Chapter 158

“Mr. Myers wants to introduce you to the company staff. You should probably make an appearance, or how will anyone know you’re the CEO’s wife?”

Calliope nodded thoughtfully. “Oh.”

She glanced over at Silas, who wore a serious expression. There was an indescribable feeling in her heart. When she married Silas, she had prepared herself for all sorts of scenarios. But she never imagined Silas would be so good to her.

She had thought that, with their marriage being more of an arrangement, he might be indifferent. She considered that they might part ways once the spotlight faded. She assumed their relationship would be more like strangers sharing a space, not this comfortable coexistence. But she hadn’t expected him to be so… kind, kind enough that if she ever had to leave, she knew she’d find it incredibly hard to say goodbye.

Calliope lowered her eyes. She knew Silas was only being kind because he was responsible. He didn’t see their arranged marriage as a mere formality. He genuinely treated her as his wife.

It was touching, but she reminded herself to stay rational. She knew their relationship couldn’t last forever. He had someone else in his heart, someone he truly cared about. If that person ever returned, Calliope knew she’d have to step aside.

“Thank you, Silas.” Calliope turned to him, her voice earnest. “I know you’re a good person, but it’s okay if you don’t do all this. If one day—”

“What?” Silas frowned.

“I mean, if one day we part ways, it might be complicated.” She looked at Silas sternly. She didn’t want to take advantage of his kindness, and she also didn’t want to create future complications for him.

As soon as she finished speaking, she saw Silas’s face darken. His eyes held a hint of something fierce.

Fagan gulped silently and thought, ‘Gosh, Mrs. Myers knows how to stir things up.’

“You don’t like it? You want to separate?” Silas’s voice was low, tension hanging in the air.

“That’s not what I meant. I mean, if…” Calliope was startled by Silas’s sudden shift in demeanor. She wasn’t sure what she’d said wrong.

“No, I don’t dislike it. I like it a lot. I’m really happy. You’re the best husband in the world! Thank you!” She quickly added, shooting Fagan a look. “Fagan, didn’t you need my signature? Here, let me sign for you!”

She grabbed the papers from Fagan and started signing away.

Silas sat on the couch, exuding an aura of authority, watching her quietly. His eyes were deep and unreadable. After she finished signing, Fagan left. The tension in the room lingered, and Calliope felt a bit awkward under Silas’s intense gaze.

Perhaps she hadn’t appreciated his efforts enough. He had gone to such trouble to set everything up, and she’d talked about separation, ruining his mood.

“Hey, you didn’t eat much at the party. Hungry? How about I whip up some mac and cheese? I’m a fantastic cook!” She gave him a playful wink.

Silas looked up, his eyes scanning her face. “Do you still think of me as your uncle… because you’re still thinking about Gideon?”

Calliope watched as Silas’s face shifted, and she hurried to explain. “No, I’m not interested in him anymore. It's just that I’m used to…”

Whenever she saw Silas, she’d instinctively see him as Gideon’s uncle. Maybe it was from all those times she’d chased after Gideon and got used to it. She always forgot to correct herself.

“I’m not your uncle. I’m your husband.”

Silas glanced up and moved closer, towering over her. As he leaned in, Calliope swallowed hard, her heart pounding like a drum.

“‘Uncle’ is what he calls me. You’re not his woman, so remember it.”

Calliope nodded, looking up at Silas with wide, hopeful eyes. Her bright, deep eyes and pretty face, tinged with a slight blush, made it hard for anyone to resist her.

And Silas didn’t say anything more.

Calliope headed to the kitchen and cooked two bowls of spaghetti. The two of them shared the meal together.

The following day, Calliope was the talk of the town.

The fireworks on her birthday night had wowed everyone in Capitalton. Someone had recorded and posted the whole event online, saying how unbelievably lucky Callie was.

People guessed who could have pulled off such a grand gesture. Throwing a birthday celebration as extravagant and luxurious as that was unheard of. Those fireworks were something else, outshining even the grandest firework displays.

Some were envious, some were jealous, and, of course, there was much speculation about who this Callie could be.

“Who in Capitalton is Callie? Is she the daughter of some elite family or the wife of a big shot to have such an opulent birthday celebration?”

“There are only a handful of true socialites in Capitalton, and I don’t recall any named Callie.”

“They must have spent millions last night. Who has that kind of money to burn?”

“Rumor has it someone had a birthday party on the top floor of the Starlight Hotel. No matter how rich they are, that banquet hall is impossible for ordinary folks to book. It must be the birthday celebrated in that ballroom.”

“Starlight Hotel top floor? I heard Ms. Calliope had her birthday there. Usually, Ms. Calliope and Ms. Lisette celebrate together, but this time she did it solo, which is strange.”

“Ah, now that you mention it, it’s the eldest daughter of the Jewell family, who’s always been a bit of a rebel. Word is, her family doesn’t like her.”

“If they don’t like her, how does she afford such a lavish birthday?”

“It doesn’t add up, right? The Jewell family isn’t exactly top-tier. How could they throw such a massive party for her? And what about Ms. Lisette’s birthday?”

“Did everyone forget? Ms. Calliope’s wedding had a last-minute groom change, and now, she’s married to Silas Myers. Of course, he could throw the biggest birthday bash for his wife.”

“Isn’t this Ms. Calliope supposed to be a bit of an airhead? People don’t seem to like her much.”

“She was all over Gideon, and he even called off the wedding. Why would Mr. Myers marry her?”

“Why else? Probably something about a life-saving debt!”