Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?
Chapter 9

Just like that, three years flew by.

At Sunhaven International Airport, Sherilyn, pushing her luggage, emerged from the security checkpoint. Her make-up-free face, framed by her beautiful and bright eyes, scanned the crowd, revealing a maturity beyond her years.

Finally, she spotted David, the Johnson family's driver, holding a sign that read 'Sherilyn'.

Approaching him, she greeted him with a slight smile. "Hi, David."

Taking in her appearance, David blinked in surprise. "You, you're... Ms. Sherilyn?"

"Yes." Sherilyn nodded, her smile unwavering.

She knew she had changed a lot in the past four years. She had lost weight and shot up a few inches during her second growth spurt.

"Talk about coming of age." After his initial shock, David's face lit up with a broad smile. "You've become even more beautiful."

Sherilyn smiled. "You flatter me, David."

"Come on, let's get going." After a brief exchange, David led Sherilyn out of the airport. "The car's just outside. Lady Sylvia has been asking about you for days."

Once in the car, Sherilyn noted the absence of the entire Johnson family, especially Gilbert.

Eventually, they arrived at the Southern District Sanatorium.

Sylvia was ill, requiring heart surgery soon due to her condition. That was why, after three years, they called Sherilyn back. There were risks with the surgery, and Sylvia feared the worst. Before the operation, she said that she wanted to see Sherilyn one last time.

Approaching the room, Sherilyn could hear Sylvia's voice from inside. "Are they here yet? Why is it taking so long?"

Knock, knock.

David stepped forward and knocked on the door.

"Come in!"

Making way, David allowed Sherilyn through. "Ms. Sherilyn, please."

"Thank you." Sherilyn nodded and entered.

"Sherilyn?"

Peeking out, Sylvia saw the young woman at the door, reminiscent of Sherilyn, but she wasn't quite sure. "Sylvia." Sherilyn hurried over.

"It is you, Sherilyn!" Sylvia reached out, her excitement palpable, "Come here, let me have a good look at you."

Sherilyn allowed Sylvia to pull her in close for a good look.

"Good, very good." Tears welled up in Sylvia's eyes as she choked up, "You've grown up and turned into a beautiful young lady."

When Sherilyn had left three years ago, she was still a young girl.

Sylvia asked, "Gilbert wanted you to be independent, to have no contact with us. It seems it did you good, right?"

Sherilyn paused, not rebutting, nodding, "Yeah, Sylvia."

Seeing Sherilyn so well-behaved, Sylvia was even more satisfied, reminiscing on the past. "You've changed over the years, haven't you?"

Again, Sherilyn hesitated, not directly answering but instead said, "I was immature before. I made things difficult for you, Sylvia."

Sighing, Sylvia continued, "You used to have a fiery temper. It's partly my fault for spoiling you, leading you to make mistakes." Sherilyn remained silent, not arguing.

Sylvia stroked Sherilyn's hair. "You're different now. Please don't blame me for being harsh. It was for your good. From now on, make sure to live your best life. You're still my most cherished little girl, alright?" "I understand, Sylvia." Sherilyn nodded, her resolve firm.

Sherilyn prepared to leave after spending time with Sylvia, who soon needed to rest. "Sylvia, I won't stay long. You need your rest, and I've just arrived. David will take me home so I can settle in." Sylvia nodded. "Alright, dear."

Leaving the Southern District Sanatorium, David drove Sherilyn to Golden Oak Manor, her marital home with Gilbert.

David said, "Ms. Sherilyn, rest well. I'll take my leave now."

"Thank you, David." Standing at the doorstep of Golden Oak Manor, Sherilyn took a deep breath before pushing the door open and stepping inside.

Her hand trembled as she opened the door. She would never step foot in this house again if she had any other place to go. But she was out of money, so she had no other choice.

Having just arrived in Sunhaven without a place to stay, staying in a hotel was out of the question. Her funds were so limited that she'd rather sleep on the streets than spend unnecessarily.

Staying at Golden Oak Manor meant possibly facing Gilbert's disdain. But she wasn't afraid.

What were a few more cold shoulders? She had grown a thick skin over the years.

Inside, Sherilyn placed her luggage in a corner, taking only her essentials. She wouldn't stay long, just enough to replace her place.

After a refreshing shower, washing off the day's fatigue, she noticed Gilbert hadn't returned yet.

The kitchen seemed unused, with barely any ingredients. After searching, Sherilyn found a pack of spaghetti near its expiry date and a few eggs. When the water boiled, Sherilyn prepared her simple meal, spaghetti with some scrambled eggs, lacking any greens.

"Wow..." Holding the plate, she inhaled deeply, "Delicious."

To her, a clean meal was a feast.

Just as she was about to eat, she heard the front door.

Sherilyn paused, her heart skipping a beat. Gilbert was home.