Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

What to get? This gift had to be special.

Edgar rose from his seat, exited his room, and made his way to the basement. The family's valuables were secured in a safe down there.

After typing in the code, Edgar entered and located his own safe, unlocking it. He rummaged through it and pulled out a box, opening it to take a peek inside. Nodding in satisfaction, he muttered, "This is perfect."

With the box in hand, he locked up and headed out.

"Edgar." Just as he was about to head upstairs, he heard someone call his name.

Turning around, he saw his parents, Gaylord and Adela Ferguson.

"Mom, Dad."

They had just returned from a social gathering.

Perfect timing, as Edgar was waiting for them.

Adela stepped forward, eyeing her son with a curious expression. "Back early, I see..."

Her gaze then fell on the box in Edgar's hand.

"What's that?" she asked, her tone dropping.

"This..." Edgar didn't hide it, replying with a smile, "It's a bracelet."

He planned to talk to them about Sherilyn soon anyway, so there was no need for secrets.

Adela's eyebrows furrowed immediately, recognizing it. "Is that the one from your grandma?"

"Yes."

"Let me see." Without waiting for a reply, Adela took the box, opened it, and saw a ruby bracelet inside.

She let out a bitter laugh, thinking about the rumors she'd heard at the party as she scrutinized her son.

"Come here, we need to talk."

"Oh." Edgar, puzzled, looked at his father. "Dad, what's wrong with Mom?"

Gaylord sighed and shook his head. "You'll find out."

He was also unhappy with the gossip they'd run into that evening...

The three of them sat down on the sofa.

"Mom?" Edgar, still confused, faced his parents. "What's so serious?"

He'd wait until after their discussion to bring up Sherilyn.

"Let's hear it then."

Adela placed the bracelet box on the table. "Why are you taking this out? Surely not for yourself?"

"Of course not."

Edgar chuckled, struck by the ironic timing. Just as he was about to explain, they brought it up.

"I'm giving it to someone."

"To someone?"

Adela glanced at her husband, her expression darkening. "Who? A girlfriend? Such an expensive item is not something just any friend can accept."

"It's..."

Edgar nodded, then hesitated before shaking his head. "Not yet, I'm still courting her."

Hearing this, Gaylord turned his face away.

Adela's face went pale, but she still clung to hope. "You've only been back for a short while, and you've already found someone? Tell me, which family's daughter is she?"

Edgar sheepishly replied, "She's... the adopted daughter of the Johnson family."

As expected!

"My son."

Adela's demeanor instantly hardened, any semblance of a smile vanishing.

"Listen to me, I do not approve of this."

What? Edgar was taken aback, unable to comprehend. "Why not?"

Adela laughed bitterly. "Why? The Johnson family's adopted daughter? That Sherilyn is nothing but an orphan! And it's not just that she's an orphan, but she's also Gilbert's ex-wife!"

"So what?"

Edgar truly couldn't understand. "I like her, and I want to be with her. Is that a crime?"Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

"Edgar!"

Adela paused, then suddenly slammed her hand on the table.

"Come on, get a grip! She's not worth it!"