A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

Chapter 12

Gideon practically bounced with excitement as he made his way home, his mind filled with the comforting image of a warm, welcoming house. He imagined Calliope, his wife, having everything ready for him. He couldn't stop thinking about her famous pot roast- the kind that filled the house with an irresistible aroma.

By the time he pulled over, his stomach was already rumbling in anticipation.

He hurried his pace, eager to reach his doorstep, fully intending to punch in his key code to open the door. But then, he hesitated.

Calliope might have already moved in. She had been so eager to marry him, always dropping by to cook even before they were officially married. Surely, now that they were, she would have moved in right away. Instead of using the code, he decided to ring the doorbell.

He pressed it once, twice, three times...

Gideon waited, but the door remained shut. No one came to greet him.

entered the code himself and stepped inside, expecting to find Calliope, maybe in a playful huff or maybe sulking

The dining table was bare, the rooms empty, and there was no

dropped his suitcase by the door and

The call connected quickly.

where are you? Don't you remember we're married now? Shouldn't you be at home, cooking and waiting for me?

but didn't we have a great wedding? You even handed out chocolate at the office. Come on, come back.

the Myers Manor, Calliope stood by a

of every kind, her

listened patiently to Gideon's words, her fingers idly playing

you weren't the groom. Why should I cook

you talking?" Gideon's voice crackled with irritation. "If I'm not the groom,

perfect husband! Better looking, in better shape, more capable..." she continued, "There's not a