A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

Gideon was in a lousy mood, but when Verity called out to him, he couldn't just sulk and ignore her. His pride wouldn't let him. So, he walked over, put on his best face, and joined the group.

Verity, Calliope, and Gideon sat down together. Verity glanced at Silas, who was lingering by Calliope's side. "Silas, aren't you joining the game?"

Silas shook his head and grinned, "Nah, I'll just hang out with my wife tonight." He slid into the seat next to Calliope, looking positively smitten.

Verity rolled her eyes playfully. "Alright, then who else? Dahlia, you in?"

"Absolutely!" Dahlia called out, immediately scooting over to join them.

So, the four of them started the game, Texas Hold'em, the unofficial family tradition whenever a holiday rolled around. Silas never took his eyes off Calliope, showering her with compliments every chance he got.

"Look at her, could she be any more gorgeous?" he'd say, then, "And smart as a whip, too. I got lucky, folks."

Verity laughed and nudged Dahlia. "Silas, if you keep bragging, you're going to make us all jealous. Is Callie really that amazing?"

Silas grinned, utterly sincere. "She's the best. The best there ever was."

"Marrying her was the best thing that ever happened to me," he added, squeezing Calliope's hand.

Verity nodded in agreement. "Can't argue with that. Callie's brilliant and beautiful, what's not to love?"

The whole exchange stung Gideon more than he let on. He kept his face neutral, but inwardly, the words hit like a slap.

He found himself glancing over at Calliope. She'd slipped off her coat, revealing a stunning red cocktail dress that fit her perfectly-chic, striking, and so very her. Her skin glowed with health, her hair pinned up elegantly, and she had that easy, ever-present smile that made everyone feel at ease. Her eyes sparkled, always bright and full of life.

It was such a stark contrast to Yvette. Yvette, his wife, was expecting a baby. He'd made sure she had everything she needed, good food, rest, but she still looked pale and worn out. She never seemed happy, always wearing that tired, pinched expression, as if the world owed her something.

He used to think she was caring and thoughtful. But now, sitting across from Calliope, he realized what real warmth looked like. Yvette's kindness had always felt a bit forced, a performance. Calliope was the real deal-genuine, considerate, and kind without expecting anything back.

Verity clapped her hands, breaking Gideon out of his thoughts. "Alright, let's up

the stakes. No point in playing small, right?"

Calliope smiled. "I'm game."

"Me too!" Dahlia chimed in. "I got some sweet Christmas bonuses this year, plus a scholarship payout!"

All eyes turned to Gideon.

He hesitated, He hadn't been

working lately, doctor's orders, and anyway, the family finances were stretched thin. His dad wasn't exact rolling in it, and his mom had never been good with money He really couldn't afford to lose tonight. Cóntent

But with everyone staring, especially Calliope, he couldn't back down. Admitting he was broke? Not a chance. His pride wouldn't let him.

He forced a smile. "Sure, I'm in."

"Perfect! High stakes it is," Verity said, beaming as she dealt the cards.

The game kicked off. Calliope was a natural, and with Silas cheering her on, she played even better.

Dahlia was sharp, and Verity held her own.

Only Gideon struggled. His luck was in the gutter, and his poker skills weren't much better. With every round, he lost more.

By the end of a few hands, everyone else had pocketed some winnings, except Gideon. He was down three grand, and his expression soured with every chip he lost.

Across the room, Yvette watched the game untold, her face growing paler each time Gideon lost. She

knew better than anyone just how tight things had gotten at home. And tonight, things weren't looking any better. noveldrama