A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

Lisette stared at Horatio and Valerian in disbelief. They were actually siding with Calliope on this? She couldn't believe it. They really thought Calliope was in the right?

Calliope, for her part, just shrugged, her tone chilly. "That's settled, then.”

With that, she turned away and got back to whatever she was doing, not sparing the others another glance.

Lisette blinked rapidly, staring at the two men, her face full of hurt and

disappointment. "Did you hear what she said? She just told you she doesn't care if you're around or not."

Her voice wavered. "But I...I really need you. You have no idea how much you mean to me, how much I love you!"

She looked at Horatio and Valerian, hoping for a flicker of sympathy.

For a moment, Horatio's gaze softened. After all, they'd spoiled her since she was little. Seeing her so lost and desperate tugged at his heart, especially since Calliope had been working her pretty hard lately. He hadn't asked questions, but he could guess. Lisette had never been through anything like this.

wrong. Lisette had

not isn't really the point. What

paused, making sure she heard every word. "But you made mistakes. You need

sure you grow up right. Maybe I let things slide before, but

I get that you're exhausted, but Callie isn't wrong

let

unblinking. "Honestly, we always thought you were the capable one, even more than her. But it turns out, there's

drop the act, okay? We're not going to fall for

honest, giving

when she turned to Valerian,

right. You should

It felt like the world was crumbling around

put an end to it. "Alright, Lisette. You've got work

it."