Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change?

Sherilyn floated onto the stage, her white silk blouse billowing with each step, paired with breezy palazzo permette graceful legs beneath.

As she reached the spotlight, her coy yet inviting smile sent the crowd into a frenzy without her staring a wors

“Wow!”

“Damn!”

The room erupted with excitement.

fewcters,

At a prime table with a clear view of the stage, Gilbert sat with Derek Brooks, Yates Elliott, and a few others, including as Edgar Ferguson Having recently returned from studying abroad, Edgar seemed more bookish than before it was and shower Etgar the ropes, a rite of passage.

Yates poured Edgar a drink. “You’re grown up now, about to join the company. Time to get used to these kinds of nights

“Uh, sure,” Edgar replied shyly

Suddenly, the atmosphere charged, and everyone’s attention was drawn to the stage

Unable to resist, Derek remarked, “Is Neon Nights Bar showcasing a newcomer? Haven’t seen her before?

Yates nodded. “Seems like it.”

“Such a slender waist. Derek glanced at Gilbert and gestured, “Look at that. So sexy

“What are you showing him?” Yates chuckled, shaking his head, “Come on, you know he’s only got eyes for ma

“Enough.” Gilbert, who had been silent, shot Yates a glare, “Cut it out, will you?

“Okay, okay,” Yates raised his hands in surrender, exchanging a look with Derek

The secret was hardly a secret in Sunhaven. The drama of the Johnson brothers falling for the same girt, Caroline was well–known Gilbert had been guarding Caroline, even letting his marriage dissolve and sending his wife stroad for her sake in terms of loyary was unmatched.

On stage, Sherilyn was reaching the climax of her performance, her lithe body swaying, her eyes piercing yet aloof, creating a mesmerizing blend of allure and untouchability

The crowd was spellbound, drawn to her despite the sense that desiring her was almost a sin. The contrast she embodied was intoxicating, filling the room with the passion that captivated everyone, from the poolside to the booms

Suddenly, Gilbert straightened, his gaze fixed intently on the stage

“Hey, Derek noticed Gilbert’s transfixed look and waved his hand before him, “That mesmerized, hund

“Really?” Yates was incredulous, “No way. Besides, you know who, um, who else could catch Mr. Gilberts eye?

Gilbert managed a laugh, eyes narrowing, “Nonsense. She looks familiar, like someone I’ve met before”

“Pfft. Before Derek and Yates could utter a word, Edgar spewed out his champagne.

He was embarrassed in so sorry

He kept apologizing, telling the truth, Gilbert, man, that line was so cliché. These days, trying to woo a gid like that? You’ll get rejected

for sure.

Gilbert was

was confused

Derek and Yates exchanged glances, then burst into laughter

“Man” Derek clapped Gilbert on the shoulder. “Mr. Gilbert, getting dissed by a kid, how does that feel?

fear?”

“Get lost” Gilbert chuckled, shoving his friend’s hand away. His gaze lifted again, back to the stage. He felt like heid seen her before but couldn’t place her.

As the song ended, Sherlyn removed her hat, holding it against her chest, and with a slight bend of her knees, she gave a bow

The crowd started to heckle

“Don’t just take off the hat Take off the mask, too!”

“Yeah! You’re a great dancer and have an amazing figure, but what does your face look like?”

“Come on!” This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

No matter how much the crowd heckled, Sherlyn smiled it off, gave another graceful band of her knees, turned around, and headed backstage.

“Hey! Why is she leaving?”

“Don’t go! Even if you don’t remove the mask, dance another song

Sherilyn didn’t look back, leaving the commotion behind her.

Once in the dressing room, it wasn’t long before Colin came in, all smiles. He opened with praise. “Sherilyn, that jazz number was stunning!”

Shanlyn stood up, smiling modestly. “Colin, you’re too kind. I was doing my thing”

“Don’t be modest” Colin waved his hand dismissively, “Just as I thought, everyone outside is asking about you. I told you that you’d be an instant hit!”

“So, Colin “Sherilyn inquired, “I don’t have to dance again tonight?”

According to their earlier arrangement, Colin had said one song would be enough. But he also mentioned that they might need to play it by ear, depending on how it went.

wever, since she had finished her performance and Colin hadn’t prepared a second outfit for Sherilyn, it seemed they were sticking to

the original plan.

“No, not tonight.” Colin confirmed her guess. “If you go out there again, you’ll lose all the mystery we’ve built up! We need to keep them wanting more, unable to get it. What’s that called?”

“Hunger marketing, Sherilyn responded.

“Exactly!” Colin clapped, laughing “Tonight, you can head home early Nothing more for you to do.”

Ah? Sherilyn couldn’t help feeling surprised and awkward, “But, I only danced one song”

“That’s enough.” Colin assured her, “This is just the beginning. Dancing one song is fine. It builds up enough mystery. Later on, when you start showing your face, there’ll be more to do, and you’ll have to be ready for some socializing Just prepare yourself mentally, okay?” Colin added, “Of course, when the time comes, besides your signed salary, youll also earn some extra commissions. Just wait a bit longer

“Yeah, I understand.” Sherilyn nodded, “Thanks, Colin.”

Colin smiled. “Why the courtesy? It is all you. Keep up the good work!”

“Yes, Colin.” After seeing Colin out, Sherilyn sat down to remove her makeup.

Thinking to herself, if that was how it would be, working at Neon Nights Bar for at most four hours a night, dancing just one song, even with rehearsal time, that was hardly firing at all. It seemed she could pick up a part–time job during the day to earn more whenever possible.

After removing her makeup and changing clothes, Sherilyn left the dressing room. Bag on her back, she headed straight for the ext

“Wait up! Excuse me, miss!”