Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?



Caroline gripped the arms of her wheelchair tightly, her eyes wide and unblinking, her voice as raspy and ragged as sandpaper. "Did you call for Francis? What exactly did you tell him?"

What kind of question was that? What else could he have said?

Gilbert shuddered slightly, confusion swirling in his gaze. "I just told him the truth..."

"What do you mean by the truth? Tell me, what did you say to him!" Caroline's voice broke as she demanded an answer.

Seeing her so sharp and agitated, Gilbert frowned, sighing inwardly. She must be scared too, right?

He swallowed, his lips parting slightly to speak, "The truth is, you lost a baby years ago, Sherilyn was sent off to Crestwood for it, and you... you withheld the living expenses. That's all."

All these events, spanning several years, condensed into a few simple sentences...

Silence fell.

Suddenly, Caroline's shoulders slumped, her back leaning against the wheelchair, the tension she had been holding seemed to dissipate, her previously sharp gaze now scattered.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

It's out!

Everything's out!

What was she supposed to do now?

Was this her downfall?

But then again...

Caroline thought to herself, where does she stand now anyway?

Ever since Sherilyn returned, both Johnson brothers, who used to hover around her, had left her side!

Sherilyn, truly a disaster!

Now, what more did she have to lose? What more was there to fear?

With that thought, Caroline straightened her back, thinking even if she lost everything, even if her dignity was shattered, so what? Hmph.

She had saved those brothers, that was an undeniable fact!

Just for that, they should be grateful to her for a lifetime!

...

The door was knocked.

Finally, Francis arrived.

Francis entered, walking straight in.

"Big brother." Gilbert immediately stood up from the couch.

Caroline, sitting in her wheelchair, acted as if she hadn't seen him.

"Hmm." Francis nodded, gesturing Gilbert to sit, "Sit, let's talk."

"Alright, big brother."

Caroline appeared nonchalant, but inside, her palms were sweaty with nervousness, her heart racing as if it might stop at any second! "How's grandma?" Francis started by asking about Sylvia.

"She's alright." Gilbert nodded, "Took her medication, she's asleep now."

"That's good."

Francis was relieved, then turned to look at Gilbert and then at Caroline, "I've got a pretty clear picture of the situation."

"Big brother..." Gilbert tensed up, his features tight, "Grandma said to leave this matter to you, so, what do you think...?" "Gilbert, hold on."

Francis raised his hand, signaling his brother to pause.

Then he turned to Caroline,

"Caroline, there are some things Kd

like to discuss with Gilbert alone.

Could you... perhaps go to the

balcony for a bit?"

Huh?

Caroline was momentarily taken aback.

Wasn't she the main person involved? They were here to decide her fate, yet she was asked to leave?

And more so...

Something felt off.

Francis, why was he so calm?

"Caroline?"

Seeing her still and silent, Francis spoke again, his voice always gentle and cultured but unmistakably firm, "Would you mind going to the balcony for a bit?"

"Alright."

Caroline forced a smile and nodded.

She wheeled herself towards the balcony, leaving the brothers alone.

Watching her back until she reached the balcony and saw the door close behind her, Francis finally felt at ease.

The suite's soundproofing was excellent; he could comfortably talk with his brother.

"Big brother."

It wasn't just Caroline who found it strange; Gilbert was equally filled with questions, "What do you want to talk about that required sending her away?"