Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change? novel Chapter 1253

Settled things?

Rebecca repeated the words in her mind, feeling a mix of surprise and confusion. "What… what do you mean, settled?"

"Your hand," Francis said, not answering immediately as he extended his hand to her again.

Rebecca glanced at it but still ignored him. "I'm asking you a question. Explain yourself!"

"Alright..." Francis sighed in resignation, finally giving in. "I sent her to The Serenity Hills Sanatorium."

"What's that?" Rebecca still didn't understand. She had left Sunhaven as a teenager and lived abroad for many years, so she wasn't familiar with all the local institutions.

Francis tapped his temple. "It's a professional psychiatric facility."

Rebecca was taken aback. A mental hospital? He had actually sent Caroline to a place like that? Could he really bring himself to do it? She had always assumed that he and Gilbert Johnson would treat her like a fragile deity for the rest of their lives.

"Rebecca." Taking advantage of her stunned silence, Francis took her hand. "Come sit with me for a bit. Please?"

He gently led her to a nearby bench. Still processing the news, Rebecca let him guide her, sitting down beside him. She couldn't help but study his profile, still finding it hard to believe. "Are you telling the truth?"

"Yes." Francis leaned back, slowly closing his eyes. "Would I lie about something like this?"

She supposed not. It was the kind of lie that would be exposed within days.

"Rebecca White!" A colleague peeked her head out the door, calling with a smile, "Your mango smoothie is here!"

That weekend, the villa on Starfall Drive was full of life. Joyce Cooper and Rebecca White were both visiting, and Rebecca had brought her son, James, along. Sherilyn Gomez had invited them over to celebrate her new home, a housewarming of sorts.

Jenna was the happiest of all. She had been moping for the past two days because of Gilbert. Sherilyn had been doing her best to cheer her up, but as Jenna grew older, she was developing her own complex feelings that weren't so easily forgotten. Fortunately, James was here.

"Jenna," James said, arriving with a small backpack. He immediately took Jenna's hand. "I brought you presents in here! All of them!" He lifted his chin with an air of charming arrogance. "Come on, I'll show you. Let's see if you like them."

"Okay!" With her little friend by her side, Jenna finally smiled.

Sherilyn looked at Rebecca gratefully. "Rebecca, thank you… and thank James for me."

"We gladly accept your thanks," Rebecca replied with a warm smile.