A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

Calliope had agreed to go to the party with Silas. Honestly, she figured it'd give Hudson and Lance some much-needed time alone anyway.

Lance knew about Hudson's condition now, but who knew how he'd react? There was bound to be some drama. After all, Hudson had known about his illness for ages and never told Lance a thing. Lance had just kept believing it wasn't a big deal.

But now? Now he knew the truth-Hudson didn't have much time left. And Lance was head over heels for Hudson. No way he'd take this news well.

Heck, it wasn't just Lance. Even Calliope, who'd seen more than her share of tragedy, was struggling to accept it. She'd dealt with all sorts of rare diseases before, and when it was someone else, it was easier. But when it was your friend? That was a whole different kind of pain. The regret, the helpless anger-you hated yourself for not being able to do a damn thing.

Calliope wasn't ready to accept it. Not by a long shot.

She'd spent the whole afternoon on the phone, calling every specialist she knew -oncologists, surgeons, miracle workers, you name it. But even the best of the best looked at Hudson's files and just shook their heads. She'd even tried her old mentor, who could usually pull off the impossible. But all he said was, "It's time to start making arrangements."

By the time the party rolled around that night, Calliope was barely paying attention to anything. Her mind kept circling back to Hudson.

Silas must've noticed. He just led her over to the lounge area and told her to take it easy, then went off to schmooze and talk business. He even brought her a plate of appetizers-mini quiches, sliders, and those tiny bacon-wrapped dates.

Calliope poked at her food, but didn't have much appetite. She couldn't stop thinking about Hudson. She didn't want drama, wasn't looking for anyone to pick a fight with—not even keeping tabs on where Silas had wandered off to.

But trouble found her anyway. She was balancing her plate, nibbling on a piece of cheese, when someone bumped into her hard enough to send her food flying.

Calliope stared at the scattered snacks and sighed, eyebrows knitting together in irritation.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry!" a woman blurted out, all wide-eyed innocence.

Calliope shot her a cool glance, but since the woman had apologized she just picked up her plate and what food she could salvage, tossing it aside.

But the woman wasn't done. Before Calliope could even sit back down, she shoved past her again-this time almost knocking Calliope to the floor.

Calliope barely caught herself. Narrowing her eyes, she studied the woman. "Are

you doing this on purpose?"

The woman grinned. "Wow, you caught on quick!"

Calliope frowned. "Do I know you?"noveldrama

She looked the woman up and down. Nope, definitely didn't recognize her. If she were an enemy, Calliope would've understood, but this woman was a complete stranger. What was her deal?

She tried to ignore it, telling herself to focus on Hudson and whether there was any last-ditch surgery that might help.

But the woman followed her again—this time, picking up a glass of red wine and very clearly aiming to dump it all over Calliope's dress.

But Calliope saw it coming. She stood up fast and grabbed the woman's wrist before she could pour a drop.