He didn’t leave me! I—I was the one who wanted out! I chose to walk away from him!
Galen blinked, clearly taken aback, suspicion flickering across his face. Really? Is that how it was?
Yes! Sherilyn tugged urgently at his arm. Come on, get up! Didn’t you hear me?
Oh… Galen sniffed and finally let go of Gilbert, getting shakily to his feet.
You…
Sherilyn hesitated, turning to Gilbert. Are you alright? Did he hurt you anywhere?
Sherilyn!
Galen couldn’t hold back any longer. Why do you care about him so much? Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. He’s not going to die or anything.
Enough!
Sherilyn shot her brother a sharp look. He once saved your life. You can’t speak to him like that.
She was thinking of the time when Malvina Clayton had kidnapped Galen and hidden him in Ivy Hollow Woods. Gilbert had come to the rescue-perhaps for Jenna’s sake, but if he hadn’t, it would’ve been Galen, not Jenna, who’d been bitten by that venomous snake.
Galen scowled and fell silent, lips pressed into a thin line.
Sherilyn.
Gilbert slowly pushed himself upright, wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, and forced a crooked smile. I’m fine… Don’t let someone like me be the cause of trouble between you and your brother.
Well, then…
Sherilyn bit her lip, glancing at the blood on his face. You should see a doctor, okay? You need to take care of that.
She pointed at the spot on his mouth.
I will, Gilbert promised with a faint nod.
We, um…
Sherilyn looped her arm through Galen’s, backing away. We’re going inside. Take care of yourself, alright?
Yeah, sure.
Sherilyn glanced back one last time, offering him a gentle smile. Goodbye. Gilbert shoved his hands in his pockets, his gaze fixed on her. Good… bye. Stop standing there.
Sherilyn tugged Galen’s arm. Weren’t you looking for me? Let’s go inside. Right.
The siblings turned and disappeared through the front gate.
Gilbert stayed rooted to the spot, motionless.
His eyes never left Sherilyn’s retreating figure. Under his breath, he murmured, Goodbye, Sherilyn.
But would they really… ever see each other again?
Her silhouette grew smaller and smaller until she finally slipped through the doorway and vanished from sight.
He let out a dry, bitter chuckle.
She hadn’t even been gone a minute, and already-he missed her.
Suddenly, a wave of dizziness washed over him. Gilbert pressed a hand to his temple.
Mr. Gilbert. Charles, who’d been watching anxiously, stepped forward. Let’s get you to the hospital, sir.
These headaches had been coming
more and more frequently lately.
Gilbert had mentioned seeing a
doctor earlier in the week, but things
had been too hectic. Coutthings
Get a full checkup, Gilbert muttered. He knew his own body wasn’t really his anymore; he couldn’t afford to take chances.
Schedule it-for tomorrow.
He still had a board meeting to attend later today.
His brothers and sisters would all be there. If he suddenly failed to show up at
such a crucial moment, it’d only make them suspicious.
Now that Sherilyn and Jenna had moved out of Blue Haven, he couldn’t afford a single misstep.
Yes, sir… Charles sighed, resigned. Understood.
Inside, Sherilyn fussed over Galen, inspecting him from head to toe. Are you sure you’re not hurt anywhere?
I’m fine, sis, really…
Galen spun around in a full circle, arms outstretched, so she could see for herself.
Alright.
finally
relaxed, but her tone was firm.
ème-don’t ever do anet
esat’s a relief. Sherilyn
like that again.
No promises.
Galen grumbled, If you hadn’t stopped me… I’d punch him every time I see him!
Sherilyn just stared at him, speechless.
Galen huffed, indignant. “I’m not
stupid, sis. Even if you’re the one et
who wanted to break up, he’s still the one at fault! He hurt you. He’s the one who let you down
Sherilyn’s breath caught, her eyes suddenly stinging.
Her little brother-always on her side, no matter what.