If he told Sherilyn about this, it’d be as good as telling Rebecca White too…
And that would be throwing his older brother under the bus.
Thank God he’d already deleted that photo of Eddy’s profile that Caroline had sent him earlier.
Sherilyn, Gilbert said, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he softened his voice, It’s not that I don’t want to tell you. It’s just…..it’s about my brother.”
He paused, his tone becoming even more gentle, coaxing her.
Can you just…not ask anymore? Please?
He squeezed her hand. All you really need to know is that you’re the only one I care about. That should be enough, right?
The only one? Sherilyn let out a short, dry laugh. Who knows if that’s true?
It is, Gilbert replied, lifting his chin and gesturing to his phone. I’m only hiding stuff about my brother. If it’s about me—there’s nothing I’m keeping from you. My phone’s right here. Go through it all you want.
Oh, so you’re playing reverse psychology now? Sherilyn raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at her lips. Fine. Starting tonight, I’m confiscating your phone.
With that, she turned away, swiping her finger across the screen to unlock it. Alright, Gilbert chuckled, nodding. Knock yourself out. Once you’ve checked everything, just give it back.
He peeked over her shoulder and saw she’d opened a folder.
Careful with that, he warned. That’s company stuff. You can look, but you probably won’t get much out of it…and just be careful not to delete anything. Technically, I can recover it, but it’d be a pain.
He kept rambling on and on, clearly nervous.
Sherilyn rolled her eyes, eventually tossing the phone onto the nightstand and closing her eyes, ready for sleep.
You asleep? Gilbert asked, seeing her lie down. He laid down beside her. Alright, let’s get some rest.
Then, he shifted closer, wrapping his arms around her.
Sherilyn stiffened, caught off guard.
Sherilyn? Gilbert noticed her resistance, assuming she was just upset. He spoke softly, trying to soothe her. Don’t be mad. Don’t overthink it, okay?
It’s not that… Sherilyn muttered, frowning as she pulled away and slipped off the bed, heading to the walk-in closet.
Sherilyn? Gilbert called after her, confused. Where are you going?
A moment later, she emerged, holding another blanket.
She tossed the old comforter to him. You use this one.
Then she spread out the new one for herself. I’ll take this.
Why? Gilbert’s eyes darkened with reluctance. Come on, newlyweds don’t sleep in separate beds.
You know what they say-sharing a blanket, sharing a life.
Newlyweds? Sherilyn scoffed. Did you forget? We’re not even married yet.
What’s that supposed to mean? Gilbert’s eyes widened as he
grabbed her wrist, suddenly anxiet Are you thinking about lea
again?
His lips pressed into a hard line, voice
low and strained. You
me
his
promised me. You said you’
walk away.
Let go!
staring at his hand around her wrist, her
staring go of me! Sherilyn cried, Contole body tense and t belongs to swat
She snapped, her voice rising, I said let go!
Gilbert realized something was wrong and instantly released her. Okay, okay, I let go!
Without missing a beat, Sherilyn spun around and bolted into the bathroom.
Sherilyn? Gilbert got up and hurried after her.
He found the bathroom door locked. He jiggled the handle, but it wouldn’t budge.
He knocked gently. Sherilyn, are you alright?
He pictured the way she’d looked just now-her face pale, like a frightened deer. He was really worried.
Are you feeling sick? Talk to me.
No answer.
From the bathroom, the sound of running water drowned out everything else.