A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

"There are always risks with surgery. I've made that crystal clear from the start," Calliope said, her tone matter-of-fact.

"Hold on. You'll all need to sign the consent forms. If you aren't okay with the risks, you don't have to sign. No one's forcing you into this. I've laid out the options. Whether you choose me or not, that's up to you."

She shrugged. "If you don't trust me, and you'd rather find another doctor, that's your call too."

Calliope's words were blunt and straightforward, without a hint of defensiveness. She'd already explained every possible risk. Whether they wanted to go through with the surgery or not, it was completely their decision.

Zelda's cheeks flushed red, her frustration obvious. "Is that really your attitude?"

She felt like Calliope was being way too cold. This was how she spoke to the whole family, and to Horatio too. How were they supposed to trust her with Horatio's surgery? What if she just didn't care and botched it on purpose?

But the truth was, they didn't have any other options. Calliope was their only hope. If they lost her, no one else would be able to save Horatio.

So they weren't about to let her walk away. But that didn't mean they didn't have their doubts.

"Callie, you're making us nervous here," Lisette said, her face creased with worry.

Calliope just looked at her, unbothered. "If you're that worried, I can just walk out. Maybe you should do the surgery, since you seem to know everything."

She started to turn, making it clear she was ready to leave. That made the whole family panic.noveldrama

Horatio spoke up, voice steady. "Callie, I trust you. I know every surgery comes with risks, and I'm willing to accept them."

For him, being stuck in a wheelchair felt worse than dying. He'd rather take the chance.If the surgery failed, that was life. But if he didn't try, he'd regret it for the rest of his days.

Now, he was betting everything on whether Calliope would give it her all. If she wouldn't, there was nothing he could do. But if he didn't at least try, he'd never forgive himself.

"You're sure about this?" Calliope asked, looking him in the eyes.

"But you'd better check with the rest of your family. I'll only do the surgery if everyone's on board."

She glanced at the rest of the Jewell family, arms crossed. "If any of you disagree,

I don't want you coming after me later."

"Mom, Dad, Valerian, Lisette,"

Horatio said, "I want the surgery.d

trust Callie, and I need you all to be okay with this. I'm ready. I've done all the fasting, all the prep. I don't want to give up now."

He'd been waiting for this surgery for what felt like forever. There was a girl he liked, and he knew he

couldn't face her if he stayed likonet

this. He needed a shot at getting his life back. His time was running out. He had to do this now.

"Alright then," Zelda said, shooting a wary look at Calliope. "But Calliope, you'd better take this seriously. If anything happens, I swear I'll come after you."

Calliope ignored her, rolling her eyes.

Zelda fumed silently, but she didn't dare push it further. She knew if she got Calliope too angry, Horatio would be the one who paid the price.

"Callie," Monty said, managing a shaky smile, “Horatio's in your hands now. No matter what, he's your big brother. You'll take good care of him, right?"

Even Monty sounded unsure if Calliope would really put her heart into this. What if she got halfway through and decided they weren't worth it?