A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

"What box?" Quentin sounded a little suspicious on the other end of the line.

"There was a letter in the box. A letter about where I really come from. Did you know about it?"

Calliope's voice was quiet, but steady.

Quentin went silent for a moment.

That pause told Calliope everything she needed to know.

He knew. He'd known all along.

She realized, her three older brothers probably all knew she wasn't really born into the Jewell family. Maybe they were just trying to protect her, or maybe they wanted to find her real family first. Either way, they hadn't told her the truth. They'd kept it hidden.

"You did know, didn't you?" Calliope pressed gently.

Quentin sounded flustered now. "Callie, I did know. Please, you're not mad that I kept it from you, are you?"

"Callie, it wasn't just me. Grandpa insisted we keep quiet. Please don't be mad, okay? I can't come home yet, but I swear I'll explain everything when I do. I'll get on my knees and beg for forgiveness if I have to, just, please, don't be mad at me!"

Calliope hadn't even raised her voice, but Quentin was already pleading for mercy. She couldn't help but laugh, despite the tears threatening at the corners of

her eyes.

She hadn't blamed them. Not for a second. She knew whatever Quentin and her brothers did, it was always to protect her. They weren't like the Jewells-selfish and scheming. Her brothers loved her. They always put her first.

"Quentin, I'm not upset with you. I just wanted to ask. How could I be mad about something like this? I know you guys always have my best interests at heart."

She hesitated, then asked, "Since you knew, did you ever try to find out about my birth family? My mom, my real parents, do you have any leads?"

She wanted to know where she came from. Kermit had met her mother once, but what about her father? Her relatives? Why had her mother been in danger all those years ago?

So many questions. So many secrets.noveldrama

Mostly, though, she just wanted to know her real family, to see what they were like, to finally belong somewhere.

"I'm sorry, Callie," Quentin said, his voice softening. "All three of us have been looking into it... but there really aren't many clues. We haven't found much But I promise, we'll keep looking. We're not giving up. We'll help you find your real parents, no matter what." Content bétongs to

Calliope fell silent, the ache in her chest a little sharper.

Was her mother even still alive?

But she wanted to hope.

"Alright, Quentin. I'll let you get back to work."

"Oh, and hey, don't forget to come home early for Christmas, okay? The new

house is already set up. We'll all celebrate together this year."

"Of course!" Quentin replied, and hung up quickly.

Calliope finally noticed the cold, disapproving stare being aimed at her from across the room. She turned and found Silas, arms crossed, watching her with,

unmistakable irritation.

"What's wrong?" she asked, a little nervously. She had no clue what she'd said to make him look at her like that.

"So, you've already cleaned up the house for the holidays?" Silas raised an eyebrow. "And what about me? Planning to spend Christmas with them and not your husband?"

His frown deepened, the jealousy clear in his voice. Calliope couldn't help but burst out laughing.