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

had a “special gift” for me, how I’d been moved

hollow. And

nodded silently, watching them

winding down. Callum’s friends were leaving,

our room, I retrieved an old phone from a locked box. After charging it, I powered

and I first started dating, I’d learned about Sophie Blake. His childhood sweetheart, his “pure first love.” Young and insecure, I’d

Wichte

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saw Sophie’s recent post–a grid of photos at the beach. There she was with Mila, surrounded by sparklers, faces pressed together like mother and daughter. In the center photo, all three of them formed a heart against the

my favorite little girl’s birthday with the people I love most. This must be what pure happiness feels like,”