A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

Verity sat comfortably on the couch, sipping her coffee with the air of someone watching an amusing sitcom. Her eyes flicked between Calliope and Gideon, clearly enjoying the unfolding drama.

After a while, she couldn't help but interrupt, "So, Gideon, second thoughts yet?"

She raised an eyebrow, her tone teasing. "The wedding's just around the corner. Backing out now would be a disaster!"

She smirked, recalling, "Remember the last wedding fiasco? Silas had to step in and save the day. If you mess this up again, I wouldn't be surprised if your grandfather sent you packing from the Baker family!"

Gideon shot her an annoyed glance. "Verity, I've got it under control. Thanks."

"Really?" Verity shrugged nonchalantly. "Just a friendly reminder. If you're thinking of calling it off, you'd better do it sooner rather than later. Your parents won't be thrilled, and they'll probably drag you down the aisle if they have to."

Gideon gave Verity a lingering look but said nothing, his gaze drifting toward Calliope.

Calliope was busy with her phone. She texted Silas, assuring him she was being good and hadn't paid much attention to Gideon, though he tried to talk to her again.

Verity glanced over, her lips curling into a sly smile. "Texting Silas, huh, Callie? It seems like things are pretty cozy between you two!"

Gideon's face turned a shade paler at that.

Verity leaned in, clearly enjoying the moment. "Gideon, don't tell me you're still in love with Callie. She's not your ex anymore, and she's certainly not the one you left at the altar. She's family now! In our kind of family, appearances matter. You can't do whatever you please, or people will start talking."

Thoroughly entertained by the chaos, Verity couldn't care less if Gideon's wedding plans fell apart.

After a few more teasing comments, she turned to Calliope. "Callie, I'm heading over to help Eamon with some things. You stay here and relax."

With that, Verity left, and soon enough, everyone else found reasons to scatter, leaving Calliope and Gideon alone in the living room.

Gideon watched Calliope intensely. "Callie, I've been having second thoughts."noveldrama

Calliope kept her focus on her phone, tapping away messages and ignoring Gideon.

Despite feeling a sting of

disappointment, Gideon pressed on, "Callie, you know I've always loved you. That hever changed. Our wedding back then... it wasn't what you think. You misunderstood."

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"Yvette really was in a tough spot back then. She was scared, and I went to help her. I planned to

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in time, but things got delayed. thought you could handle the ceremony without me. I never imagined you'd go through with it and marry my uncle instead. I've been regretting it ever since."

"Callie, you still have feelings for me, don't you? I'm sure you do. You loved me for

so long. I can't believe you just stopped."

With a confident look, he continued, "Callie, I'm getting married, but if you say the word, I'll call it off. Just tell me not to go through with it, and I won't."