A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

Silas dropped Calliope off at Lance's place, then left to take care of his own business.

The moment Calliope stepped inside, she could feel it—the tension in the house was thick, almost suffocating.

On the couch, Hudson and Lance sat side by side, neither saying a word. Both of them looked pale, eyes dark and tired. It was like some kind of silent standoff.

Lance, especially, looked like he'd been crying for hours. His eyes were red and puffy, reminding Calliope of a kid who'd just lost his favorite puppy.

It was hard not to feel sorry for him. Usually, Lance was so lively and upbeat. Seeing him like this... well, anyone would feel their heart ache for him. If the person you loved most in the world only had a little time left, who could just accept that? Who could just let go?

Calliope slipped off her sneakers, and only then did both guys seem to notice her. They looked over at her at the exact same moment.

"Callie," Lance choked out. His voice was thick, shaky, his eyes wet. He looked about two seconds away from falling apart completely.

Honestly, even Hudson looked wrecked. And Calliope? Seeing them both like this made her chest ache.

"I'm sorry," she said softly, walking over and wrapping Lance in a hug.

come sooner. She should've been

his brother was on death's door, he should just wait

the person Lance adored most was

there had been even a sliver of hope, she would've flown across the country in

through options.

told her the same thing: "Let him spend his

death sentence.

rolling down his cheeks. "You knew, didn't you? You

"I'm sorry, Lance. I wasn't sure what was really going on. I didn't want to worry you

voice

like he wanted

just sat there, clutching a pillow until his

wasn't much time left. But Lance just couldn't believe

always looking

making things okay. How could someone like that