The Ruined Bride of Velvet Nights by Brick Moving Ant

Chapter 3

I didn’t have to wait long in the room. Callum soon entered with Mila, their matching features striking–both wearing gentle smiles, eyes full of apparent warmth as they moved to embrace me.

I instinctively stepped back.

Callum’s smile faltered for a moment, but he said nothing. Mila’s eyes filled with tears. “Mommy, don’t you want to hug me?”

Her lips trembled, eyes glistening – the perfect picture of innocence that always melted her father’s

heart.

Callum immediately knelt beside her, pulling her close. “Of course not, sweetheart. Mommy’s dress is stained–she just doesn’t want to ruin your beautiful birthday dress.”

Mila’s tears subsided as she processed this. Then her face lit up with that dazzling smile I once

treasured.

you,” she said sweetly. “Even though it’s my birthday, we never forget what you went through for me. The gift isn’t here yet – we need to go pick it up.”

the previous birthdays, how they’d always had a “special gift” for me, how I’d been moved to tears each time. Now I realized those gifts

at Mila – my precious daughter whom I’d have given my life for – I felt hollow. And

watching them leave hand in

Downstairs, the party was winding down. Callum’s friends were leaving, their knowing smirks making it clear – I’d always been their

in our room, I retrieved an old phone from a locked

Young and insecure, I’d created a

Wichte

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sparklers, faces pressed together like mother and daughter. In the center photo,

I love most. This must be what pure