Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change? novel Chapter 790

"Alright."

That's all Gilbert managed to say.

Sherilyn slung her bag over her shoulder and gave him a slight smile. "I'm leaving now."

She began her steps without a 'goodbye.'

One step, two steps.

Before she reached the door, a firm body pressed against her back. Sherilyn stiffened, her entire body tensing.

It was Gilbert, embracing her from behind.

Sherilyn stood frozen, unable to move.

"Sherilyn!" Gilbert's arms encircled her, his cheek resting against her shoulder, his voice a raspy whisper.

"I forgot to say, I'm sorry! It's been ten years, and I've only just begun to have feelings for you. It's too late, and I'm sorry for that."

Sherilyn's expression remained unchanged as she spoke slowly, "There's nothing to apologize for. Feelings can't be forced. I understand."

"Sherilyn."

Some questions were too shameless to ask face-to-face, and Gilbert could only voice them while turned away, seeking answers without pride.

"You used to like me very much. If, and I'm just saying if, I hadn't sent you to Crestwood back then, you'd still like me now, wouldn't you?"

"If?"

Sherilyn raised an eyebrow, her tone carrying a hint of teasing amusement.

"Things that have passed, hypotheticals don't really hold any meaning..."

Gilbert fell silent, thinking she wouldn't respond.

But then, she said, "Well, I suppose, probably yes."

She paused, then continued, "If we had stayed together all this time, I guess... I might still have feelings for you."

With hypothetical questions come hypothetical answers.

With that, she gently pulled away from Gilbert's arms. "I'm off!"

As she exited through the door, Gilbert felt like a puppet with its strings cut, losing his balance and collapsing into a chair.

She still had feelings!

Sherilyn's answer was that she still had feelings for him!

But, there are no ifs in life!