"Valerian, seriously, stop acting like you''re my life coach. Have you ever put food on my table, or clothes on my back, or even given me a dime for pocket money?"


    "I''m your brother! I''m just trying to look out for you!" Valerian retorted, frustration evident in his voice.


    "Are you really looking out for me? Or are you just worried I''ll embarrass you and the family?"


    Calliope''s eyes shed with a cold defiance. "You''ve never considered me your sister, so quit minding my business."


    "What''s with the attitude, Calliope?"


    Valerian was taken aback by her bluntness, especially in front of his friends. She had been all smiles with Norton earlier, but now she was making a scene.


    Calliope nced at him dismissively before turning on her heel and walking away, leaving Valerian simmering with anger.


    His friends, who had been joking around, fell silent, sensing the tension and couldn''t bring themself to interfere.


    "Hey, Valerian, you okay?" Lisette asked gently. "Do you think it''s safe for her to be alone out there? Maybe you should give her a ride."


    "Why bother? If she gets into trouble, that''s on her!"


    Valerian huffed. He had half a mind to follow her, but Lisette''s words made him reconsider. At least Lisette seemed to understand him.


    If Calliope didn''t want his help, then fine. She could deal with whatever came her way on her own.


    He couldn''t fathom what had gotten into hertely. Everything had been fine, and now she was acting out. She had turned down marrying Gideon, and her rtionship with Ss was a mess. Did she think she was above everyone else?


    He was sure she''de running back when reality hit her.


    She always imed he was unfair to her, but she never considered that Lisette was better than her in every way, and she had even saved his life once!


    Lisette consoled him with a few kind words, and Valerian couldn''t help but think how much more sensible Lisette waspared to Calliope.


    ...


    Calliope went back at the Myers Manor. She had expected Ss to return after these few days apart, but there was no sign of him - no calls, no messages. While their rtionship wasn''t deeply rooted in emotion, the silence was unsettling.


    Was he upset because she had been distant the other day?


    Shey sprawled on her bed, contemting her next move. Seeking advice, she video-called her friend Portia.


    "This isn''t rocket science. When he returns, seize the moment!" Portia uttered, "You free tomorrow? Come meet up, I''ve got some gear for you!"


    "What is it?" Calliope asked, curiosity piqued.


    "You''ll see when you get it!" Portia replied mysteriously.


    "Alright." Calliope asked after a moment of thought, "Do you think I should call him?"


    Since Ss didn''t reach out to her, she figured she should do it.


    "Don''t. Let hime to you. It''ll be a surprise!"


    Convinced, Calliope agreed. As the night wore on, they yawned and ended the call.


    The following day, she met up with Portia, who handed her a bag with a secretive air. "Open it at home," Portia insisted.


    Then they spent the afternoon shopping, not expecting to bump into Gideon and Yvette.