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.

and stepped inside, expecting to find Calliope, maybe in a playful huff or maybe sulking a bit.

eerily silent. The dining table was bare, the rooms empty, and there was no sign of Calliope

dropped his suitcase by the door and

The call connected quickly.

now? Shouldn't you be at home,

continuing, "I know you might be upset, but didn't we have a great wedding? You even handed out chocolate at the

Manor, Calliope stood

kind, her favorite blooms, climbing and

patiently to Gideon's words, her

weren't the groom. Why should I cook for you

voice crackled with irritation. "If I'm not the groom, then who is? You can't just conjure up

the perfect husband! Better looking, in better shape, more capable..." she