Wait!
Gilbert hurriedly called after her, worry etched on his face. What are you doing at the hospital? Are you feeling alright? Or is it Jenna?
No, I’m fine, Sherilyn replied, shaking her head with a smile. I’m just here to see Joyce-
Before she could finish, her phone started ringing. It was Joyce, probably just finishing her shift.
She’s hurrying me, Sherilyn said quickly. I’ve got to go-bye!
Bye-❞ Gilbert barely managed a word before Sherilyn turned and dashed off, answering her phone as she ran.
I’m coming, I’m coming! Stop rushing me, Dr. Cooper-
Watching her disappear down the corridor, Gilbert’s expression turned bitter, and
he murmured softly, Goodbye, Sherilyn.
He stood there in silence for several minutes before heading toward the underground parking garage.
As he stepped out of the elevator, the doors to the elevator next to his slid open and Francis emerged. The brothers came face to face.
Hey, Francis. Gilbert frowned slightly, his Adam’s apple bobbing.
Gilbert. Francis nodded, pausing for a moment. Do you have a minute? Can we talk?
Yeah, Gilbert agreed without hesitation, gesturing to his car. Let’s talk in the car.
They both climbed in, the silence between them thick. Francis glanced at his younger brother-he’d noticed right away that Gilbert looked exhausted and pale. Gilbert hadn’t come to the hospital in days. The nurse had tried to call him, but he’d ignored the calls. Even last night, he hadn’t answered Francis’s call.
Francis didn’t blame him, but seeing Gilbert like this, he could guess something was wrong.
What’s going on? You can’t tell me?
I’m sorry, Francis. Gilbert’s eyes were half closed, his expression heavy. He spoke directly, I haven’t been to the hospital these days, and from now on… I won’t be coming back.
Francis was taken aback, his brows knitting in confusion, but he didn’t press. He waited for Gilbert to continue.
Francis… Gilbert turned to look at his brother, hatred clear in his eyes. I don’t want to see her. I can’t see her!
He sucked in a sharp breath, jaw clenched. I’m afraid I won’t be able to control myself!
What do you mean? Francis faltered, Caroline, she-?
Francis! Gilbert’s lips were pressed tight, his voice strained, eyes red. Sherilyn is sick! Because of me, she’s been sick for years! And now… I don’t even know if she’ll ever get better.
Francis fell silent, just listening as his brother poured out the truth.
When Gilbert finished, Francis let out a quiet sigh, a silent ache passing through him. So that’s how it was.
Sherilyn had suffered so much more than they’d ever realized.
Francis didn’t know what to say. In the face of such old wounds, what comfort could he possibly offer now?
Francis! We were all fooled by her!
Gilbert’s pain was written all over his face, his brow furrowed in anguish.
They never got along, but Sherilyn’s frustrations were always out in the open. As for her? She never said a word, but behind everyone’s back, she was as vicious as they come!
Francis nodded slowly, his silence heavy. I understand… This is my fault too. Do you need me to talk to Sherilyn?
No. Gilbert slumped back in the seat, shaking his head in defeat.
When Sherilyn came back to Sunhaven a year ago, she’d already decided to cut ties with me. All this time, I’ve been the only one holding on. I…”
He closed his eyes tightly. …I can’t force her anymore.
Alright. Francis nodded. I get it.
He turned to open the car door.
Francis! Gilbert stopped him suddenly, urgency and a surprising kinship in his voice. What are you going to do? She might be our benefactor, but that’s not because she’s kind!
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