Chapter 111
She was asking him if she could stay with Ernest.
Even Colin, usually so unflappable, was taken aback.
If he were to be honest, this wasn’t something one could simply agree to. But then again, who among those who’ve walked this path didn’t have their own set of troubles?
When Sherilyn first came to him, he could tell right away that life hadn’t been kind to her. She needed money.
So she had accepted his requirements without complaints.
But using her as a draw for the Neon Nights Bar to attract business, and having her go with Ernest… that was a whole different ball game.
Colin thought about it, even comparing Ernest to Gilbert.
“Mr. Smith, compared to Mr. Gilbert… let’s just say, financially, he’s not as well off. But, you know, he’s got his position, you get what I mean?”
“Yeah.” Sherilyn nodded, “I understand.”
“So… you know, it’s not impossible to have a good life with him.”
Colin said, “Another thing, he’s a bit older, but he’s not married.”
“Not married?”
“Divorced.” Colin said with a smile, “Heard it was his wife who wanted out. But who cares, right? It’s actually a good thing.”
That indeed seemed like an advantage.
Her sugar daddy not having a wife definitely cuts down on the drama, moral issues aside.
“Yeah.” Sherilyn thought the same. “Got it. I’ll need your help with the arrangements then.”
But Colin still had his reservations, feeling somewhat sorry for her. “Sherilyn, you sure you don’t want to think it over? Maybe wait a bit longer?”
Maybe Mr. Gilbert would come back for her? Or maybe she’d meet someone with means comparable to Mr. Gilbert’s?
“No.” Sherilyn shook her head. “Mr. Smith is good enough. I’m the one reaching here.”
A dancer, struggling at the bottom rung of society, didn’t have the luxury to choose her benefactors.
Besides, she was running out of time. The $500,000 needed for Jenna’s surgery had to be secured as soon as possible.
1/2
10:38
“Alright…” Colin sighed, feeling a pang of regret, “Okay, I’ll make sure everything is arranged.”
Sherilyn went to visit Sylvia.
After basking in the sun with Sylvia, she wheeled her back to her room and joined her for afternoon tea.
“Hmm.” Sylvia tasted the dessert, praising it, “Today’s almond pudding is quite good, Sherilyn, try some.”
“Sure, Sylvia.”
Sherilyn didn’t have much of an appetite but agreed, “It’s delicious.”
“Isn’t it?”
Sherilyn hesitated before speaking up.
“Sylvia, I… want to get the divorce papers sorted out as soon as possible.”
Sylvia was taken aback, looking up sharply, “What’s this now? So sudden.”
“Sylvia.” Sherilyn put down her dessert spoon and wiped her mouth.
“The divorce papers are inevitable. I just want to speed up the process. Please, Sylvia?”
“Why the rush? If Gilbert can wait, why can’t you?”
“Sylvia.” Sherilyn took a deep breath. “You said as long as I’m happy, that’s all that matters. But without these divorce papers, I can’t start a new life.”
“What do you mean?”
“I…” Sherilyn struggled to find the words.
She was about to become Ernest’s mistress. Even for a mistress, she couldn’t carry title of a married woman.
So, getting the divorce papers from Gilbert was urgent.
Biting her lip, she blurted out, “Sylvia, I’ve met someone I like.”
The door opened, and someone came in.