A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

Horatio had his doubts, but when he thought about it, Calliope had always been the kind to just quietly take whatever came her way from the family, without complaining. She really did care about them, maybe more than she let on.noveldrama

Sure, she could be a little prickly, and she didn't want to seem too close to them these days. But deep down, Horatio figured, she still wanted that closeness. She was probably still trying to patch things up, in her own way.

Now that they'd all realized how unfair they'd been before, it was time to treat her better. If Callie wasn't ready to reach out, well, maybe it was up to them to make the first move.

"Dad, Valerian, we really ought to do better," Horatio said. "Let's be kinder to Callie from now on. She deserves it. We need to look after her more."

"And about Lisette... Maybe we should ease up a bit. I think we've spoiled her too much, that's probably why she's made so many mistakes. We can't keep coddling her."

After their little family meeting, they all quietly resolved to treat Calliope with more warmth. As for Lisette, well, maybe it was time to let her feel a bit of cold shoulder, so she'd start learning from her mistakes.

Lisette, meanwhile, had caught bits and pieces of their conversation. She didn't hear much, just Valerian mentioning that Calliope had given him a present.

She didn't know what Calliope had given him, but whatever it was, it sure made Valerian happy. That meant it was probably something he really liked.

Lisette remembered how, back in the day, she'd given Valerian little handmade gifts, like knitted scarves or quirky keychains, and he'd absolutely loved them. He was never one for fancy, expensive stuff. For Valerian, it was all about the thought behind it.

So if Calliope's present had made him that happy, Lisette figured she'd better step up her game. She'd go buy something, pretend she'd made it herself, and wrap it up with just the right touch. That way, Valerian would remember how thoughtful she was.

It was the same with Horatio and the others. Lisette had always given them gifts that showed she cared, not pricey, but meaningful. It's the thought that counts, right?

If she could get her gifts ready in time, she was sure the family would love them. And when they compared her gifts to Calliope's, they'd see who really knew them best.

After all, Calliope hadn't been around as long. There was no way she could know what really mattered to them. And honestly, most of the gifts Calliope had given in the past just collected dust.

Lisette couldn't help but feel a little smug. Calliope could never really compete with her, not when it came to the Jewell family. Lisette was sure she'd always have the upper hand.

...

The next morning, everyone was gathered at the table for breakfast. No one dared speak if Silas wasn't talking.

Silas, ever attentive, was making sure Calliope's plate was full, even feeding her a bite now and then.

"Sweetheart, is the breakfast not to your liking?" he asked her gently. "You're not a fan of this, are you?"

Calliope replied flatly, "It's edible, I guess."

Silas frowned, then glanced up at Monty with a pointed look. "Mr. Jewell, didn't you know Callie likes the breakfast from Essence Delight? She's only home for a few days, and you couldn't even get her favorite food?"

His tone was calm, but the accusation was clear as day.

Monty nearly jumped in his seat. "I-I honestly didn't know! It's not that didn't want to know, Callie just never mentioned it. Besides, she used to love these breakfasts! I had no idea her tastes had changed!"

"You didn't know?" Silas let out a soft, almost mocking laugh. "Some father you

are, not even knowing what your daughter likes."