Calliope and her friends were gathered in a cozy private booth at their favorite downtown bistro, the table crowded with plates of burgers, loaded fries, and all sorts of comfort food. Laughter and chatter filled the air as they dug in.
“They didn’t follow us in here, did they?” Portia asked, glancing over her shoulder, her eyes narrowed with suspicion.
“No way,” Quentin replied, shaking his head. “This place is reservation-only, and it’s always packed. Even if you book ahead, there’s a long wait.”
Portia scrunched up her nose, clearly unimpressed. “Thank goodness. Just seeing the Jewell family ruins my appetite. Why would they think Callie would ever help them, after everything they’ve done to her?”
Mavis nodded emphatically. “Seriously, the Jewells are the worst.”
“Let’s not talk about them while we eat,” Calliope said, brushing off the subject with a wave of her hand.
She’d finally come to terms with the fact that the Jewell family had nothing to do with her anymore, and honestly, she didn’t care about them at all. If they wanted to waste their time tailing her, that was their problem, not hers.
“Yeah, no more talk about them!” Norton chimed in, grinning as he reached for another slice of pizza. “Let’s just enjoy the food. Besides, aren’t we all hitting that auction tomorrow?”
“Oh my gosh, yes!” Portia’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “I’ve been dying to check out this auction for ages. I heard there are some gorgeous antiques and collectibles. Maybe I’ll find something I love!”
“If there’s something you want, I’m sure they’ll have it,” Julius said with a wink.
“What about you, Mavis? Anything you’re hoping to get?” Norton asked, turning to her with genuine curiosity.
Mavis was caught off guard. She was sitting between Norton on her left and Uriah on her right, which made her a little uneasy. The sudden attention made her freeze for a second.
“I, uh, I kinda like everything,” she replied, trying to sound casual.
“If there’s anything you really want, let me know. I’ll get it for you as a gift,” Norton offered, his tone playful but sincere.
Calliope, watching the whole scene unfold, felt pretty pleased with herself for roping Norton into this. Judging by Uriah’s expression, he was definitely jealous. He looked like someone had knocked over a whole jar of pickles.
Meanwhile, Silas was sitting next to Calliope, doting on her. He peeled crab legs and offered her bites, making sure her plate was always full.
Norton glanced over at Silas, suddenly inspired. He picked up a shrimp, peeled it with care, and placed it on Mavis’s plate.
“Mavis, try the shrimp.”
Mavis stared at him in disbelief. No one had ever peeled shrimp for her before. Usually, she was the one doing it, especially for Uriah, who always acted like it was too much trouble. She’d gotten used to it, always making sure he had what he wanted.
But this? This was new. And she wasn’t quite sure what to make of it.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust
Why are chapters locked...
When will chapters be uploaded? I love this story!...