Whispers Turn to Whimpers: Could He Ever Change? novel Chapter 1302

"Yeah," Francis nodded, letting her hold his hand without trying to pull away.

"I... I..."

But soon, panic crossed Caroline's face as she stammered, "Did I do something wrong?"

Then, she started crying all over again.

"First it was Gilbert, he stopped coming to see me... And then you! After you brought me here, you never came back! You both abandoned me! You don't care about me anymore!"

Between her sobs, she frantically pulled at his sleeve.

"Tell me, what did I do wrong? Why did you stop caring? Just tell me, please! I'll fix it, I promise! I'm begging you, Francis!"

"Caroline."

Francis frowned, gently but firmly grasping her hand. "Calm down! We've just been incredibly busy... We didn't stay away on purpose!"

"Really?"

Caroline paused, looking up at him with hesitation. "Do you mean that? Is that the truth?"

"It is."

Francis nodded, keeping his voice gentle. "To me and Gilbert, you will always be family. We will never abandon you."

He offered a soft smile. "I'm here right now, aren't I?"

"..." Caroline stopped crying, seemingly persuaded by his reassurance. "So... it's true?"

"It's the truth."

Francis took the tissue back and gently wiped away her tears. "Are you feeling any better now?"

"Yeah."

Caroline hesitated before giving a small nod. "A little bit."

The painkillers were finally starting to work.

"Then be a good girl, close your eyes, and get some sleep."

With a gentle pat on her hand, Francis tossed the crumpled tissue into the trash and pulled the blanket up to her shoulders.

Lying on her side, Caroline stared up at him with pleading eyes. "Can you stay here with me?"

"Alright," Francis agreed with a warm nod. "Go to sleep. I'm not going anywhere."

"Okay..."

Caroline obediently closed her eyes, though her anxiety kept her fingers tightly curled around his hand.

Left with no other choice, Francis simply let her hold on.

Driving back from Mount Serenity, Francis dialed Rebecca's number.

It took several rings before she finally picked up. "Hello?"

Francis frowned. "Why did it take you so long to answer?"

"I was in the shower, I didn't hear it," Rebecca mumbled playfully. "What's wrong? Why are you being so bossy?"

"I'm sorry."

Francis shook his head. "I was just anxious. I was terrified you had fainted again."

"I won't."

Rebecca let out a soft laugh. "Dr. Wilson said I'm practically fully recovered, and Jane mentioned I haven't sleepwalked in ages."

Her tone was light and cheerful, bubbling with genuine happiness.

Francis couldn't help but smile. "That's great news."

His eyes softened as he shifted gears. "I have some good news of my own. Want to hear it?"

"What kind of good news?"

Rebecca's voice was warm and clear, like a babbling brook. Her vibrant energy instinctively smoothed the worry lines from Francis's forehead.