The Ruined Bride of Velvet Nights by Brick Moving Ant

Chapter 17

If Lysander truly disliked Navier, he would never have allowed her into his life in the first place.

There had been plenty of women who had tried to date with him but he had pushed away without at second thought.

Yet somehow, Navier had been allowed to remain.

After the awkward silence stretched too long, his friends attempted to smooth things over.

“Alright, alright,” James conceded. “Whatever you say. We get it. You’re just being a responsible guy–concerned about a childhood friend abroad. We’ll help you look for her too. By the way, have you spoken with Navier’s parents about her disappearance?”

“They should know something, right? She’s their daughter, after all. It’s been quite a while–you should probably notify them.”

Lysander remained silent for a long moment before nodding.

The deafening music in the private room abruptly cut off as he dialed Mr. Armstrong’s number.

A heavy weight settled in his chest just before the other end finally picked up.

He had treated Navier poorly–there was no denying that.

“Lysander! What’s up, my boy?” Mr. Armstrong’s cheerful voice came through.

Lysander cleared his throat, maintaining a composed tone. “Dad, Navier and I are divorced. She left

hasn’t been heard from since. Did you and Mrs. Armstrong know about this?”

dreams now. We gave her our blessing! Divorce happens–we never thought you two were gonna last anyway. No

of your depression back then, pushing that marriage arrangement. Navier volunteered for it, and whatever happiness or unhappiness came with that choice was hers to bear. Now she’s divorced and doing her own business–that’s

views and clearly took the divorce in stride, clearly from

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Ruined Bride of Velvet

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Chapter 17

doesn’t work” school of thought.

tightened and struggled to

She’s really moved on? and she’s

chuckled casually, giving it no deeper thought. “Yeah! Oh–funny thing, though. I actually ran into her a while back while I was traveling for business. Looked like she was having a great time. And there were a few handsome guys around her too, you know?Maybe she’s already started a

“WHAT?!”

so severely that veins bulged along his forearm, nearly warping the

“Then is she-”

merger negotiation waiting. If you wanna know more, maybe try calling her yourself. Later, kid.” Mr.

call disconnected before Lysander could

phone flew across the room, smashing against the wall with such force it

had overheard Mr. Armstrong’s side of the conversation. They

mind replayed Mr. Armstrong’s words on an endless loop, a suffocating aura

blazed through him, consuming

8

CRACK!