The Ruined Bride of Velvet Nights by Brick Moving Ant

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Chapter 4

Chapter 4

I spent two hours on a crucial phone call in Callum’s study. When I emerged, they still hadn’t

returned.

Once, I would have been worried sick. Now, I only felt bitter irony.

In the living room, my phone buzzed with a message from an unknown number. The attached photo showed Mila and Sophie hand in hand, running toward Callum on the beach. Their faces glowed with joy beneath the sparklers‘ light – the perfect family portrait. Without me.

The next message confirmed my suspicions: “Seven years of deception must make you furious. I hope you’ll make the right choice.”

Sophie’s words were carefully crafted, but her meaning was clear: step aside gracefully.

door opened. Callum and Mila entered, guilt flickering briefly across their matching faces before Mila thrust a portrait into my hands.

this for you!”

care was

Aria?”

him, catching the faint trace of Sophie’s signature perfume. “Callum, why do you smell

been honest then, perhaps we could have ended things amicably.

glanced at Mila, who

again,” he said smoothly. “The framing shop lady was wearing perfume – it rubbed off when we were

paranoid!” Mila planted her hands on her hips,

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Chapter 4

me,” Callum added. “Even if you don’t trust

own child?”

Mila forward. My daughter, with eyes so like my own, met my gaze

Callum toward her room, muttering, “Poor Daddy, Mommy’s

your beloved husband and daughter will make up an excuse to come see