A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

Horatio glanced at Lisette and said, "Hey, this isn't your fault."

Ulysses gave her a quick, indifferent look. "Yeah, you're not to blame for any of

this."

Lisette let out a small sigh of relief. At least they weren't holding it against her. But

as her nerves settled, a new idea crept in.

Maybe she could take a shot at winning over one of Calliope's brothers. If only

she'd known how loaded they were, she would never have wasted her time flirting

with Valerian. Compared to Calliope's brothers, poor Valerian was way out of his

league.

Sure, she couldn't be their sister, but maybe... she could become Calliope's

sister-in-law. That would put her in a whole different league. And wouldn't Calliope

just have to put up with her then? The thought sparked a new wave of confidence

in Lisette.

Meanwhile, Calliope and her crew had just left a fancy jewelry store and were

already ducking into another chic boutique. Her three brothers showered her with

gifts-designer handbags, sparkling earrings, the works. Even Silas joined in,

picking out some cool gadgets for her. Of course, Calliope didn't just take; she

picked out thoughtful presents for each of them too.

By the time they finished their spree, they were loaded down with shopping bags

from all the most exclusive stores. Everyone was grinning, arms aching with

luxury.

Lisette and her group watched from across the street, eyes bugging out at the

mountain of high-end loot Calliope and her brothers had snagged. It was obvious

-even Quentin had been treated to Calliope's generosity. They looked like a

scene straight out of a glossy magazine, so polished and joyful it almost hurt to

look at them.

Lisette's envy burned hotter. Sure, Horatio and the guys had bought her nice

things before, but never anything close to this level. They had money, but not thenoveldrama

kind that let you drop a fortune on a whim. Compared to Silas and his brothers, it

was no contest.

It stung even more remembering how miserable Calliope's childhood had been-

Lisette had made sure of that. Yet now, here was Calliope, living the dream:

glamorous, adored, and surrounded by the best of everything, including brothers

who looked like they belonged on the cover of GQ.

The group drew stares as they

strolled down the street, people

actually stepping aside to let them

pass. A few passersby even

whipped out their phones, snapping

photos like they'd just spotted

celebrities.

Lisette watched, equal parts envious and bitter, as the crowd parted for Calliope.

Her group didn't say a word, just stared in their direction, each lost in their own

thoughts.

Later, after arranging for their

shopping haul to be sent home,

Calliope and her brothers headed off

to the movie theater. They'd planned

to catch Julius's latest film before

heading back to prep for dinner.

Calliope had even invited Portia

Sutton and her friends to join them

for dinner and a night of card games

and laughter.

Inside the theater, they found their seats. Calliope right in the middle, flanked by

Silas and Quentin. Their entrance didn't go unnoticed; heads turned, and

whispers spread through the crowd.

"Wow, those guys are seriously good-looking..."

"And that girl in the middle! She's gorgeous! Are they all dating her or something?"

"Nah, they've gotta be siblings."

"Or maybe just really close friends! Either way, that's living the dream."

When Lisette's group walked in a minute later, someone nearby commented,

"Hey, those guys are cute too!"

"Meh, not even close," another person replied. "They're like the outlet store

version of the first group."

Lisette heard it all, the sting of

comparison biting deep. As the

lights dimmed, she couldn't help but

wish she was sitting in Calliope's

place surrounded by attention, gifts,

and the kind of family that made

everyone else in the room jealous.