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.”

I don’t know how she puts up with it. She even planned the whole thing herself. No way in hell I’d be able to do that because of

Perhaps once upon

Lysander placing

his friends approached.

21:50

of

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Chapter S

But you’ve got a wife who’s spent years loving you. What if she

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

fingers trembled slightly, ripples forming in her

lowered her head, a bitter smile tugging

you’re dead wrong.”

the banquet ended, they returned home, only to discover flames engulfed the villa. Smoke billowed into the

the car door open and rushed toward

“Are you crazy? Wait for the

with desperation. “If I

force, her knees slamming against the pavement, reopening her wounds. Blood trickled

he raced into the inferno. “They’re just material objects. Are they really worth more than your life?”

but didn’t turn

and resolute. “Yes. She’s gone–those things are my life