The Ruined Bride of Velvet Nights by Brick Moving Ant

Chapter 5

Her soft words hit Lysander like a sledgehammer to the heart.

But within seconds, his composure returned. “Leaving? Where are you going on vacation this time?”

Navier froze, unable to suppress a bitter realization.

After all these years by his side, he had never once considered the possibility she might actually leave him. That’s why, even when she spoke her truth, he automatically assumed she was just planning another trip.

She parted her lips to speak, but Lysander cut her off, dismissing her words entirely: “Skip the travel plans for now. In a few days it’ll be the anniversary of my first meeting with Ophelia. I’m throwing a

banquet. You can handle the preparations.”

Navier said nothing more, just nodded. “Got it.”

For days, she busied herself with the event.

The gala was extravagant–white lilies, Ophelia’s favorite flower in life, adorned the entire venue. Under the dazzling lights, the scene looked like something from a dream.

Amid the clinking glasses and mingling guests, snippets of conversation reached her ears.

“Lysander is really something, huh? It’s been years, he still can’t forget Ophelia. Throwing a whole damn banquet just to celebrate the day they met, even though she’s gone–the power of a first love is something else entirely.”

the whole thing herself. No way in hell I’d be able to do that because

once upon

glass of wine, she spotted Lysander placing an elegantly wrapped gift box before Ophelia’s

friends approached.

21:50

of Velvet

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Chapter S

really pushing it this time. Look, we all get it–Ophelia was special. But you’ve got a wife who’s spent years loving you. What if

soft laugh, his tone tinged with disdain and self–assurance. “Anyone else might leave

fingers trembled slightly, ripples forming in her wine.

head, a bitter

you’re dead

Smoke billowed into the night sky, painting the horizon

the car door open and rushed toward the burning building without

grabbed him. “Are you crazy? Wait

shoved her away, his eyes wild with desperation. “If I wait, all of

the pavement, reopening her wounds. Blood trickled

he raced into the inferno. “They’re just material objects.

briefly but didn’t

voice was cold and resolute. “Yes. She’s gone–those