A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

"Fine, let's hear it from each of you!" Calliope pointed at the girl sitting beside Lisette, who had been talking the most a moment ago.

"Me?" The girl was stunned, glancing nervously at Calliope's slightly rebellious demeanor. She couldn't understand why but felt uneasy. "I, um, I don't have anything to say!"

"Really?" Calliope chuckled, "Weren't you curious a moment ago? Aren't you going to ask if those rumors about me are true? Oh wait, you've decided they are, haven't you?"

She nodded, leaning closer. "So, any other questions? Calliope here, live and in- person, is ready to answer them. Is no one interested?"

Everyone else looked around. Though the classmates were dying of curiosity, nobody dared to speak up. There was something about Calliope that intimidated them all.

"Yeah, where are the gossipers? Cat got your tongue?" Portia stepped up beside Calliope, "If you've got questions, ask them to her face. Gossiping behind her back doesn't make you brave!"

"Callie, stop it. You're making everyone uncomfortable," Lisette frowned, her voice dripping with concern. "It's a class reunion, not your personal birthday bash."

Each word seemed like she was looking out for Calliope, but they only served to put all the attention and blame on Calliope.

"Exactly. It is a reunion, not Calliope's one-woman show."

"Showing up here just to get noticed after getting talked about?"

"Do you not even know what you've done?"

"This is hilarious!"

"I'm sorry, everyone. It's just that my sister has been dealing with many rumors, and she's not in the best mood," Lisette quickly turned, apologizing to everyone. "I apologize on her behalf!"

Then she turned to Calliope, "Callie, why don't you apologize too? This isn't right. You can't just take out your frustration on everyone here because of what people say about you! It's been years since we all gathered. Catching up and chatting is normal!"

"Callie, don't be like this!" Lisette's face was full of insincerity.

Portia was fuming. "Wow, you're such a performer! You should have gone to Hollywood!"

"What are you talking about, Portia? I don't understand."

"Oh, you don't understand?" Portia laughed, "Such a good act. I don't understand either."

Calliope scanned the room, her eyes lingering on Lisette. Suddenly, she stood up and slapped Lisette across the face.

"Didn't I tell you I'm not your sister? I said I'd hit you every time you call me that! We're not even the same breed, and you're calling me sis?"

"Love playing the victim? Let's make it more believable. Here, lean in, let me help you with a nice bruise." Calliope smirked, a mischievous glint in her eye.noveldrama

The slap was hard, leaving Lisette's face numb with shock. She hadn't seen it coming and couldn't believe Calliope would be so bold, hitting her in front of everyone.

At first, she was furious but then quickly calmed down. Calliope was only helping her. Being slapped out of nowhere would surely rally everyone against Calliope,

"Callie "

"Smack!" Another slap landed on Lisette's face. "Are we that close? Who said you could call me Callie?"

Lisette's eyes widened in disbelief. She hadn't expected Calliope to hit her again. Everyone around was equally stunned.