Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Edgar froze, his smile stiffening.

He had been rejected.

A self-deprecating chuckle escaped him. "So, is this the friend zone card you're giving me?"

"Well..." Sherilyn faltered, "You're really great."

"But just not great enough for you to like me," Edgar said with a bitter smile. "Right?"

Not willing to give up just yet, Edgar pressed on before Sherilyn could reply.

"I understand that feelings can't be forced. But love at first sight exists, as does love that grows over time. We've never tried being together. Maybe, after dating, you'll feel differently about me... Sherilyn, can't we give it a try? You don't hate me, do you?"

Sherilyn was taken aback.

Such simple yet fervent, relentless confession, it reminded her of her twenty-year-old self.

Oh.

With a very soft sigh, Sherilyn felt compelled to remind him, "Edgar, does your family know about me?"

Upon hearing this, Edgar was taken aback. Opening his mouth, he admitted, "They... don't know yet."

Just as she thought.

Sherilyn gently swirled the cup in her hand, looking deep into his eyes.

"If you're just looking for a 'memory', then, Edgar, I won't reject you..."

He had helped her more than once. He was a warm hue in her life...

For all his kindness, Sherilyn didn't mind walking a part of the journey with him, letting each other be 'passersby' in their lives.

She wasn't a prude, nor did she think there was anything shameful in love and affection.

But, she knew Edgar wasn't like that. He was serious.

"Sherilyn!"

As expected, as soon as she finished speaking, Edgar shook his head in denial, "I've never thought of treating you that way! I hope we have a future!"

"A future?" Content is property of NôvelDrama.Org.

Sherilyn's voice carried a hint of sarcasm, self-mockingly, "We have no future. Your family won't accept me."

How could she, a woman who had been married twice, match up with him? A scion of a wealthy family with international education?

Not to mention, she had Jenna...

They were absolutely impossible.

Edgar was momentarily at a loss for words, "My family doesn't know yet. How can you be so sure they'll object?"

"For sure." Sherilyn didn't even need to think about it, it was beyond doubt.

She repeated her point, "Edgar, I'm not Larsa. I'm really grateful to you, for helping me escape that painful marriage, for helping me return to the dance troupe..."

Sherilyn was sincerely thankful. "To me, you're a very important friend. Let's end this now, shall we?"

While he still just liked her, while it was still just a fondness...

To cut the losses early, to prevent deeper hurt.

"Sherilyn..."

Knock, knock, knock.

The room door was knocked, the waiter had come to serve the meal.

"Alright." Sherilyn changed the subject, "Aren't we here to celebrate my successful performance? Let's not talk about this anymore. Let's have a good meal. It will get cold soon."

Edgar felt a lump in his throat, his meal tasting bland.

He knew well, at this moment, no matter what he said, it was useless. The crux of the matter was with him, with his family.

...

Returning home, Edgar was plotting in his heart.

He hadn't thought about keeping Sherilyn a secret from his family. It's just that he didn't think it was time to tell them yet.

But Sherilyn's behavior tonight made him realize he needed to speed up his plans.

If he just came clean with his family, then Sherilyn wouldn't reject him anymore, right?

Then, he could propose to Sherilyn formally once more.

As Edgar waited for his parents to come home, he wondered if he should prepare a gift for the proposal.