A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

Lisette had heard every word Calliope said, but she still bolted straight up to the top floor in a huff.

Once she got there, she started to wait. She was sure the Jewell family would come after her, just like they always did. They'd try to talk her down, shower her with affection, and, in the end, promise her anything just to make her feel better.

She was convinced Calliope must be scared she'd actually do something drastic. If she did, wouldn't that make it Calliope's fault too?

So there Lisette stood, right on the rooftop terrace. She hadn't bothered to put on much that morning, and now the chilly breeze up there made her shiver so hard her teeth almost chattered.

But she told herself, if she wanted to get the upper hand with the Jewells, she couldn't back down now. The more pitiful she looked, the more they'd worry, and the more likely they'd cave to whatever she wanted.

So Lisette stayed put. She didn't jump, but she stubbornly remained on the terrace, keeping up her act.

Meanwhile, downstairs.

Monty and the others hesitated.

at Silas and Calliope for approval. He clearly wasn't about to send

fixing Monty with a look. "You feeling sorry

"Maybe you should go up there and jump

shut his mouth

looked a little worried, but remembering the rumors about Lisette's infectious illness, she quickly thought better of it. No way

was really going to jump, she'd have done it by now. She'd had plenty of time since she stormed upstairs. Clearly,

about his upcoming surgery. Valerian was eagerly anticipating his favorite present. Both decided it was smarter

up. "Can we have breakfast

the chance. "I already asked Valerian to pick up

pointedly ignoring the whole Lisette situation, as if she

breakfast, chatting about anything but Lisette. No one seemed to care whether she jumped

did jump, they'd definitely hear the

obvious she hadn't.