Frank continued, his voice heavy with emotion. “Do you remember when our family was kidnapped?” Sherilyn nodded, her eyes widening as memories flooded back. “It was then…” Frank sighed deeply. “In that crime syndicate hideout, that’s where I first met Gilbert and Caroline.” Sherilyn was taken aback. So, the real Gilbert had been gone even then…
Frank observed her closely, speaking softly. “Before grandma adopted you, you had visited the Johnson family and met your second brother. Didn’t they look alike?” Still reeling from the revelation, Sherilyn nodded slowly. They were so alike! From her perspective, she couldn’t tell them apart. Two unrelated people, looking so remarkably similar? It was astonishing! “Yes,” Frank nodded. “I was stunned too when I first saw him. I could hardly believe it.” It was as if the brother he believed lost had returned… Back then, they endured the harsh conditions under the crime ring’s control. Lack of food and warmth was just the beginning, with constant beatings a regular occurrence… It was during those ordeals that their bond was forged. Gilbert was stronger than Frank, often protecting him. And Frank, seeing in Gilbert a reflection of his brother, felt a profound sense of compassion…
“You know the rest,” Frank said with a soft sigh, his thoughts drifting back. “Caroline Bennett saved us. At the police station, I waited for grandma… I decided to bring him back to the Johnson family.”
The main reason was his fear that grandma couldn’t bear the truth of losing her grandson. Secondly, because Gilbert was so pitiable… So, he let him take his brother’s place, to continue living. As time went on, they grew up together, Gilbert truly becoming Frank’s brother. Their bond of mutual respect and affection became a celebrated tale in Sunhaven…
Sherilyn listened, her emotions churning, unable to speak. “Let’s go inside.” Knowing she needed time to process this truth, Frank didn’t push further. “Gilbert will be upset if he wakes up and you’re not there. I’ll head out now.” “Take care, big brother.” “Yeah.”
Upon leaving the ward, Sawyer
approached Frank. “Mr. Frank,
should we inform Ms. Bennett about Mr. Gilbert’s return?” Caroline had been calling frequently, seeking news about Gilbert. Hearing this, Frank frowned slightly. “It’s late…” After a moment, he added, “Let’s hold off on notifying her for now.” Sawyer nodded. “Yes, understood.”
In the ward, after taking his medication, Gilbert began to sweat. Sherilyn got up, went to the bathroom to wet a towel, and gently wiped his sweat. Seeing his
furrowed brows, she could tell net
wasntresting peacefully. She could somewhat relate to his unease. Despite their seemingly glamorous life with the Johnson family, they were essentially outsiders. This is why he was so obedient to Frank, earning him the nickname ‘brother-controller.’
Sherilyn sighed softly, intending to put the towel away, but Gilbert suddenly grasped her hand. She thought he had woken up. “Sherilyn, Sherilyn…” But he hadn’t. With his eyes still closed, Gilbert’s brow was furrowed, murmuring her name in a soft, pleading tone. “Sherilyn, don’t leave…” Sherilyn watched him quietly, worry creasing her brow.
Gilbert awoke to a silent room. Looking around, he realized he was in a hospital, a nurse nearby. “You’re awake?” Gilbert didn’t respond, his mind on Sherilyn. He vaguely remembered that Sherilyn had accompanied him to the hospital.
