A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

The next morning, when Calliope got out of bed, everyone else was already up.noveldrama

Monty spotted her right away and called out with a grin, "Hey, Callie! You're finally up! Breakfast is ready! Come grab a plate!"

Calliope nodded, making her way over to him.

Horatio and Valerian came over at the same time, both greeting her with warm, sleepy smiles before sitting down right next to her.

A few minutes later, Lisette Jewell strolled in. She paused for a split second, noticing how everyone was gathered around Calliope, and couldn't help feeling a little left out.

Still, she kept her face neutral. No way was she letting them see her annoyed. She didn't believe for a second that Calliope could hold everyone's attention forever. After all, they'd always loved her most-sooner or later, things would go back to the way they were.

"Morning, everyone!" Lisette called out, sounding chipper as ever.

She took a seat and glanced around the table. "I slept great last night! It's been ages since I've stayed in our house. Sure, the room is smaller, but I haven't slept so soundly in a long time."

Calliope looked up, eyebrow raised. "Huh. I don't remember anyone asking how you slept."

Lisette's smile wavered. Her cheeks flushed with irritation, and she shot Calliope a sharp look. Meddler, she thought.

"Maybe no one asked, but I just wanted to share with Dad and my brothers, that's all!" Lisette said, forcing her tone to stay light. "When I was away, all I could think about was you guys. And I was super worried about Horatio's legs. How's it doing, anyway? Callie, are you really sure you can heal him? Like, really sure?"

She glanced at Calliope, her eyes narrowed with skepticism, like she doubted Calliope could actually pull it off. What if something went wrong? What if Horatio's legs ended up even worse?

"Callie, are you absolutely positive you can fix his legs? I mean, even all those specialists couldn't do it. Are you sure you're up to it?"

She stared at Calliope, curiosity and challenge in her gaze.

"I know you've got a reputation for being a miracle worker, but this is about

Horatio's legs. That's not something you can risk, right?"

Lisette's voice was serious, all concern for Horatio, at least on the surface.

Calliope took a bite of her pancake, then looked Lisette dead in the eye. "If you're that worried, maybe you should do it."

Lisette's jaw clenched, her face turning a little red. She hadn't expected Calliope to snap back.

"If you don't have the skills, maybe

try saying less. If you really think you can do better, go ahead, be my guest," Calliope continued calmly “But no one can guarantee a one hundred percent success rate. It's not like you can promise you won't get hit by lightning tomorrow, right?"

She fixed Lisette with a steady gaze. "All I can do is give it everything I've got. I've already explained everything to Horatio and the others. If you're not happy about it, I can always step aside."

Lisette looked even more flustered, glancing at Horatio for support.

Horatio spoke up, "Lisette, you don't have to worry. Callie's already explained everything to us. She knows what she's doing."

As he said it, Horatio remembered

the first time he'd managed to stand again. It was all thanks to Calliope

She never bragged about it, but

Lisette had always tried to el.ne

credit for his recovery, even though she'd had nothing to do with it. That memory soured his mood, and he

frowned, feeling less charitable toward Lisette.

Lisette seemed to pick up on his change of mood. She forced a wobbly smile and said, “Sorry, Horatio. I'm just worried about you. I really hope the surgery goes perfectly and you're able to walk again."