With a scoff, she glared at him, You’ve turned me into a laughingstock in front of Caroline!
Her arm jerked as she shoved Gilbert away and dashed up the stairs.
Sherilyn!
Gilbert, caught off guard, stumbled back before regaining his balance and swiftly following her. But he was too late; Sherilyn had already slammed the door.
When he arrived, all he could do was watch helplessly as the door clicked shut.
Sherilyn! Gilbert pressed his ear against the door, instinctively raising his hand to knock but hesitated.
He couldn’t. It was late.
Making too much noise would wake Jenna.
Yet, he couldn’t just walk away, so he stayed by the door. Sherilyn… can you hear me? Please, open the door.
Inside, Sherilyn leaned against the door, tipping her head back.
The strength she had been holding onto slowly ebbed away, and she slid down, collapsing weakly to the floor.
She had cried plenty before.
But nothing compared to the torrent that now overwhelmed her.
She closed her eyes, biting her lip, and cried like a child, Oh, oh…
Just days ago, she had confided in Joyce, saying she didn’t want to bring up the past for fear of affecting him.
How ironic.
He had known all along!
How many times had she imagined how he would react if he found out? Surely, he’d feel for her, right?
Surely, he would?
But reality proved that nothing was certain.
He might risk everything for her and Jenna, yet when it came to choosing
between her and Caroline, he sided with Caroline.
Why?
Because he didn’t love her enough.
Oh, oh…
Sherilyn buried her face in her arms.
Memories of those years in Crestwood flashed in her mind…
That day, when she had nowhere else to turn, she had to sneak Jenna into the grocery store and steal.
And she got caught right there, in public, her dignity and livelihood reduced to mere luxury…
Outside, Gilbert faintly heard the sobbing.
He held his breath, straining to listen. Yes, it was Sherilyn crying!
Sherilyn…
ét
Gilbert’s heart ached more deeply, gently pleading with her, Please, open the door. If you’re upset, hit me, yell at me, okay? Just don’t keep hurting yourself.
But no matter what he said, the door stayed closed, unmoving. Sherilyn.
Gilbert lowered his head, resting his forehead against the door, tears slipping from his eyes,
from his eyes, trailing down
his nose. Content belonging net
Please don’t cry, please…
He knew her pain was genuine.
Since she had returned to Sunhaven, she had never cried like this except for Jenna.
Especially whenever the past was mentioned.
She always spoke so nonchalantly.
Never before had she broken down and accused him so tearfully.
Her pain and grievances, bottled for so many years, became
unbearable when she realized there would never be justice for them.
And worse, he, her beloved, was complicit.
Neither of them found any rest that tormented night.
Early the next morning, the housekeeper was startled to find Mr. Nine at Ms. Gomez’s door.
Leaning against the doorframe, eyes closed, it was unclear if he was asleep.
The housekeeper hesitated, unsure whether to wake him or not.
Just as they were deciding, the door opened from the inside.
With a thud, Gilbert toppled over, collapsing onto the floor.
Mr. Nine!
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