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.”

even planned the whole thing herself.

upon a

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

friends approached.

21:50

of Velvet

12.0%

Chapter S

But you’ve got a wife

with disdain and self–assurance. “Anyone else might leave

fingers trembled slightly, ripples forming in her

lowered her head, a bitter smile tugging

time, you’re dead wrong.”

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

open and rushed toward

him. “Are you crazy? Wait for

wild with desperation. “If I wait, all of Ophelia’s things will

backward from the force, her knees slamming against the pavement, reopening her wounds. Blood trickled down her leg.

“They’re just material objects. Are

briefly but didn’t turn back.

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