A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

Chapter 2

"Calliope, did you chase Gideon away again?" Zelda's voice carried its usual air of authority. "Can't you just be more like Lisette for once? Why must you always stir up trouble? You insisted on marrying Gideon, and now that it's happening, you're not even trying to hold onto it. The wedding is about to start, and the groom's gone AWOL. How do you think that looks?"

Calliope didn't bother responding. She simply met her parents' gaze with that familiar, indifferent stare. This was the first time she had seen them since her rebirth.

It was only when they were about to be humiliated that they finally paid her any mind. Otherwise, they wouldn't have cared if she had vanished off the face of the earth.

In her past life, when she was dying and pleaded for help, they were busy planning a grand birthday party for Lisette, their adopted daughter. They were all smiles and laughter, while she was drowning in despair. Lisette's birthday had become her death anniversary.

"Calliope, why can't you just give us some peace? You're embarrassing not just us, but Lisette too." "Both of you are our daughters. I don't expect you to be as accomplished as Lisette, but at least don't cause trouble.

Zelda huffed, exasperated.

Calliope remained impassive. "Don't worry. The wedding will go on as planned. Just wait outside."

Monty studied her for a moment, then gave a slight nod before leading Zelda out of the room.

to whisper, "Calliope, you're going to be the talk of the town today. There won't be a groom at your wedding! Gideon's run off to see Yvette, and he won't be back

Smack!

slap rang through the

staggered back, eyes

insane!" she cried, clutching her stinging

her gaze with an icy, unwavering stare. "Yes, I'm

chill crept down Lisette's spine. This wasn't the timid, self-effacing girl she was used to manipulating. Calliope had always been the

There was

...

and headed to another

Eamon Baker and

on the other hand, was Gideon's uncle, adopted

of Capitalton's power, revered and feared by many. Aside from Eamon, there wasn't a single person in the Baker

asked, his

nodded. "Does your offer