A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

"Callie's exhausted, so I'm taking her home," Silas announced, cutting through the chatter without giving anyone a chance to object. He briskly led Calliope away from the group, leaving behind a trail of curious

stares.

On their way out, they bumped into Mavis and her friends.

Calliope leaned in towards them and whispered, "I'll explain later. You guys should head home too."

...

In the car, Calliope glanced at Silas.

"I can just stay at a hotel, you know," she ventured, feeling like she was imposing on him.

Even though they'd signed a contract and planned to get their marriage license tomorrow, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was burdening him.

"You're already Mrs. Myers," Silas replied, his voice steady and commanding. He sat beside her, focused on his iPad as he dealt with work emails, not bothering to look up.

They arrived at the Myers Manor, Silas's expansive estate in the heart of Capitalton. Calliope had been here once before, with Gideon. But this time, it was different.

Silas ushered her inside.

"Adah," Silas called to the housekeeper, "This is Mrs. Myers. Treat her as you would me. I've got work to take care of, so I'll be out for a bit. Show her to a room and make sure she's comfortable."

With a quick introduction, Silas was out the door, leaving Calliope in Adah's capable hands. She followed Adah to Silas's room, which was just as she had imagined-simple, clean, and devoid of unnecessary frills.

The next morning, Calliope woke to find Silas absent. It wasn't until she made her way downstairs that she saw him just returning.

"Morning," she said, trying to sound casual.

"Morning," he replied, equally brief.

The atmosphere was awkward, like the silence before a storm.

"Adah's made breakfast. You go ahead and eat while I take a shower. After that, we'll get the license," Silas said, heading upstairs.

Calliope exhaled. Only now did she realize she'd been holding her breath. She was still adjusting to this house, to this man, to this new life she'd thrust herself into.

As she sat down for breakfast, her phone buzzed with a call from Zelda.

"Calliope, you need to come home and explain what happened yesterday!" Zelda's voice was sharp and demanding, and she hung up before Calliope could even respond.

She stared at her phone for a long moment before setting it aside.

She had to go back. Not because she owed them anything, but to gather her things. After today, she wouldn't have to return to that house ever again.

It had never felt like home; there wasn't even a spot for her in the family portrait. Thinking about it made her chest tighten with a mix of anger and sadness.

She'd spent years trying to be good to them, giving so much of herself. It was baffling how little her father, Monty, her mother, Zelda, or her three brothers cared for her.

Their world revolved around Lisette, the daughter they had chosen. The one they showered with gifts and affection, while Calliope was left with whatever scraps they deemed fit.

She had spent years desperately trying to earn their love. But after experienced death, she finally saw the truth.

What good is family if they don't care whether you're alive or dead?