The Ruined Bride of Velvet Nights by Brick Moving Ant

Chapter 12

Dealing with everything, Lysander returned home and embraced Celeste, whispering close to her

ear:

“Ophelia, you’ve finally come back. Manhattan has changed so much in seven years–let me take you

around.”

“Remember back then when you were sick, you always said you wanted to go outside and see the world. But I was too scared–you’d get worse if I took you out of the hospital. But now you’re here, healthy.….. Let’s visit all the places you used to dream about.”

Celeste nodded obediently, letting him guide her into the car.

The vehicle pulled up outside Luna Park at Coney Island. Lysander held Celeste’s hand as they bought tickets and followed the crowd inside.

“You used to love the strawberry ice cream here,” he said, pointing to a small shop. “They were about to shut down, but I kept them afloat… Just in case you ever came back and wanted your favorite again.”

Celeste smiled faintly as she accepted the strawberry ice cream she secretly hated.

“I can’t believe you still remember what I like after all these years.”

Lysander smiled with a hint of pride. “Of course I do. I remember everything about you.”

At his words, Celeste felt herself tense further. Clearly, she would need to be even more meticulous

in her performance.

As they neared the front of the line for the Ferris wheel, Lysander’s phone buzzed.

ignored it, but

call,

message from

left the America. Current whereabouts unknown. Should we continue the

21:51

Bride of

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Chapter 12

search?”

need. She’s just throwing a tantrum. Her divorce stunt actually works out perfectly–keeps her from interfering with Ophelia and me. She’ll

shake a feeling of unease.

Will she

himself that Navier loved him too much. Even the divorce must be just

ploy to win him back.

and she’d never left

make him chase after her? Impossible!

discomfort, Lysander boarded the Ferris wheel with

the highest point, he pulled her into his arms,

deeply.

midst of their embrace, Navier’s face

remembered how she used to look at him, her eyes constantly

as if he were her

he told her his heart only belonged

impossible to drive away.

submitted those divorce papers, the love in her eyes had begun to fade,

inch.

panic rose in Lysander’s chest. He slowly released Celeste