A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust by Sally Garcia

Portia practically stumbled upon Julius, panting and out of breath. She'd been running for what felt like forever, only relaxing when she was sure no one was chasing her anymore.

"There you are," Julius said, his expression a mix of relief and mild confusion.

After all, plenty of people wanted to be associated with him, but Portia's reaction earlier had been priceless. She'd made it very clear she wanted nothing to do with any rumors about them.

She'd shut down all the gossip in a heartbeat.

"Sorry about that," Portia blurted, still catching her breath. "I just panicked. If people think I'm your girlfriend, it's going to be a pain for me, and honestly, not great for you either!"

"Plus, you have so many fans. If anyone finds out you're really Julius, you can kiss your freedom goodbye. It was just a quick fix!"

Portia glanced at Julius, a little sheepish. "You're not mad, right? I wasn't actually calling you a plastic surgery nightmare or anything. I mean, I get along with you guys, but we all know what's up. Callie told us everything."

She looked genuinely concerned, worried she'd crossed a line.

But Julius just shook his head and offered her a crooked smile. "It's fine, really."

"And thanks, by the way, you were so quick on your feet. You probably saved us a lot of trouble."

him off. "No big deal. Lucky for you, it's not too crowded over here. But seriously, you

out a face mask, handing it to him. "Here, better

the

he could pass for just another guy in the crowd. Even if someone did a double-take, he could just play it cool and

a sigh of relief. "I heard

why not?" Julius replied, falling

...

the other

up from Calliope and the others, Mavis found herself

with anyone just yet Instead, she drifted between the booths and food trucks, taking in the sights

a shooting game booth, curiosity

she picked up the BB gun, drawing

here alone?"

holding that, she knows what she's

must be a

probably just striking a pose, though, I