Never in a million years did she expect him to say that.
In that moment, Sherilyn felt as though a long, thin needle pierced her heart, filling it with an aching sorrow that quickly spread throughout her entire being. Backlit by the light, Sherilyn pursed her lips, offering him a faint, detached smile.
“I’m not into you. Don’t wait around for me,” she said, then abruptly turned away, her smile vanishing instantly.
Gilbert stood frozen, mocking himself in disbelief. Sherilyn… couldn’t she even give him a glimmer of hope?
His phone buzzed with a message from Charles, containing information about Galen. It detailed Galen’s background: his father was a university professor, and his mother ran a chain of grocery stores. Galen had just returned from studying abroad and was preparing to take over his mother’s business.
And he was two years younger than Sherilyn? Did he really lose to a young guy who ran grocery stores? Was he really that inadequate in Sherilyn’s eyes?
…
Back at her apartment.
“Mommy!”
As soon as she entered, Jenna rushed into Sherilyn’s arms.
“Mommy’s back! Jenna missed you so much.”
“I missed you too, Jenna.”
Jenna’s chubby hands touched Sherilyn’s face, her big eyes blinking, “Mommy, are you not feeling well?”
“Huh?” Sherilyn paused, shaking her head, “No, sweetie. Why do you ask?”
“You look sad, Mommy,” Jenna said, tilting her head with concern.
Sherilyn’s heart skipped a beat. Did she really appear that unhappy?
“Mommy.”
Jenna leaned onto her mother’s shoulder and mumbled, “Is Uncle not coming over anymore?”
Sherilyn was taken aback, her mouth opening and closing without words.
“Is that why you’re sad, Mommy?”
Kids may be young, but they’re not oblivious. Gilbert hadn’t visited in days, and despite Mommy saying he was busy, Jenna sensed something was off. “Mommy, don’t be sad.”
Jenna gently patted her mother’s shoulder, “Forget about the bad uncle! You have Jenna.”
Tears welled up instantly in
Sherilyn’s eyes. She had been worrying about how to explain Gilbert’s absence to Jenna. But her daughter, more considerate than she had imagined, was the one comforting her first.
“Yeah.” Sherilyn sniffled, nodding, “I have Jenna. I’m not sad.”
“Sherilyn, there’s a get-together this weekend. I’ve sent the details to your phone. Get ready and be there on time, okay? Look for me or Mr. Marshall when you arrive.” “Got it, thanks, Blake.”
Later, Sherilyn received a call from Blake.
The gathering was at a villa in
Creekside Bay. The villa belonged to Mr. Marshall, the main investor of the web series, celebrating his birthday with numerous guests, It wasn’t an official audition. Caleb’s idea was to introduce Sherilyn, who lacked a background and a team. Her most impressive asset was herself. So, it was time to let the investor take a good look.
…
The Martin family.
“Galen?”
Yuna Martin knocked on Galen’s door but got no response. “Galen, I’m coming in, okay?”
The door wasn’t locked and swung open easily. Yuna stepped in, hearing the sound of the shower running. “You’re showering? I’ll wait.”
Yuna pulled up a chair and sat down. She was here to coax her brother into buying her a car. Their family
was quite well-off, but the money et
was tightly held by her mother and Galen Yuna had wanted a car for ages. Since her mother refused to buy her one, she had no choice but to persuade Galen.