A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

"Franco, did you manage to track down that sports car I asked about?" Calliope asked, standing next to Franco by the elevator doors.

Her second godbrother, Norton, was a total car enthusiast. He'd been talking about this particular model for ages, even before it hit the market. He'd dropped hints more than a few times.

Usually, her godbrothers always got her whatever she wanted, but this year, for Christmas, she wanted to get them the best gifts.

Franco shook his head. "That car's a limited edition worldwide, Callie. It's almost impossible to get!"

He paused, glancing at her. "I might have a way, but it'll cost a lot more than sticker price."

"Are you sure you want that exact model? It's really more of a guy's car, not exactly your style," Franco said.

"I know. It's not for me," Calliope replied. "Christmas is coming, and I want to surprise my second brother with it!"

Franco's eyes widened in surprise.

Just then, the elevator doors slid open.

Valerian strode out, looking oddly cheerful. He'd just overheard Calliope mention buying someone a limited edition sports car. Could it be the one he'd been dreaming about?

Maybe she really was getting it for him. After all, she'd taken back all the gifts she'd given them before, but things had been thawing out between them lately. Maybe she wanted to make amends with a big gesture.

Well, if she was planning a surprise, he could return the favor. It had been ages since he'd given her anything.

A million thoughts flashed through Valerian's mind, and he couldn't help the grin spreading across his face.

"Callie! Where you headed?" he asked, his tone warm.

Calliope looked at Valerian, a little puzzled by how chipper he seemed.

"Just out for a business meeting," she replied.noveldrama

"Oh? Need any help? I could drive you," Valerian offered.

"No, I'm good," Calliope said, stepping into the elevator. Before Valerian could say anything else, the doors closed.

Franco, watching Valerian disappear

down the hallway, turned to Calliope with a worried look. "You're not actually thinking of giving him that car, are you? Come on, have you forgotten how your brothers acted about your gifts before? They never even bothered to unwrap them! Meanwhile, those cheap little trinkets Lisette gave them? They treat them like family heirlooms! Don't do something this dumb, Callie. It's not worth it."

Calliope burst out laughing. "Relax, you've got it all wrong. The car's for my godbrothers! I wouldn't spend a penny on those other guys!"

Franco blinked. "I should've known. You're not exactly overflowing with kindness for them."

He let out a sigh of relief. "You scared me for a second! Thought you'd lost your mind again."

"So those other gifts were for your godbrothers, too?" he asked.

Calliope nodded. "They've always been there for me, just like real brothers."

"Good. That's a relief," Franco said, grinning. “Don't worry, I'll handle everything for you."

"Thanks, Franco. You're the best," Calliope said with a smile.

"As long as you're not making crazy decisions, I don't mind the extra work," Franco joked.

He paused, a thoughtful look in his eyes. "You know, I bet Valerian misunderstood. He probably thinks the car is for him. Did you see his face? He looked over the moon."

Calliope snorted. "Let him dream. Doesn't matter. I never said it was for him. He always treasures whatever Lisette gives him anyway, no reason for me to get him anything."

She smiled wryly. "Besides, I never got much from them, and the gifts I did give, I

took back ages ago."