A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

"I wonder if Callie even likes them," Valerian muttered under his breath. He just picked up the box of cupcakes and walked away.

Lisette's face turned a shade of green that would make a cucumber jealous.

She couldn't believe it. She'd basically spelled it out for him, and he just waltzed off with the cupcakes like he hadn't understood a word she'd said.

She took a deep, steadying breath.

Clearly, waiting around wasn't going to cut it. If she wanted them to notice her, she'd have to take matters into her own hands. She needed to make sure they knew she was giving them thoughtful, meaningful gifts. It was the only way they'd realize how much she cared. And if they didn't believe she loved them, there was no way they'd ever be good to her.

She'd been fighting for their affection her whole life. Pushing Calliope out of the picture? That was practically second nature by now.

Lisette narrowed her eyes, a plan already forming. She headed back to her office, rolled up her sleeves, and got to work.

When Calliope came back to her desk later, she found Valerian standing there awkwardly, balancing a box of red velvet cupcakes.

way back," he said, offering her the box. "Do you like these?

Just let me

your own work, Valerian. I don't need any help. And you really don't have to keep buying me stuff. I'm

to get so excited when I brought you cupcakes as a kid. That's why I thought

voice was cold. "That little girl doesn't exist anymore,

winced, stung

been clearer: she'd changed. She wasn't the

listen... I know we weren't always great to you. But we're trying to change, I mean it! I know you still care about us,

pleading look, hand over his heart. "Really, I'm trying to make up for all the crap I did before. Just tell me what you want me to do. I'll

you can do," Calliope replied flatly, barely looking up from her computer. "No matter what

stood there,

Calliope's words didn't make him give up. If anything, he was more determined than ever to win her over Especially with that rumor about her buying him a new car. He couldn't shake the thought. He just didn't know when she was planning to give it to him, and the suspense was killing