Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change? novel Chapter 1233

Gilbert stayed with Jenna the entire night.

Sherilyn didn’t disturb them. She quietly retreated to her own room, giving father and daughter their time alone.

It was nearly nine o’clock when a knock sounded at her door.

She didn’t need to ask who it was. Sherilyn stood, smoothed her clothes, and went to answer.

Outside, Gilbert stood tall and weary, his shirt rumpled from the long evening spent comforting Jenna. He managed a tired smile. “Can I come in?”

“Of course.” Sherilyn stepped aside, holding the door open for him. “Come in.”

“Thank you.”

He walked in, and Sherilyn closed the door behind him before following to the living room. She took her usual spot on the sofa, sitting across from him with the coffee table between them.

For a long moment, neither spoke.

It was strange—only a small table separated them, but it felt like an impossible distance, as if a whole galaxy lay between where they sat.

Gilbert watched her in silence, studying her face closely.

She was wearing makeup tonight, which was unusual for her at home. He couldn’t quite read her expression, but he could guess she wasn’t doing well.

She must have put on makeup to hide how exhausted she felt. Normally, Sherilyn never bothered with it when she was home.

He knew why: she hadn’t been sleeping, not really. The past days had been nothing but torment. How could anyone look well like that? Even he, after just a few sleepless nights, found his own reflection in the mirror hard to face.

“Sherilyn.” Gilbert finally broke the silence, inhaling deeply before saying her name.

“Yes?” Sherilyn responded immediately, almost as if she’d been waiting.

Their eyes met.

For a fleeting moment, there was an understanding between them—something wordless, shared.

She managed a small, wry smile. “You wanted to talk? Go ahead. I’m listening.”

Gilbert nodded, Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed, the words thick in his throat.

His voice came out rough. “I… I know everything now.”