A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

After Lisette got to the hospital, the doctor could only tell her she was suffering from an allergic reaction. But after running a bunch of tests, they still couldn't figure out what, exactly, had poisoned her.

In the end, all Lisette got was a prescription for some allergy meds.

By the time she made it back to the office, it was already late. Even though she tried to hide her face with a mask and a baseball cap, her outfit was still unmistakably Lisette.

Anyone could spot her from a mile away. They couldn't help but stare, a little surprised.

Why was Lisette covering up like that? She definitely seemed to be hiding something.

And the more she tried to keep a low profile, the more curious everyone got.

She'd barely stepped into the elevator when a few coworkers slipped in after her.noveldrama

Now that Lisette's reputation had tanked, no one felt the need to tiptoe around her anymore.

"Hey, Lisette!"

"Lisette, what happened to you?"

"Why the mask today?"

"Are you okay, Lisette?"

"If you're sick, you really should've just called in. No need to be here!"

Everyone was whispering and side-eyeing her.

Lisette huddled in a corner, hoping no one would recognize her. Even if they did, she thought with her face hidden, they might have the decency not to pry.

But, of course, no such luck. The questions just kept coming.

It was painfully awkward. She didn't want to answer, but she knew she couldn't afford to make things worse. Everyone here liked Calliope a lot more than her these days. If she acted stuck-up now, she'd just dig herself into a deeper hole.

"I'm alright, just a bit of an allergy

flare-up," Lisette said, trying to

sound breezy. "Didn't want to

anyone, that's all. Nothing serious, really!"

"For real?"

"Come on, we won't freak out. What are you allergic to, anyway? Is it that bad?"

"Yeah, let us see!"

"Lisette, it's probably fine if we take a look, right?”

One particularly obnoxious guy reached over and yanked off her mask before she could react.

Lisette tried to cover her face, but it was too late. Everyone in the elevator could see. They all recoiled in shock, stumbling back like they'd seen a ghost.

"Lisette, what happened to you?!"

"That can't just be an allergy! You should be in the hospital!"

"Sorry, Lisette, I thought you were joking..."

The guy who'd grabbed her mask sheepishly handed it back.

As soon as the elevator doors opened, the whole group bolted out like they'd just escaped a haunted house.

Lisette headed toward her office, only to run into Calliope in the hallway.

Calliope gave her a quick once-over. "You're late, Lisette. If you're going to be late, you need to let the company know. This isn't your house. You can't just waltz in whenever you feel like it. You know being late means a pay cut, right?"

"Oh, and about the missing funds. You said you'd covered it, but I had someone check. There's still a chunk unaccounted for. I'll give you three more days."

Calliope stared at her, stone-faced.

Lisette's face fell. "What? I thought I already paid it all back!"

"You covered your part. But your old assistant, the one who used to follow you everywhere? The money he lost is on you, too. If you're

confused, talk to Franco,oney

explain everything," Calliope said coolly, then walked away.