The Ruined Bride of Velvet Nights by Brick Moving Ant

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Chapter 18

Chapter 18

If he truly didn’t care, a fresh relationship of Navier wouldn’t stir even the slightest emotion in him.

Yet here he was–loudly protesting his indifference while clearly desperate to drag her back and chase away any man who dared approach her.

No one spoke.

His friends had pushed him enough for one night.

After a long pause, Lysander suddenly announced. “I’m going to propose to Ophelia. Spread the news–I want the whole world to know I’m marrying her.”

“Hold up,” Michael said, unable to contain his confusion. “You literally just said you weren’t ready for that. What changed in the last five minutes?”

“Seriously, Lysander,” Ryan pressed, “No offense, but this kinda sounds like you’re just trying to force Navier back. And what happens when Ophelia finds out? She’ll get jealous and upset.”

Lysander’s lips pressed into a tight line, his eyes clouded with unreadable emotions.

“She won’t find out. Unless one of you idiots decides to run your mouth. I’m just worried about an old friend aborad alone. That’s it. Besides, Ophelia is incredibly understanding–she’ll get it. I’ll make it up to her, and the proposal is genuine anyway.”

“Uh–huh. Sure…maybe,” No one dared comment further on his plans.

silently hope he wouldn’t come

been standing outside the private room, hearing every word.

have been jealous, angry, or hurt? Maybe.

Celeste wasn’t Ophelia.

the beginning, she’d understood exactly what kind of man Lysander

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Chapter 18

Ophelia, but after so many years, that once–pure youthful love had become contaminated

for Ophelia out of longing, while simultaneously becoming

couldn’t fully let go of

work perctly that

conviction in Celeste’s heart

several

stayed in character. Rather than signing immediately, she gazed at

this? Has something happened? I don’t want these papers–I just want you to be okay. I won’t

awkward, Lysander nonetheless took her hand and placed it over

empire is vast–this is barely a drop in the bucket. If you

Oh, I’m relived.” Celeste didn’t refuse outright, but pretended to sign reluctantly.

next day, the

had been successfully transferred.

Celeste Stanley, not Ophelia Belmont.

Lysander a few times, and