A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

"She should still be around. I've already got someone looking into it," Silas said, his voice gentle.

He ruffled her hair affectionately. "Did the Jewell family give you a hard time again?"

Calliope shrugged, trying to sound nonchalant. "It's not a big deal. After all, they're not really my family."

Silas pulled her into a warm hug. "Exactly. They're not your real family, so don't give them the power to upset you."

He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "Hey, sweetheart, you've got me. I'll make sure you're taken care of."

"And when we find your real parents, I bet they'll love you to pieces too. Don't worry. I'll help you find them, I promise."

His tenderness melted away any lingering sadness in Calliope's heart. She couldn't help but feel safe in his arms.

"So, what do you want for dinner? I'm making something special tonight," Silas said with a playful smile.

"You're cooking?" Calliope stared at him, surprised.

"Yup, I am." Silas grinned. "From now on, I'll take care of the kitchen."

"Really?" She cocked an eyebrow, skepticism clear in her voice. "You sure you know what you're doing?"

She couldn't quite picture Silas-CEO, always in tailored suits, perpetually busy- actually cooking.

"You'll see for yourself," he replied. "It'll be edible, at least. Though, I don't know if it'll compare to your cooking."

Calliope laughed, her suspicion giving way to curiosity. "Alright then, Chef Myers, let's see what you've got!"

Silas grabbed an apron and headed for the kitchen. Suddenly, he looked less like the city's most eligible bachelor and more like the perfect husband.

Calliope leaned against the kitchen doorway, watching as he moved around the room. Much to her surprise, he was quick and confident-chopping vegetables, marinating chicken, prepping ingredients like he'd done it a thousand times.

"You really know how to cook?" she asked, genuinely impressed.

"Of course do," he called back over his shoulder. "But you don't have to stand there and watch. Grab some chips or a cookie and relax in the living room. I'll call you when dinner's ready."

"Deal," she said, grinning as she turned away. She flopped onto the couch, switched on the TV, and checked her phone.

She shot off a few messages to her

friends Mavis Shepherd, Portia Sutton letting them know the truth: she wasn't actually the Jewet family's biological daughter.

Both friends freaked out over text, sending shocked emojis and immediately suggesting they meet up for drinks to talk it over.

"Let's do it in a couple days," Calliope replied with a voice note. "I'm planning Horatio's surgery soon, and I need to prep for that."

"Alright, you'd better fill us in then!" came Mavis's reply.

After a little more chatting, Calliope put her phone down. Not long after, Silas called out from the kitchen.

"Dinner's ready!"

She walked in to find the table set with steaming bowls of creamy chicken stew, a fresh Caesar salad homemade garlic bread, and a hearty bowl of tomato soup. It was all simple, but everything looked and smelled amazing. noveldrama

Calliope dug in, her eyes widening in delight after the first bite.

"How is it?" Silas asked, watching her expectantly.

"It's delicious!" she said, her mouth full. She couldn't help but eat quickly; it was

just so good, and exactly what she'd been craving.

Silas chuckled. "Good. Does this mean I'm officially allowed to cook for you from now on?"

"Absolutely!" Calliope grinned. "But seriously, how did you learn to cook like this?"

To her, Silas was Capitalton's most powerful businessman-rich, handsome, capable of anything. The idea of him cooking dinner felt almost too good to be true.

Silas just smiled, pouring her a glass of wine. "Guess I've still got a few surprises up my sleeve."