A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

Calliope watched as Silas's face shifted, and she hurried to explain. "No, I'm not interested in him anymore. It is because I'm used to..."

Whenever she saw Silas, she'd instinctively see him as Gideon's uncle. Maybe it was from all those times she'd chased after Gideon and got used to it. She always forgot to correct herself.

"I'm not your uncle. I'm your husband."

Silas glanced up and moved closer, towering over her. As he leaned in, Calliope swallowed hard, her heart pounding like a drum.

"Uncle' is what he calls me. You're not his woman, so remember it.""

Calliope nodded, looking up at Silas with wide, hopeful eyes. Her bright, deep eyes and pretty face, tinged with a slight blush, made it hard for anyone to resist her.

And Silas didn't say anything more.

Calliope headed to the kitchen and cooked two bowls of spaghetti. The two of them shared the meal together.

...

The following day, Calliope was the talk of the town.

The fireworks on her birthday night had wowed everyone in Capitalton. Someone had recorded and posted the whole event online, saying how unbelievably lucky Callie was.

People guessed who could have pulled off such a grand gesture. Throwing a birthday celebration as extravagant and luxurious as that was unheard of. Those fireworks were something else, outshining even the grandest firework displays.

Some were envious, some were jealous, and, of course, there was much speculation about who this Callie could be.

"Who in Capitalton is Callie? Is she the daughter of some elite family or the wife of a big shot to have such an opulent birthday celebration?"

"There are only a handful of true socialites in Capitalton, and I don't recall any named Callie."

"They must have spent millions last night. Who has that kind of money to burn?"

"Rumor has it'someone had a

birthday party on the top floor of the Starlight Hotel. No matter how rich they are, that banquet hall is impossible for ordinary folks to

.n

book It must be the birthday celebrated in that ballroom."

"Starlight Hotel top floor? I heard Ms. Calliope had her birthday there.

Usually, Ms. Calliope and Ms. xe

celebrate together, but this time she

did it solo, which is strange

"Ah, now that you mention it, it's the eldest daughter of the Jewell family, who's always been a bit of a rebel. Word is, her family doesn't like her."

"If they don't like her, how does she afford such a lavish birthday?"

"It doesn't add up, right? The Jewell family isn't exactly top-tier. How could they throw such a massive party for her? And what about Ms. Lisette's birthday?"

"Did everyone forget? Ms. Calliope's wedding had a last-minute groom change, and now, she's married to Silas Myers. Of course, he could throw the biggest birthday bash for his wife."

"Isn't this Ms. Calliope supposed to be a bit of an airhead? People don't seem to like her much."

"She was all over Gideon, and he even called off the wedding. Why would Mr. Myers marry her?" "Why else? Probably something about a life-saving debt!"

"That doesn't mean Mr. Myers loves her. It's just that he's a man of honor."

"True, but what if this birthday bash was Ms. Calliope's idea, asking Mr. Myers for it?"

"Then there's nothing to be envious about. Ms. Calliope is shameless."

"Exactly. That's why Ms. Calliope's parents and brothers don't like her."

"I don't know. I think Ms. Calliope isn't that bad. She's quite beautiful, much prettier than Ms. Lisette."