A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

Lisette's eyes were rimmed red as she pleaded with Monty and the others. Suddenly, she dropped to her knees on the hardwood floor.

"I'm not asking for forgiveness. This is all my fault. I know what I did was wrong, even if I just wanted to surprise everyone with gifts."

"If Callie hadn't caught me, I swear, I would've found a way to pay the money back. I just... I never thought Callie would find out. This is all on me."

"I shouldn't have done it. I know that. I messed up, and I'm here to own it and make things right. From now on, whatever Callie asks me to do, I'll do my best. I'll fix the mess I made. I promise."

Seeing that begging wasn't working, Lisette straightened up, her voice turning steadier. She was determined to show she meant it.

Monty looked at her, his heart aching. He'd loved her like his own daughter for so many years. Watching her in pain tugged at something deep inside him. He sighed, but stayed silent.

Horatio and Valerian glanced at each other. Lisette's red-rimmed eyes and trembling voice got to them, too. She clearly knew she'd messed up and was trying to make amends.

They exchanged a look. As long as she was willing to change, she was still their girl.

"Lisette, we won't go on about this anymore," Horatio finally said. "Just do what Callie suggested. You made the mess, you clean it up. That's how it works."

"And don't ever do something like this again," Valerian added, his tone stern but softening at the end.

"You're not mad at me anymore?" Lisette asked, wiping away her tears. "I knew it! You guys are the best. No one loves me like you do."

"We're not letting you off the hook," Horatio replied, "but Callie's plan sounds fair. Just follow through. And next time, think before you act."

"I get it. I'll work my butt off for the company to make up for it!" Lisette declared. "From now on, I'll work for free. No salary. As long as I have a

roof over my head and son avene

eat, I'm grateful. I know I'm adopted. I never expected more."

She looked at them, face somber. know Callie doesn't trust me, and you've finally patched things up with her. I'll keep my distance if that helps you keep the peace.

Monty and the others exchanged a glance, but said nothing more.

...

That afternoon, Calliope carved out some time to meet with a handful of renowned oncologists. She couldn't stop thinking about Hudson's case.

The doctors pored over Hudson's charts and scans, discussing his situation in heated whispers.

"In my opinion, it's time to prepare for the worst," one doctor finally said.

"With cases like this, I usually just tell people to enjoy what time they have, eat the foods you love, spend time with family. There's nothing more medicine can do. He's so young, it's truly a tragedy."

"Looking at these scans, surgery isn't possible. It would only hasten the end.

Neither chemo nor radiation would help in this case."

"Calliope, you're the so-called Miracle Worker. Isn't there anything you can do? If you're stumped, I doubt the rest of us could do any better!"noveldrama

"Yeah," another added, "we've seen all sorts of cases, but your methods always surprise us. If you can't find a way, I'm afraid no one can."