Gilbert felt a sharp pang in his heart.
He tried to explain himself, saying he just wanted to cheer her up, but it only made her even more upset.
He opened his mouth to say something—
Daddy!
Jenna came trotting down the stairs, waving her pop quiz paper high in the air and thrusting it toward Gilbert.
Look! Check it out, Daddy!
Alright, let’s see.
Gilbert had no choice but to shift his attention to his daughter for the moment. He bent down, scooping her up. Let’s have a look… Wow, a perfect score! Jenna, you’re amazing!
Over here!
Jenna pointed to the couch. You have to sit down and look at it properly!
You got it!
When it came to his daughter, Gilbert never said no.
…
Later that evening, Sherilyn came out of the bathroom, hair still damp from her shower. Gilbert was leaning against the headboard, phone in hand, talking quietly.
Yeah, let’s do it that way. Talk soon.
Sherilyn suddenly grinned. Hanging up in such a hurry? Is it because of me?
She narrowed her eyes, teasing, Who was that? Your brother?
No… Gilbert shook his head, frowning as he handed her the phone. It was Charles. Work stuff.
If you say so…
Sherilyn’s gaze slid over his lips, her tone edged with sarcasm. True or not, whatever you say.
With that, she pulled back the covers and lay down with her back to him.
Was she still upset he’d kept things from her?
My fault, Gilbert admitted, reaching out to rest a hand on her shoulder, sounding genuinely apologetic. I kept it from you because I was afraid you’d be upset-like now. I really just didn’t want you to be unhappy.
And look how that turned out.
Sherilyn frowned and brushed his hand off, glaring at him. What else are you hiding from me?
Nothing! Gilbert raised his hand like he was swearing an oath. Honestly, nothing! I swear!
Sherilyn wasn’t sure she believed him. She held out her hand. Give me your phone.
What for? Gilbert hesitated, confused.
Don’t want to? Sherilyn immediately withdrew her hand. Forget it, then.
Here! Gilbert stiffened, quickly handing her the phone. Was she really about to go through it?
He helpfully added, The passcode is your birthday.
Sherilyn took the phone without hesitation and swiped the screen. She paused.
The lock screen was a photo of her and Jenna.
She entered the passcode. Another pause.
The screen was a solo picture
of her-
in full costume,
from her days as the lead at the dance company.
When did he even take that?
Sherilyn shook her head and pushed the thought aside, scrolling through his phone.
It was his personal phone-hardly anyone had this number. Only a handful of contacts.
Call history was sparse, too. The usual-her, his older brother, Charles.
Caroline… there was one call.
It was from Nightwind City.
Sherilyn looked up, her eyes sharpet Didn’t you say you and Caroline
weren’t in touch any content t in touch anyt
She didn’t wait for him to answer. Is this the only call? Did you delete the others?
Gilbert froze, then shook his head with a sigh. No, that’s all there is.
What did she say? Sherilyn pressed, searching his face.
Gilbert was at a loss.
How could he explain? It involved his brother.
And it was tangled up with Rebecca White, too.
His brother was determined to keep Rebecca in the dark about what happened during their honeymoon disaster all those years ago. If. Rebecca ever found out his brother was the root of it all… would she ever forgive him?
His brother wouldn’t risk it.
And neither would Gilbert.
He knew exactly how close Sherilyn and Rebecca were.
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