Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change? novel Chapter 6

"Don't bother packing what's left. You can buy whatever you need once you're abroad. After all, it's all on the Johnson family's dime. I have no time to waste here."

With those words and a suitcase, Gilbert was the first to descend the stairs.

Sherilyn bit her lip, feeling a tight, sharp pain in her heart as tears streamed down her face. She raised her hand, clumsily wiping them away.

It was time to go. What difference did it make, staying or moving abroad?

She was on her own then. It seemed no one cared about her grievances and very life.

At the airport, Gilbert didn’t see Sherilyn off inside. Instead, his assistant took care of her check-in and escorted her to the security gate.

"Mrs. Johnson, have a safe trip."

Charles handed her the passport and boarding pass. "Give Lady Sylvia a call when you get there. Your allowance will be sent to you monthly."

Sherilyn nodded quietly. "I understand, thank you."

She took a step forward, passing through the boarding gate.

...

A month later, in the heart of Crestwood, the night was deep in an apartment complex.

Sherilyn dared not turn on the lights, curling up on the bed and making as little noise as possible.

Knock. Knock. Knock. The sound of someone banging on the door echoed through the room.

A middle-aged, hefty landlord's gruff voice came from outside, "Foreign girl! Are you in there? It's time to pay your rent! I know you're in there! Say something, will you?"

Sherilyn covered her ears, shaking her head with closed eyes, silently praying for the landlord to leave.

After a long silence, the landlord finally backed down. "You think you can dodge the bill like this? Sweetheart, don't be naive!"

"Not in?" he muttered, "So late at night. Oh, God bless her."

The knocking stopped, and the footsteps faded away as the landlord left.