Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change? novel Chapter 440

Climbing the stairs, she realized he hadn't gone to the master bedroom but had retreated to the study instead.

Left with no choice, Sherilyn followed, raising her hand to knock gently. "Gilbert?"

Silence was her only answer.

"Gilbert," she persisted, knocking again. "I'm sorry about tonight. Please, don't shut yourself away. Can we talk?"

Still no response.

"Gilbert?"

Knock, knock...

Inside, Gilbert frowned, standing in front of the liquor cabinet. He uncorked a bottle of whiskey and, from the bottom drawer, pulled out a pack of cigarettes, lighting one up.

She didn't care about him, so why should he quit drinking and smoking for her?

Whatever!

Suddenly, Gilbert froze. Had he heard something?

No, it couldn't be...

By now, the corridor had gone silent.

Had she just left? Was that all the patience she had for him?

"Sherilyn!"

His breath grew heavy, his tie yanked off in a swift motion and tossed aside as he lifted the whiskey bottle to his lips, taking large gulps.

After a while, everything outside went quiet.

Gilbert slumped onto the sofa, his head throbbing.

What was Sherilyn doing?

Had she gone to bed already? Typical, heartless woman! An ungrateful little creature! After everything he'd done for her, couldn't she show a little appreciation?

Suddenly, there was noise again.

More precisely, the sound of a key turning in a lock, repeatedly...

Finally, with a click, the door unlocked.

"This is it!" From outside, Sherilyn muttered to herself before pushing the door open.

"I, uh..."

Suddenly, he pulled her close, seating her on his lap. Looking up at her, he asked, "Sherilyn, tell me, do you like me? Hmm? Do you or don't you?"

Sherilyn froze.

What was she supposed to say? What answer was he hoping for?

She had a feeling he wanted to hear the former. But she couldn't bring herself to say it...

"Tell me, will you?"

His hand caressed her waist, enticing yet revealing the tension in her body and the avoidance in her gaze.

A chill ran through Gilbert's heart. "I get it. You don't like me."

Thinking it over, sadness overwhelmed him.

He sighed. "Yeah, it was always me pushing you. You never really wanted to be with me; I was the one forcing it all along."

Abruptly, he let go. "You can go. I won't hold you here any longer."