The Ruined Bride of Velvet Nights by Brick Moving Ant

Chapter 14

Lysander couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off about the “reborn” Ophelia. A subtle but persistent distance separated them.

Her mannerisms, appearance, and voice nearly matched his memories perfectly, yet something felt

wrong.

Too perfect, too polished–like a program running flawlessly, but lacking the truly spark of life.

Lysander shook his head. Perhaps he was just imagining things.

As they strolled hand–in–hand through Columbia University’s campus, Lysander guided Celeste along the tree–lined paths.

They strolled past the historic buildings, pausing in front of the Hall of Distinguished Alumni.

Lysander’s portrait immediately caught Celeste’s attention, but what truly captivated her was Navier’s photograph beside his.

‘Navier was brilliant in her own right‘, Celeste thought, ‘yet devoting to this man dimmed her light simply by existing. She deserved better than that fate.”

‘Leaving Lysander was the wisest decision Navier had ever made. Away from his shadow, she could truly shine brighter.‘

After lingering on Navier’s photograph, Celeste finally tore her gaze away and offered insincere

praise.

“You were so impressive, Lysander!”

“If I hadn’t gotten sick back then, maybe… maybe my picture would be up here next to yours.”

lowered her head in

Lysander immediately pulled out

president.

to want to finish your studies, I’ll arrange for you to enroll. You’ll get your

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Chapter 14

on this wall, all I have

at him with

still

she lowered her head again,

should. Lysander, you know… I’m living

if I ever made it onto that wall, I’d want to earn it

her voice tremble, just a little.

something. After much struggle, I was reborn in this girl Celeste Stanley’s

anymore and jumped into the river, which give me a

because I was worried you couldn’t accept it. But I wanted to be

have lies between

mixed truth

in Lysander’s investigation.

let him discover more

the old Celeste and the current one seemed

different people–reinforcing rather than undermining her story.

as she anticipated, Lysander’s suspicions largely dissolved after hearing her

her

care what body you’re in. You’re still Ophelia to