Whispers Turn

Walking through the living room to the backyard, they could feel the weight of numerous gazes on them. Whispers floated through the oir, barely audible over the murmur of the gathering. 

“Hey, who’s that with Mr. Gilbert?” 

“Is that Caroline?” 

“She doesn’t look like Caroline Camline’s not that tall” 

“Since when are high heels banned?” 

Sherilyn couldn’t help but chuckle silently. She knew Caroline and Gilbert were close, but mixing her up with Caroline was a bit much. They couldn’t be more different in appearance and stature. 

“Hello?” Gilbert suddenly stopped to answer his phone. 

“About the situation in the East District… Yeah, here’s the case…” 

It sounded like business talk. Sherilyn didn’t understand or core to, so she stood quietly, waiting. 

Gilbert hurried off soon, leaving Sherilyn trying to keep pace until he turned and irritably told her, “I’ve got things to handle. Stop following me around!” 

After saying that, he strode away. 

Sherilyn stood still, feeling oddly calm. Being left behind was nothing new, but what was she to do? Feeling hungry, she realized she *had only nibbled on a few slices of bread all day. Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

It was time to eat. Sherilyn went to the buffet, her eyes scanning the spread. It had been years since she’d indulged in such delightful treats. 

“Caroline!” Someone tapped her shoulder gently. 

Sherilyn turned to see a young woman she faintly recognized. “Huh?” 

It was Darlene Bryant, one of Gilbert’s fervent admirers from back then and the heiress to the Bryant Group. If Sherilyn hadn’t been in the picture, Darlene might have ended up marrying Gilbert, making them sworn enemies. 

“You’re not Caroline, you’re… After a closer look, Darlene got suspicious, though she was unsure. “Sherilyn?” 

Darlene wasn’t alone. Several friends around her were all shocked at the mention of Sherilyn’s name. 

“Sherilyn? She’s back?” 

“Wow, fresh news. It is a welcome party for Sherilyn, and you had no clue?” 

“I honestly didn’t know. Oh my god, Sherilyn’s back!” 

Their companions looked disgusted. 

if I’d known, I wouldn’t have come. Welcoming Sherilyn? That’s a joke!” 

“Sherilyn’s return spells trouble for Sunhaven!” 

Sherilyn ignored their comments, focusing instead on the buffet. She reached for a brownie, only to see another hand aiming for the same treat. It was Darlene. 

*“Dops” Darlene quickly withdrew her hand, saying, “Go ahead, take it. I didn’t want it.” 

Sherilyn snorted softly, amused by Darlene’s pretense of generosity. 

“Thanks” She took a brownie and walked away leaving a trail of whispers behind her. 

“What just happened? She didn’t argue with you?” 

“She’s changed!” 

Darlene scoffed, “Changed? Have you everheard old habits die hard? She’s just putting on an act.” 

Eyeing Sherilyn’s dress, Darlene smirked/“Just wait. The drama’s about to unfeld” 

Then Caroline appeared, radiant in a flowing champagne off–shoulder gown, clinging to Gilbert’s arm with a joyful smile.