A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

If that's really how things are, then maybe it's time for Mavis to finally let go.

Either way, once this holiday is over, she and Uriah need to have made some kind of progress.

Calliope had already talked it over with Norton, too.

After some discussion, they decided to go with Norton's plan: he'd pretend to pursue Mavis, just to see if Uriah would react at all. Maybe with Mavis spending more time around Norton, they could finally figure out what Uriah really felt.

When it came time for the group trip, they'd have Silas invite Uriah along, make sure he was included. Then they'd see how he acted.

"Yeah," Mavis said, her voice carrying that unmistakable hint of disappointment.

She'd probably been hoping Uriah would show some sign of jealousy, maybe even refuse to go along with the plan. Not because he liked her, necessarily, but at least because he didn't like her being with someone else.

But Uriah didn't react at all. Which pretty much proved he didn't care who she was with.

Maybe, even if they used Norton to try and make him jealous, Uriah would just stay indifferent, and in the end, she'd only embarrass herself.

Thinking about it, Mavis lowered her eyes. She let out a soft sigh.

A little while later, Uriah walked in, smelling of cigarette smoke. He glanced over at Mavis.

For a second, it looked like he might head her way, but in the end, he hesitated and turned in the opposite direction.

Mavis had been bracing herself, thinking he was about to say something. But nope, he just walked away, barely even sparing her another look.

She'd been ready for anything. The disappointment stung. He really didn't care. Maybe she could pick any guy in the world, and it wouldn't matter to him.

The night dragged on, and as midnight struck, the neighborhood exploded with the sounds of fireworks.

People were out on the lawns and porches, setting off Roman candles and sparklers, everyone cheering and hugging as the New Year rolled in.

After the last spark died down, folks started heading home, exhausted but happy.

Mavis and Archie stayed behind at Calliope's place.

Calliope set up the guest room for Mavis and kept her company until she drifted off to sleep.noveldrama

Once Mavis was out, Calliope slipped quietly into the hallway and found Archie still sitting on the couch, lost in thought.

"What's up?" Calliope asked, dropping down beside him.

"I'm thinking about how I can get back everything that's mine, as fast as possible," Archie said, his brow furrowed. "And I know I've gotta watch out for Gavin. He's not going totet me off easy."

He glanced at Calliope. "I just don't want him to cause trouble for you, either."

Calliope shrugged, giving his

shoulder a reassuring pat. "He

doesn't scare me. Look, if you need help coming up with a strategy, I can call in some favors. If you've already got a plan, just tell me what you need, and I'll back you up."

Archie nodded. "Thanks. I've got some ideas. I'll let you know if I need anything."

He wanted to do this himself. This was his fight.

Calliope nodded. "Alright. I know you can handle it."

"But you should be careful around your stepmom," she added, lowering her voice. "She's way more dangerous than your dad. Your dad's basically clueless, but she's clever and ruthless."

Calliope narrowed her eyes. Mrs. Yoder was definitely no ordinary housewife. She might look like a regular soccer mom, but her past was anything but simple.

"I'll get you a file on her," Calliope said quietly.