A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

Chapter 22

Archie's two older brothers were born to his father's wife, while he himself was the son of the third mistress.

The Yoder matriarch- a fierce and ruthless woman- tolerated her husband's affairs but drew the line when it came to anyone threatening her sons' inheritance.

And so, after giving birth to Archie, his mother was frequently persecuted by her. The relentless torment eventually took its toll, causing her to suffer severe mental distress and instability.

Without his mother's protection, Archie's place within the Yoder family was precarious. His survival to this point had been nothing short of a miracle. From a young age, he learned to conceal his talents, playing the fool and projecting an image of incompetence to avoid Mrs. Yoder's wrath.

Calliope had been so infatuated with Gideon in the past that she never really noticed Archie's plight.

herself in, Archie was always there smiling, ready to help. Yet she

After taking control of the Yoder family, Archie had eliminated his

knew Archie was once again in a tough spot. Mrs. Yoder was scheming to force him into marrying into the Jansen family, trying to pair him with their rather eccentric and not-so-bright daughter. Archie was against it,

than a useless layabout, simply turned a blind

it now, Calliope's heart ached for Archie. If only she had known sooner, perhaps

She was staying at her grandfather's place in the

She would coax him out to catch frogs in the fields, fish in the creek, play

he began to open up. As they grew older, their bond deepened, and Archie became like a

possibly be wrong with me? I'm carefree and happy as can be!" Archie said with his usual cheerful

we all worry, Archie just drifts around, lazing about without

however, looked at Archie with a more serious