Sherilyn?
As they stepped out of the main building, Gilbert looked down at Sherilyn, his voice soft and reassuring. Just ignore what the old man said…
Sherilyn suddenly looked up, her eyes slightly red as she shook her head. The Martin family is no good! If my mom were alive, if she knew they, as my family, showed up at the wedding, she’d be so upset.
I know, I know… Gilbert nodded quickly.
But Sherilyn seemed not to hear him, her brows furrowed as she choked out, If you think less of me because I don’t have family, if you feel embarrassed, then let’s not get married. You can find someone else…
Don’t say that!
Gilbert was startled, his face paling as he lifted his hand to gently cover her mouth. Did I ever say I thought less of you?
But…
Are you going to leave me just because of a few silly words from an old man?
Gilbert’s brow furrowed deeply, his eyes darkening. You promised me you wouldn’t leave! Do you want me to die?
He took her hands and placed them on either side of his temples. If you leave me, this will explode! I’ll die!
Sherilyn was taken aback, quickly shaking her head. No, I didn’t mean that…
I just…
It’s my fault.
Gilbert couldn’t bear to see her so troubled and felt genuinely guilty. I didn’t know the old man would say those things… Don’t worry, I’ll set things straight with him.
He held her hand and kissed it softly. Promise me you won’t say you don’t want me again. No next time, okay? Promise me!
…Okay.
Sherilyn finally nodded in agreement.
But deep down, there was still a knot in her heart.
…
Earlier, Francis had mentioned he would get in touch with Sherilyn. Sure enough, two days later, he did.
That morning, Sherilyn brought Gilbert his medication. Here, take this.
Just as Gilbert lifted the glass, Sherilyn’s phone rang.
Hey, big brother… Today? Alright, got it.
She glanced at Gilbert, who had already downed his medicine and popped a piece of dried fruit into his mouth. Seeing her look over, he asked, What’s up?
Yeah, Sherilyn nodded, moving her phone away. Big brother wants to know if
You &
you’re free this afternoon. If
are, come with me.
It seemed important.
Sure, Gilbert nodded. I’ll have Charles adjust my schedule.
Great.
Sherilyn picked up the phone again. Big brother, he says he can make it… Okay, see you this afternoon.
After the call, the housekeeper brought in breakfast, and they chatted over their meal.
Big brother says we should go to Grandma’s this afternoon.
To see Grandma? Gilbert had no objections. It’s been a while; we should visit.
Yeah.
Sherilyn peeled a hard-boiled egg, removed the yolk, and offered it to Gilbert, who naturally opened his mouth to eat it. She never liked egg yolks, so he always ate them while she enjoyed the whites.
After breakfast, Sherilyn saw Gilbert off.
In the afternoon, Gilbert swung by to pick her up, and together they headed to Sylvia’s.
You’re here.
When they arrived, Francis was already there.
Gilbert glanced at his brother. You stay outside for now. Sherilyn, come with me.
? Gilbert was surprised. Why can’t I go in?
Just wait a moment. Francis had that same mysterious look as before. Sherilyn, let’s go.
Alright, big brother.
Sherilyn nodded, following Francis inside, though she was just as puzzled, wondering what on earth he was up to.
Grandma, Sherilyn’s here.
Grandma.
You’re here?