Chapter 2

“Calliope, did you chase Gideon away again?” Zelda’s voice carried its usual air of authority. “Can’t you just be more like Lisette for once? Why must you always stir up trouble? You insisted on marrying Gideon, and now that it’s happening, you’re not even trying to hold onto it. The wedding is about to start, and the groom’s gone AWOL. How do you think that looks?”

Calliope didn’t bother responding. She simply met her parents’ gaze with that familiar, indifferent stare.

This was the first time she had seen them since her rebirth.

It was only when they were about to be humiliated that they finally paid her any mind. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have cared if she had vanished off the face of the earth.

In her past life, when she was dying and pleaded for help, they were busy planning a grand birthday party for Lisette, their adopted daughter. They were all smiles and laughter, while she was drowning in despair.

Lisette’s birthday had become her death anniversary.

“Calliope, why can’t you just give us some peace? You’re embarrassing not just us, but Lisette too.”

“Both of you are our daughters. I don’t expect you to be as accomplished as Lisette, but at least don’t cause trouble.”

Zelda huffed, exasperated.

Calliope remained impassive. “Don’t worry. The wedding will go on as planned. Just wait outside.”

Monty studied her for a moment, then gave a slight nod before leading Zelda out of the room.

Once their parents were gone, Lisette turned to Calliope with a smirk, leaning in to whisper, “Calliope, you’re going to be the talk of the town today. There won’t be a groom at your wedding! Gideon’s run off to see Yvette, and he won’t be back for days!”

Smack!

A sharp slap rang through the room.

Lisette staggered back, eyes wide.

“You’re insane!” she cried, clutching her stinging cheek.

Calliope met her gaze with an icy, unwavering stare. “Yes, I’m insane. And you haven’t seen the half of it.”

A chill crept down Lisette’s spine. This wasn’t the timid, self-effacing girl she was used to manipulating.

Calliope had always been the underdog, overshadowed by their parents’ favoritism toward Lisette.

But today, something had shifted. There was a quiet, unnerving resolve in her.

Calliope left the room and headed to another suite in the hotel.

Inside, Eamon Baker and Silas Myers awaited her.

Eamon was Gideon’s grandfather, an elderly man still sharp and spirited. Silas, on the other hand, was Gideon’s uncle, adopted as the youngest son of the Baker family and now its most influential figure.

He stood at the pinnacle of Capitalton’s power, revered and feared by many. Aside from Eamon, there wasn’t a single person in the Baker family who didn’t respect him.

“Gideon’s gone, is he?” Eamon asked, his white hair contrasting with his lively demeanor.

Calliope nodded. “Does your offer still stand?”

“I owe you my life. As long as you’re certain, I have no objections,” Silas replied from the couch opposite Eamon.

There was an air of authority about him—his sharp, penetrating gaze could make anyone uneasy. It was no wonder people found him intimidating.

“That boy Gideon is a fool. He’ll regret this one day. If he can’t see straight, we certainly can.” Eamon declared as he stood. “Silas, do as agreed with Callie. Swap the groom in the wedding and erase any trace of Gideon. If Callie chooses you, treat her well. The wedding will proceed.”

With a sigh, Eamon exited the room.

Now, it was just Calliope and Silas.

Calliope sneaked a glance at him but hesitated to meet his gaze directly.

Silas Myers was the most enigmatic and formidable man in their world. His eyes held a power that was both compelling and inscrutable.