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.

actually jumps? Maybe Valerian should go check on her," Monty suggested, glancing at Silas and Calliope for approval. He clearly wasn't about

fixing Monty with

in, "Maybe you should go up there and

his

infectious illness, she quickly thought better of it. No way was she going up

intention of playing along with Lisette's drama. They weren't stupid. Calliope had already called her bluff. If Lisette was really going to jump, she'd

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

starving," Calliope announced, standing up. "Can we have breakfast

chance. "I already asked Valerian to pick up your favorite pastries. They're still warm! Let's

the table, pointedly ignoring the whole Lisette situation,

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

did jump, they'd definitely hear

it was obvious she hadn't. Everything was