A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

"How do you explain this? Isn't this just a re-shoot of the old family photo? It's fine. The real Calliope isn't around anymore, and it's not like I'm actually family," Calliope replied with a shrug, sounding perfectly unbothered.

Maybe, back in the day, she would have felt a little jealous, maybe even angry. But now? She knew perfectly well these people weren't really her family. If anything, she just felt kind of sorry for the real Calliope.

If the real Calliope knew what was going on, she'd probably be heartbroken.

"Callie, don't say that!" Horatio blurted out, voice tight with worry. "We just... we feel guilty about Lisette, is all. We didn't want her to feel left out these past few days. We were afraid she'd feel like she didn't belong."

"We have both photos, don't we? Why not hang them both up?" Horatio glanced over at Valerian for backup.

"Absolutely. The house is big enough. Two family portraits won't hurt anyone," Valerian chimed in quickly. "Callie, don't overthink it. We can put both up, no problem."

"Yeah! We just hang both, and everyone's happy!" Monty piped up, trying to smooth things over.

None of them really wanted to upset Calliope. After all, she was supposed to handle Horatio's surgery, and on top of that, she was managing the family company now. The board of directors was watching her every move.

the room. "I'm here to

was pounding. Was she backing out?

Horatio's surgery, are you?" Monty frowned, worry etched on his

on your word now," Zelda burst out, her voice sharp with panic as she stormed up to

well, gave you the master bedroom, let you pick out anything you wanted, even put you in charge of the company! What more do you want?" Zelda's anger was almost comical as

I wouldn't do it. Why are you so worked

let you know

ready. If you don't, that's your

want it! Of course we do!" Monty quickly interjected. "Callie, you already planned everything, huh? Sorry, looks like

the surgery?" Valerian

from now," Calliope replied calmly.

said, managing a small, relieved smile. "Thank

look, then pulled a folded piece of paper from her bag. "I made you a checklist-everything