Gilbert’s expression was unreadable, though clearly, something was off. “What’s wrong?” Sherilyn asked, sensing there was something amiss.
Gilbert’s eyes were half-closed, his handsome features shrouded in dim light, and he sounded less than thrilled, “I have to make a trip to London tomorrow. If things go smoothly, I’ll be back in a week. If not, it might take me up to a fortnight.”
He leaned down and wrapped Sherilyn into his embrace. “Sherilyn, would you come back to Golden Oak Manor with me tonight?”
Sherilyn froze, her heart pounding with mixed emotions.
A voice in her head screamed, this was her opportunity! She had been telling herself to avoid conflicts with him and to get along, just waiting for an opportunity like this!
And now, it had arrived so unexpectedly, and it was a golden one at that!
A week or two was more than enough time for her to leave Sunhaven far behind!
Soon, she would be able to take Jenna and leave this place, leave him, and start a new life!
“Come back to Golden Oak Manor with me, will you?” Gilbert cradled her gently, his voice soft, “I’ll call my brother about the Rebecca issue, get him to sort it out. You trust him the most, right?”
“Yeah.” Sherilyn smiled warmly, “Okay.”
“You mean it? That’s great!”
Overjoyed, Gilbert planted a quick kiss on her lips. “Let’s go, get changed, and head home!”
He walked her to the dressing room.
“Fidelia made your favorite soup, make sure you have some when we get back…”
“And tonight, I’ll wash your hair for you, then we can watch your favorite reality show together, how does that sound?”
Sherilyn tilted her head, smiling softly, “Sounds wonderful.”
At this moment, whatever he suggested was perfect to her.
Tomorrow, he would leave Sunhaven for London.
This would be their last night together…
And it was just as well. A quiet night together before parting ways gracefully in the morning.
To part is to forget; to move on without further ado!
…
Over at Emerald Estates.
Francis and Rebecca sat across from each other, locked in a silent standoff.
Rebecca couldn’t recall how many times she had attempted to break the ice her smile growing strained, “cis, thank you for coming today.”
310
“Mhm.”
“Ah, Mr. Francis, would you like some water?”
“Mhm.”
Francis nodded, always a man of few words.
Rebecca was at a loss for words.
Mr. Francis was so aloof. She could use some help here!
Then Francis’ phone rang. He stood up and walked aside to answer.
“Hello?”
“Big bro, it’s me.”
Gilbert explained the situation, “So, Sherilyn has to stay with me tonight. Big bro, about James’ mom, please handle it.”
Before Francis could respond,
Gilbert added with a hint of
annoyance, Please sort out James’ mom’s situation soon. She keeps monopolizing Sherilyn, leaving alone all the time. That’s not
Sherilyn better not be with her anymore!”
acceptable! By the time
Then, remembering his place as the younger brother, he added respectfully, “Thanks, big bro. You’re the best.”
With that, he hung up.
Francis was speechless. His little brother was all grown up and beyond his control now!
Turning back, he saw Rebecca
sitting
eyes
On the couch, her innocent et
ed in his direction, as if he was her only pillar of support.
He gestured for Sawyer, “Go arrange…”