A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

Horatio had his doubts, but when he thought about it, Calliope had always been the kind to just quietly take whatever came her way from the family, without complaining. She really did care about them, maybe more than she let on.

Sure, she could be a little prickly, and she didn't want to seem too close to them these days. But deep down, Horatio figured, she still wanted that closeness. She was probably still trying to patch things up, in her own way.

Now that they'd all realized how unfair they'd been before, it was time to treat her better. If Callie wasn't ready to reach out, well, maybe it was up to them to make the first move.

"Dad, Valerian, we really ought to do better," Horatio said. "Let's be kinder to Callie from now on. She deserves it. We need to look after her more."

"And about Lisette... Maybe we should ease up a bit. I think we've spoiled her too much, that's probably why she's made so many mistakes. We can't keep coddling her."

After their little family meeting, they all quietly resolved to treat Calliope with more warmth. As for Lisette, well, maybe it was time to let her feel a bit of cold shoulder, so she'd start learning from her mistakes.

Lisette, meanwhile, had caught bits and pieces of their conversation. She didn't hear much, just Valerian mentioning that Calliope had given him a present.

given him, but whatever it was, it sure made Valerian happy. That meant it was probably something

or quirky keychains, and he'd absolutely

happy, Lisette figured she'd better step up her game. She'd go buy something, pretend she'd made it herself, and

Horatio and the others. Lisette had always given them gifts that showed she cared, not pricey, but meaningful. It's the thought that

would love them. And when they compared her gifts to Calliope's, they'd see who really knew

no way she could know what really mattered to them. And honestly,

but feel a little smug. Calliope could never really compete with her, not when it came to the Jewell family. Lisette was sure she'd always

...

the table for breakfast. No

attentive, was making sure Calliope's plate was full, even feeding her a

not to your liking?" he asked her gently. "You're not a fan

"It's edible,