Whispers Turn

Suddenly, Sherlyn paused, reflecting on the words about an incident four yearn past. Yes, in Gilbert’s heart, she was an unforgivable 

sinner! 

With a small smile, Sherilyn subtly pulled her arm away, silently meeting their expectations. 

“It’s all my fault, Sylvie,” she said, feigning regret. 

Sylvia frowned and sighed, “How could you be so careless? How am I supposed to introduce you now? it’ll make our family seem neglectful, and it’s rude too. How are you going to interact with them after this?” 

Sylvia tumed to Gilbert, Don’t we have a spare dress? Get Sherilyn changed. She can’t meet the quests like this” 

“Sylvia.” Before Gilbert could respond, Sherilyn intervened with a smile, “No need to trouble yourselves. If it’s inconvenient, there’s no need for introductions.” 

“What?” Sylvia was shocked. “But how can this be? We organized this welcome party for you. How can we not introduce you?” 

Besides Sylvia, Gilbert and Caroline were also stunned, looking at Sherilyn, puzzled. 

Ignoring their reactions, Sherilyn smiled at Sylvia. “It’s okay, Sylvia. I’ve felt the warmth of the welcome party you organized for me. That’s what matters, not the rest.” 

Seeing Sylvia still worried, Sherilyn added, “There will be plenty of opportunities in the future” 

It seemed there was no other choice. 

Holding Sherlyn’s hand, Sylvia patted it lightly. “Tm sorry you had to go through this.” 

“Don’t say that Sylvia, I’m not feeling wronged at all,” Sherilyn responded, pulling her hand away gently. “Sylvia, the guests are waiting. Please go to them. It wouldn’t be proper for me to join you looking like this.” 

Sylvia sighed helplessly and nodded, “Then take care of yourself, and come have a chat with me later.” 

Sherilyn smiled. “Of course, Sylvia.” Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“Sylvia,” Caroline interrupted, linking arms with Sylvia and injecting humor. “Don’t be sad. Sherilyn’s back now. Shell have plenty of time to spend with you later. It’s not a big deal to miss out for a little while tonight. Let me keep you company instead.“_ 

Sylvia patted Caroline’s hand softly. “I love you just the same. You’re both my family!” 

Laughing, they walked away 

Following behind, Gilbert paused to look back at Sherilyn. 

Her slender figure seemed lonely and abandoned from a distance, causing him to frown. Had he been too harsh? 

“Gilbert?” Noticing Gilbert had fallen behind, Caroline looked back at him only to find his gaze still fixed on Sherilyn. 

She pursed her lips, then asked, “Did I upset you with what I said earlier?” 

“No.” Gilbert withdrew his gaze and shook his head. “You didn’t want Grandma to worry. You did well. Why would I be upset?” 

Caroline smiled slightly. “As long as you understand. Let’s go.” 

Gilbert responded, “Okay” 

Sherlyn was at a secluded table, surrounded by unfamiliar faces. It was a welcome break from the earlier tension, but her peace didn’t ⚫last long. 

The girls at the party scrutinized her attire and whispered among themselves. 

“Who is she?” 

“I have no idea, but how can she show up to Sylvia’s party dressed like that?” 

Sherilyn ignored their comments, focusing instead on her meal. She hadn’t eaten much of the appetizers. 

This 

soup i 

pis delicious, she thought. Setting down her spoon, Sherilyn lifted the soup bowl with both hands and drank heartily. 

“Yikes! 

“She’s so uncouth!” 

“Let’s get away from here.” 

As the girls left in disdain, Sherilyn placed the bowl down, unfazed by their departure. The silence was welcome. Then, a chair beside her got pulled out. Was someone joining her? 

Sherilyn looked up, puzzled, to find Gilbert leaning on the table, facing her. What did he want? Had she done something else to displease him?