Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?
Chapter 363

Gilbert's face flushed a deep shade of green as the doctor's words confirmed his worst fears.

The doctor added, "Also, Mr. Johnson, it would be best to refrain from intimate relations for the time being."

Grasping the ointment with a rough sigh, Gilbert managed a gruff, "Got it."

With a nod, the doctor left.

Gilbert headed back to his room, first stopping to draw a bath. As he approached the bed, he gently scooped Sherilyn into his arms.

Sherilyn's eyes snapped open, her brow furrowed in irritation. "What now? Can't you see I'm in no condition for your antics?" Her annoyance made her words sharper than intended. "Why don't you replace someone else? I can't cater to your needs right now!"

What? What did she say?

Gilbert felt a lump form in his throat, his Adam's apple bobbing. Was she deliberately trying to provoke him? No girlfriend would ever tell her boyfriend to replace someone else, right?

"Sherilyn," he said, his voice low and stern, "I know you're upset. But you're my girlfriend and the only one I have. I'm not the kind of guy who goes around cheating. You can't say that, even if you're angry." Watching his tense expression, Sherilyn couldn't help but laugh. "Are you mad?"

Gilbert remained silent, knowing well that provoking him was her aim.

"Ha...ha..." Her laughter grew louder, and she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Why the anger? Sure, we're together, but it's not like you love me or I love you..."

As she spoke, Gilbert felt a sharp pang of hurt. She mentioned not loving him. Her thoughts were still with Edgar!

But she continued with a bright smile. "I'm open-minded. Nowadays, even marriages can be open or casual, so why not us? Please don't take it so seriously. You've been the same old Gilbert. You're not telling me you've been a saint all these years, sticking only to Caroline, right?"

Judging by his recent behavior, Sherilyn teased, "Honestly, even if you didn't have girlfriends, there must have been some flings, right?"

"Sherilyn!" Gilbert couldn't take it anymore, glaring at her nonsensical chatter, filled with a mix of anger and frustration.

"Some things are just pointless to repeat. I'll say it one last time. There's nothing between Caroline and me. And it wasn't because of the strange things she told me that I'm with you."

Taking a breath, he softened his tone, "And I don't dislike you. Don't you see how I feel about you?"

Holding her tighter, he lifted Sherilyn. "The bath's ready. A soak might help you feel better."

Floating in his arms, Sherilyn was stunned. What did he mean by not disliking her? And what was she supposed to understand?

Entering the bathroom, Gilbert gently set Sherilyn down, supporting her with one arm while undressing her with the other.

"Gilbert..." Sherilyn frowned in protest, trying to push him away. "Let go. I can do it myself."

"Do what?" Gilbert didn't budge. "With your hand wrapped up like a mummy? Or with your shaky legs?"

He hurried with the undressing, wanting to prevent her from getting colder, and quickly helped her into the bathtub.

"Ouch..." Sherilyn winced, closing her eyes tightly.

Her instability wasn't his fault, right? Getting chilled didn't render her unable to stand. In reality, it was because of the bruises covering her body. Gilbert saw them, too, the bruises submerged in the water, all evidence of his guilt! No wonder the doctor had emphasized his warning.

He lowered his gaze, solemnly apologizing, "I'm sorry. It's my fault. It won't happen again."