A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

Silas didn't really think she'd gone out of her way just to see Gideon. Still, he couldn't help feeling a little bothered that Calliope had run into Gideon at all.

"I did see Gideon." Calliope grinned, her tone teasing. "Would you believe me if I said it wasn't on purpose?"

"Of course I'd believe you," Silas replied. "You probably had something else to do at the hospital, right? I just wanna know, did he try anything with you?"

"Oh, and by the way, Yvette sent me a picture. That lunchbox wasn't yours, was it?"

Silas knew Calliope too well. If she were really visiting someone in the hospital, she wouldn't show up with some crummy takeout box. She'd bring something fancy or thoughtful. Besides, after the way Gideon had treated her before, the idea that she'd go see him for no reason was just ridiculous.

"See? I knew you wouldn't buy it," Calliope laughed. "But I didn't think you'd call me so fast!"

"Yvette brought the lunch. She made up some excuse about needing the bathroom and then snapped a few photos while she was at it."

"I noticed her taking them, by the way," Calliope added, her voice calm. "But I didn't call her out on it right away. I knew you wouldn't be dumb enough to believe her anyway."

"I only believe my wife," Silas said, voice warm and sincere.

went to the hospital for Horatio's surgery. I needed to borrow an OR and some extra hands, so I had to talk to the ortho team. That's how I ran into Yvette, and then she dragged me

of it had

everything you do has a reason. Even if, someday, you told me you didn't love me anymore and you had feelings for someone else, I'd accept it.

left Calliope speechless and deeply moved. After a few more minutes

seemed, like she was sure

she wanted to talk about what

scheme her sleeve. You might as well hear her out, find out

honestly curious where Yvette's confidence came from? Was it pure arrogance,

say. But you're coming with me, right?"

want me

you want to

"Absolutely!"

them laughed darkly,

...

at the office, Calliope got swept up in her