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.

Calliope said coolly, glancing around the room. "I'm here to talk about Horatio's

do you mean...?" Horatio's heart was pounding. Was she backing

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

of it! You can't go back on your word now," Zelda burst out, her voice

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 she glared at Calliope. "If you refuse to help Horatio, I swear I won't

it. Why are you so worked up?

let you know

If you don't,

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

when's the surgery?" Valerian

replied calmly. "I've already

a small, relieved smile. "Thank you, Callie. I

from her bag. "I made you a checklist-everything you need to