A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

"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.noveldrama

"No need," Calliope said coolly, glancing around the room. "I'm here to talk about Horatio's surgery."

"What do you mean...?" Horatio's heart was pounding. Was she backing out? The thought left him cold with dread.

"You're not going to cancel Horatio's surgery, are you?" Monty frowned, worry etched on his face.

"Calliope, you promised you'd take care of it! You can't go back on your word now," Zelda burst out, her voice sharp with panic as she stormed up to Calliope.

"They've treated you so 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 she glared at Calliope. "If you refuse to help Horatio, I swear I won't let this go!"

Calliope barely spared Zelda a glance. "never said I wouldn't do it. Why are you so worked up? I'm just date of the surgery."

here to let you know the just

"If you want the operation, get ready. If you don't, that's your call," she said, her tone flat.

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

"So, when's the surgery?" Valerian asked, relieved.

"Two days from now," Calliope replied calmly. "I've already scheduled it with the hospital."

"Great," Horatio said, managing a small, relieved smile. "Thank you, Callie. I know this is a lot."

Calliope shot him a brief look, then pulled a folded piece of paper from her bag. "I made you a checklist-everything you need to have ready. Make sure you're prepared."

She handed Horatio the list, then turned to leave.

"Thank you! We'll get it all sorted," Monty said, finally exhaling in relief.

"Calliope, you're not going to take it out on Horatio, are you?" Zelda asked nervously, unable to hide her suspicion. She knew Calliope resented them.

"If you're that worried, you can always find someone else for the surgery," Calliope

said flatly, fixing Zelda with a look before heading for the door.

"Callie, where are you going? Aren't you staying for dinner?" Monty called after her, but Calliope was already gone.