There was a silence that seemed to stretch on for eternity.
Finally, Gilbert’s voice, barely above a whisper, broke the silence, “Yes, I do have feelings for you… That’s right. How could I not, for a girl who pulled me back from death’s door?” “Gilbert…” Caroline felt a weight lift off her chest, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
“But…”
Gilbert’s gaze was deep and dark as he continued.
“Caroline, you’ve been with my brother for years, and not once did I feel a twinge of jealousy. I was only ever happy for you both…”
At this, the light in Caroline’s eyes dimmed bit by bit.
Taking a shallow breath, Gilbert knew he had to make his feelings clear, no matter how much it hurt. “Do you understand what I’m saying?” “No… It’s not like that…”
Caroline’s voice was frantic, shaking her head in denial.
Gilbert’s voice grew even softer as he looked at her, “My feelings for you stem from gratitude… To me, this affection is beyond gender; it transcends it.” A life saved deserves a lifetime of gratitude.
To him, she was like a savior, granting him a second chance at life!
That’s why, over the years, he had protected her unconditionally… without question, as long as she was happy.
“No… It can’t be!”
Tears streamed down Caroline’s face as she shook her head in denial. “That’s not how it is!”
“It’s getting late…” Gilbert averted his gaze, trying to pull away, “You should rest.”
Clearly, he didn’t want to continue the conversation.
But Caroline felt like she had no way out.
“Gilbert, don’t go!”
Her voice was frantic, eyes pleading, “I know why! It’s because of Grandma, isn’t it? You’re afraid Grandma would disapprove, right?”
As the matriarch of the Johnson family, Sylvia Johnson was known for keeping family affairs strictly private.
That’s why she had made Caroline choose between the brothers years ago and later arranged for Gilbert to be with Sherilyn!
The more Caroline thought about it, the more convinced she became.
“Let’s leave the Johnson family, okay? I’m willing to leave everything behind, just to be with you!”
“Caroline…”
“I know you’ve been building your own career!”
Gilbert tried to interrupt, but Caroline was already far gone into her own thoughts.
Tears mixed with a hopeful smile, she said, “Even if we leave the Johnson family, with your skills, we can still make a great life! Yes, let’s leave the Johnson family! Without them, we can finally be together!” She clung to Gilbert’s arm as if her decision was final.
“Caroline!”
Seeing that reasoning with her was futile, Gilbert raised his voice to cut her off.
“Will you listen to me, please?”
Caroline, taken aback, finally halted. “You… you speak.”
“This has nothing to do with Grandma.”
Gilbert frowned deeply, slowly but firmly shaking his head, “Caroline, my feelings for you aren’t romantic. Do you understand?”
Caroline’s whole body shook, her eyes reflecting her shattered heart, yet she still shook her head, “I don’t believe it!”
Gilbert massaged his temples, letting out a long sigh.
He hardened his resolve.
“Don’t you know me? If I don’t like someone, not even Grandma’s pressure would make me give in, just like with Sherilyn in the past.” Even after marrying, he had remained distant from her.
“But for someone I truly care about, I’d go to any lengths, even if she’s not willing. Like with Sherilyn now…”
Sherilyn again! Was it always about Sherilyn?
Caroline let out a bitter laugh, “What about me? Have you stopped caring for me?”
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