A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

Just as the commotion started, everyone's curiosity was piqued. People gathered around with wide eyes, whispering and trading theories like they were at a neighborhood barbecue.

"It's not for me? Oh, come on, it's obviously for me!" Valerian insisted, grinning. "Franco, you knew about this, didn't you?"

"Callie told you to order this car, right? She specifically wanted you to get it for me, didn't she?"

"I heard you both talking about ordering the car, you know!" Valerian added matter-of-factly, as if everything was already settled. "You won't help me? Fine, I'll take care of it myself. The keys? Are they in the car?"

He started tugging at the car cover, determined to see what was underneath.

Franco tried to stop him, but Valerian was having none of it. He was absolutely set on seeing and test-driving the car.

Ulysses, standing nearby, started to get the feeling something wasn't right.

If this car really was for Valerian, Franco wouldn't be trying so hard to block him from it. Odds were, the fancy new ride wasn't his.

"Valerian, maybe you should double-check," Ulysses suggested, shooting a look at Franco. "There's a chance it's not actually for you."

had more than one "big

it was for her second brother, and that's me!" Valerian declared. "It's obviously

If he remembered right, Callie had three "brothers" at the airport that day. "Second brother" might be

never actually said this car was for you. If it were, I would've handed you the keys already. I really don't want you

In his mind, Callie wouldn't give a gift like this to anyone but him. He'd already forgotten about the other "brothers" in her life,

Valerian whipped the cover off the

only

gasped as the cover came off. Someone

the whole country! Did

giving it away as a

for Valerian? That

don't buy it either," someone

In

disbelief buzzed through the crowd. The car was just too extravagant. No

something like that.