They headed towards Sunset Ridge Community, and Blake dropped Sherilyn off at her apartment building.

"Thanks, Blake," Sherilyn said as she got out of the car, offering a wave. "Drive safe."

"Sherilyn!"

Just as

caught he turned to leave, Blake

with her, holding out the

forgotten bouquet. "You left these."

"Oh," she laughed, taking them. "Thanks again."

let

As Blake drove away, Sherilyn waved goodbye and turned to enter her building, only to be startled.

Gilbert was leaning against the wall by the entrance, silently watching her.

Frowning, Sherilyn asked with a hint of annoyance, "Can't you make some noise?"

"Oh," Gilbert smirked, his tone dripping with sarcasm, "I didn't want to disturb you."

He had seen everything. Sherilyn had been dropped off by a man.

The man

ordinary as in his thirties, quite

looks except for his.

height; but even then, he fell shel.net

comparison to Gilbert.

What was his relationship with Sherilyn?

in

Sherilyn's circle was small, and Gilbert didn't recall such a figure. And he was giving her flowers!

"Huh," Gilbert snorted, feigning indifference, "Who's that guy?"

"A friend," Sherilyn replied calmly, not picking up on his tone. "You wouldn't know him." A friend?

Gilbert's jealousy flared up.

What kind of friend drops her off at this hour and gives her flowers?

To probably had dinner together,

too.