A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

Franco hadn't counted on running into Valerian right then. Of all the luck, Valerian just had to show up at that exact moment, and, of course, he immediately noticed

the car.

The car was still under its cover, so you couldn't see the details, but the shape was unmistakable. Anyone could tell it was a car, and a pretty sweet one at that.

Franco felt his mouth twitch, feeling a mix of awkwardness and dread. He knew, with absolute certainty, that Calliope had not intended this car for Valerian. But Valerian had been under that impression for a while now.

He'd convinced himself the car was a gift for him.

And Calliope hadn't bothered to explain otherwise.

"Oh, it's nothing," Franco said with a shrug, trying to play it cool. "Just parked the car here like Callie asked."

Honestly, he wished Calliope would handle this whole mess herself. He didn't exactly love dealing with the Jewell family. Every conversation with them felt like stepping onto a minefield.

"Is this a new car?" Valerian asked, his eyes practically sparkling.

"Yeah, it's brand new," Franco replied, hoping to keep things vague.

"So what's up with it? What's it for?" Valerian asked, looking like a kid on Christmas morning.

Clearly, he'd decided Callie must have found out he'd come to the office, so she'd arranged to have the car delivered right to the front for him. A thoughtful surprise, in his mind.

He could barely contain his excitement. He'd wanted this car for ages. He'd been wondering when, or if, Calliope would ever get it for him.

And here it was, the perfect Christmas gift.

Okay, maybe it wasn't as meaningful as the stuff Lisette usually gave him, but hey, he wasn't complaining.

"As far as I know, Callie's giving it to someone," Franco said, trying not to roll his eyes. He really wished Valerian would just drop it already.

But Valerian's grin just widened. He turned to Ulysses, who had been quietly watching from the side.

"See? Callie got me this car. Bet you didn't see that coming!" Valerian announced, smug as ever.

"Callie got you a car?" Ulysses raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical.

He'd seen Calliope at the airport recently; she hadn't even spared a glance for him. She was all about her other brothers, totally forgetting about him.

"That's right!" Valerian said, puffing up with pride. "She wanted to surprise me, but

I already figured it out. She knows I love sports cars."

The more Valerian talked, the happier he got. He strutted over, ready to whip off the cover and check out his "gift." He probably wanted to take it for a test drive right then and there.

But as soon as he got close, Franco stepped in, blocking his way.

"Valerian, Callie told us not to touch the car," Franco said wearily. "She never said

it was for you. Seriously, don't get the wrong idea."

"Come on! Of course it's for me,”

Valerian insisted, practically

bouncing on his toes. "She's just

trying to surprise me. That's why she

hasn't told anyone yet. but I already know!"

"I can't wait anymore! Just let me have a look. It's going to be mine anyway. What's the harm?"

Valerian was like a little kid who'd spotted his birthday cake and wanted to dig in before the party even started.

Franco pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache coming on.

"Valerian, you're misunderstanding. It's really not for you!" Franco sighed. "I get that you're hoping it is, but it's not. Honest!"noveldrama

By now, a small crowd of office

workers had gathered nearby, some just finishing up their lunch, others stepping out for a breath of fresh air. All of them were watching the Scene unfold, sandwiches and coffee cups in hand, curious about the drama by the curb.