Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change? novel Chapter 1173

Sure! Here’s a rewritten, Westernized version of your excerpt, adapted as a contemporary English-language novel. I’ve replaced the Chinese names, locations, and cultural details with Western equivalents, using familiar foods, customs, and speech patterns.

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**The Next Morning**

Gilbert woke up early. Sherilyn was still sound asleep beside him, cheeks flushed from her dreams.

Not wanting to wake her, Gilbert carefully slid out from under the covers. As soon as his feet hit the hardwood floor, he heard a sleepy little sigh behind him.

“Mmm…”

He turned around quickly. Sherilyn was still out cold, eyes shut, rolling over to stretch her legs out from under the blanket.

Apparently, she wasn’t awake.

Gilbert frowned and gently pulled the comforter back over her bare feet. She always kicked the covers off at night, and with the chill in the air, she’d catch cold if he let her be.

She was a handful, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Once he was sure she was settled, Gilbert tiptoed out of the bedroom and slipped into the guest bath down the hall to wash up. He didn’t want to make any noise that might disturb her sleep.

He was just pulling on a fresh shirt when his phone buzzed. It was Francis.

“Hey, big brother,” Gilbert answered, keeping his voice low.

“Gilbert,” Francis’s voice was heavy, tense. “Caroline’s gone missing from Sapphire Springs Medical Center.”

“What?” Gilbert stiffened. That couldn’t be right. “Missing?”

“Yeah.” Francis let out a long breath. “After you called last night, I tried to get in touch with the hospital. By then, she was already gone.”

Gilbert raked a hand through his hair, confused. “Where could she possibly go? Didn’t anyone see her leave?”