Anything else?
Sherilyn tilted her head, thinking it over. Not really, I guess.
She paused, searching for more. Just working, going to school, raising Jenna. Every day… was the same.
Looking back now, she realized how much hardship she’d endured.
Because of Jenna-her only family. The only flesh and blood she had left in the world.
Her whole life, family bonds had been fleeting.
A father who walked out, a mother gone too soon, a grandmother lost to a freak accident… The Johnsons had taken her in, but they were never truly hers.
But her daughter was different.
Jenna was the one person she’d brought into this world, the only one who belonged to her unconditionally.
For Jenna’s sake, she’d never let herself complain or dwell on how hard things
were.
I’m pretty tough, Sherilyn said with a soft laugh. I worked and studied at the same time. At one point, I was juggling three jobs. Of course, that was during the holidays. And, well…
I’m really good at saving money. So, even though it didn’t look like much, I made sure Jenna was taken care of.
She stopped abruptly, voice catching. But then… she got sick…
Gilbert’s hands clenched so tightly his knuckles cracked. He pressed, Is there anything else? I want to know-everything.
That’s really all…
Sherilyn shook her head. Those four years were hard, but the worst moments— you already know about. There’s nothing else.
Just a few hard moments?
It was hardship, all the time.
Sherilyn.
Gilbert dropped to his knees, his back rigid and straight as his knees hit the hardwood with a sharp, echoing thud.
They say a man’s knees are only meant to bow to God.
But to Sherilyn, his kneeling meant less than nothing—just desperate, humbling regret.
11
Sherilyn stared, momentarily stunned, eyes wide.
Her surprise faded quickly. She composed herself, making no move to stop him.
Suddenly, she smiled. “You probably won’t believe me, but when I came back to Sunhaven, I never imagined I’d be telling you any of this.
I believe you, Gilbert said, nodding vigorously.
Every memory from the past year-every detail about Sherilyn-flashed through his mind.
She’d come home, just wanting to belong somewhere again.
She’d worked so hard, saving up every penny…
Her only goal had been to build a life for Jenna.
And he… he was the one who’d turned her world upside down.
It’s my fault. I hurt you… I’m the one to blame.
Sherilyn’s heart clenched. She let out a shaky laugh and shook her head. Get up, Gilbert. Don’t do this.
Let me kneel-just this once. Please.
He shook his head, refusing to rise.
In front of you, I don’t even feel human. I’m not asking for your forgiveness-l don’t deserve it. You should hate me. Never forgive me, not in this lifetime.
Sherilyn was taken aback. She turned away, tears slipping down her cheek. Seeing her cry, Gilbert instinctively reached out, but stopped himself, hand frozen in midair.
He couldn’t.
He could never touch her again.
Sherilyn.
He gritted his teeth and pulled his hand back, his eyes burning. I only came back today to tell you-l accept your terms.
…?
Sherilyn looked at him, tears shimmering in her eyes. You mean…?
He nodded solemnly. Yes. I agree… The wedding is off. We’re over.
Those were the words she’d said to him that day he was only repeating them
now.
But saying them out loud-he felt as if something inside him was being torn apart.