A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

In the dining room.

Zelda sat right next to Lisette, piling her plate high with all her favorite dishes- roast chicken, cheesy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, you name it.

Monty shot Zelda a sharp look from across the table, then nudged her gently, trying to get her to pay a little attention to Calliope too.

But Zelda couldn't care less. She was all about Lisette.

"Lisette, eat up! Look at you, you're skin and bones!"

"Is there anything else you want? Now that you're home, just tell me whatever you're craving! I'll make it for you myself! Your mom's home-cooked, just for you!"

"I made all these dishes just for you. You like them, right?"

Lisette's eyes sparkled with gratitude. "Yeah, thanks, Mom!"

Calliope stayed quiet, poking at her food. Honestly, she didn't care how Zelda treated her. It wasn't like she was a big fan of Zelda, anyway.

Monty leaned in, whispering, "Honey, maybe give Callie a little, too? She's your biological daughter, after all."

Zelda shot Calliope a look. "She's got two perfectly good hands. Why should I serve her? Looks like she's enjoying her meal just fine."

And, hey, I've got working hands and feet. She must think Lisette's missing

glared at Calliope,

went

sitting further down the table, exchanged a glance, then both started dishing food onto

"Callie, have some more!"

what you like,

soup? I'll

salmon, right? I'll pick out

was rare to see Horatio and Valerian acting like doting big brothers

had been in a good mood, because

But seeing her brothers fuss over Calliope

and Valerian suddenly treating Calliope like she was golden child? Weren't

this nice to her?

didn't dare throw a fit. She just sent Calliope a series of death glares from across the

met her gaze, a playful challenge in her eyes, almost like she was

so hard, your eyes might pop out. Not happy with me? Oh, is it

wrong, about to

me guess, next you'll say,