Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Thinking to himself, Gilbert couldn't help but find the bouquet in Sherilyn's hands particularly irksome. "Those flowers aren't anything special, are they? The petals are all wilted, bargain bin stuff..." "?!" Sherilyn blinked in surprise, her brows furrowing as she glared at him. "Gilbert, have you lost your mind?"

Seeing her reaction only made Gilbert's jealousy bubble up even more.

"I'm just stating the facts! Some guy's trying to woo you with these? Clearly doesn't care much about you! At the very least, he should have gone with fresh flowers! I'm just worried you might get sweet-talked into something..." "Gilbert!"

Sherilyn couldn't stand it any longer and cut him off. "Shut it! What are you even on about? Can't a man and a woman just be friends, colleagues?"

At that, Gilbert's eyes lit up. So, that guy wasn't pursuing Sherilyn?

But he still couldn't shake off his unease. He asked, "Then why is he giving you flowers?"

"What's wrong with giving flowers? Is it reserved only for couples?" Sherilyn laughed it off in frustration. "Blake is a director, and I'm working on a film under him right now. The flowers are from the crew, got a problem with that?" Director? Film crew?

Gilbert realized then that Sherilyn was no longer dancing with the dance regiment. This was her new job?

That made sense.

A smile began to tug at Gilbert's lips, his relief too strong to suppress. He quickly apologized, "No problem at all! I got it all wrong, don't be mad..."

"Enough." Sherilyn was tired of his ramblings. "What are you even doing here?"

Gilbert looked down, his eyes softening with a hint of guilt. "I texted you this afternoon and you didn't reply. I was worried about Jenna... so I came to check."

Sherilyn had seen his messages.

She nodded, explaining, "I was pretty busy this afternoon. Didn't mean to ignore you. Sophia hasn't called me, so Jenna should be fine. I'll send you a video clip when I get back."

Then she added, "Also, I've taken on

a job. It's going to be busier than before, so I can't guarantee daily updates about Jenna. But I'll get back to you whenever I can, don't worry."

After speaking, she looked at Gilbert. "So, I'm heading up now?"

"Wait, Sherilyn!"

Gilbert stopped her again. "I came

today because... we had agreed et

work on

your health, rei've

arranged an appointment with a nutritionist."

Sherilyn realized then what he was referring to. She nodded in agreement, "Oh, right."

"Do you have time tomorrow?" Gilbert watched her reaction closely, continuing, "Tomorrow afternoon, I can pick you up. Is that okay?"

"Sure." Sherilyn had no objections and agreed readily. "Then, I'll head up now."

"Sherilyn!" Yet again, Gilbert stopped her.

Sherilyn looked at him, puzzled. "Something else?"

"I just wanted to ask..." Gilbert spoke softly, fearing her reaction, "do you still think about going back to dance regiment?"

He remembered Sherilyn wasn't keen on the showbiz life.

"If you want to go back, I can help..."

"No need."

Before he could finish, Sherilyn

looked him straight in the eye, her gaze clear and firm. "You and I, apart from being Jenna's parents... have no other connection. Just take good care of Jenna, that's enough. My life is none of your concern. Do you understand?"

With those words, she walked past him and headed inside.

Gilbert stood there, stunned, as his expression gradually darkened.

He understood everything she said...

"But, Sherilyn, I can't control myself..."