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He shook his head, stammering, It’s not about ‘pointing fingers’ or anything, Sherilyn. I’m just worried about you.
Worried about what? That I’ll run away?
Sherilyn gave a bitter, self-deprecating smile. Yeah, as if I could. Trust me, I’ve thought about it, but I know I can’t. Even if I wanted to, there’s nowhere for me to go.
Her eyes were rimmed red, a faint shimmer glistening in them.
No matter what I want, I’m stuck here. Stuck with this endless mess…
Sherilyn!
Gilbert’s heart twisted. He pulled her into his arms, holding her tight. It’s not endless. I promise, it’s not.
Oh, really?
Sherilyn gave a hollow laugh. And how can you be so sure? Your mom’s… issues no one’s been able to fix those.
That doesn’t have to affect us!
Gilbert cupped her delicate back, his voice low and sincere.
I care about you. Only you. After everything that happened… things are different now. What happened with her was an accident. Please, you have to believe me.
Hmph.
Sherilyn rested her head on his shoulder, letting out a barely audible, cold little
snort.
Believe him? What difference would it make?
Even if they got through this, there’d just be something else next time.
She’d seen it all too clearly-Caroline was a nightmare that just wouldn’t let go. She always found some excuse to cling to him, haunting them like a ghost.
Sherilyn closed her eyes in exhaustion.
How long could life go on like this?
A little after five in the afternoon, Sherilyn came inside with Jenna after playing in the garden. The scent of freshly cut grass clung to their clothes. As soon as they walked in, she spotted Gilbert.
He was home already? That early?
Daddy!
Jenna squealed, rushing over.
Gilbert swept his daughter up into his arms, his eyes warm and smiling. Did you have fun with Mommy? Were you a good girl?
I was!
Jenna nodded eagerly, then her face lit up. Daddy, guess what! My teacher gave me a gold star today I got a perfect score on my quiz!
Wow, really? That’s amazing!
Uh-huh!
Jenna wriggled free and hopped down. Wait right here, Daddy! I’ll go get my paper to show you!
Alright. Gilbert ruffled her soft, messy hair, grinning.
Jenna dashed upstairs, her little feet thumping on the steps.
The living room fell quiet.
Sherilyn. Gilbert looked at her, a little sheepish. “I’m home.”
Sherilyn glanced at the antique grandfather clock in the corner, frowning slightly. This early… do
have another business dinnet
tonight?
No…
Oh.
you
Sherilyn’s smile was thin and brittle. I forgot. You’re going to the hospital later. So
you came home first to check us off your list?
Her voice was gentle, but every word was a dagger.
That’s not it.
Gilbert frowned, hurrying to explain Please hear me out. I know I upset you today. I came home early on purpose. I wanted to spend time with you.
Really?
Sherilyn’s tone was skeptical. So what about her? Isn’t she supposed to freak out
if you’re not there?
It’s not just me.
Gilbert shook his head, the crease between his brows deepening. My brother is there too. Mostly him, actually…
He hated throwing his brother under the bus, but at this point he had no choice.
I stopped by this morning to help out. My brother’s covering the afternoon and evening. He’s even staying overnight.
So that’s how they arranged it?
How thoughtful, Sherilyn snorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Brother by
fay, you by night… She’s
got quite the setup. Having the both
of
at her beck and call. I both
she
feels like the queen of the castle.
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