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

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

Navier volunteered for it, and whatever happiness or unhappiness came with that choice

clearly took the divorce in stride, clearly

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Chapter 17

forever if it doesn’t work” school of

tightened and struggled to form

on? and she’s just

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

“WHAT?!”

phone tightened so severely that veins

“Then is she-”

negotiation waiting. If you wanna know more, maybe try calling her yourself. Later, kid.” Mr. Armstrong hastily hung up.

Lysander could finish

next instant, his phone flew across the room, smashing against the wall with such force it shattered

Mr. Armstrong’s side of the

endless loop, a suffocating aura building around him.

consuming all rational thought.

8

CRACK!