A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

"One day, they'll discover the truth behind it all. Whether they regret it or not doesn't really matter. Callie can live a fantastic life. She's wasted enough of her time on them already. There's no need for her to waste anymore."

Calliope nodded. "Yeah, exactly."

She used to be so reserved. Initially, she only wanted to see if they truly cared for her, but slowly, she realized they were drifting further and further away. She lost interest in sharing everything she had with them.

"Here, eat." Silas had somehow picked up a buffalo wing and held it to her lips.

Calliope took a bite, savoring the spicy kick. She glanced at Silas, her eyes crinkling into a smile.

Silas was caught in her gaze, his ears turning a shade of red.

Portia gave Archie a nudge and raised an eyebrow at the scene.

Archie frowned, sizing up the situation, then took several swigs of his beer.

buffalo wings, laughing and chatting away, downing more drinks

drink, too. Despite the comfort her friends offered, the disappointment of her own parents-those hopes she harbored-shattered,

the alcohol buzzing in her system, she clung a little closer to

don't they like

Did I have a

don't take responsibility. They only care about their adopted daughter. Why

not a curse. I'm not. I haven't brought them

out their messes, but they don't see

mussed her hair. "It's not your fault.

without you,

not love you, but I do. You're not a curse. You're

I'll always love

world turns its back

will. Not now,