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.

entered, guilt flickering briefly across their

Daddy drew this for

myself, unchanged from years ago. The artist’s care was evident in every

you like it, Aria?”

the faint trace of Sophie’s signature perfume. “Callum, why do

then, perhaps we could have

who gave an almost imperceptible

she’s overthinking again,” he said smoothly. “The framing shop lady was wearing perfume – it rubbed off when we were paying. Isn’t

you’re being paranoid!” Mila planted her hands on her hips, face

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Chapter 4

“Even if you don’t trust me, surely you trust your

own child?”

daughter, with eyes so like my own, met my gaze

I remained silent, Mila tugged Callum toward her room, muttering, “Poor Daddy, Mommy’s so jealous even

arrived: “If you doubt me, I can prove it. Within three minutes, your beloved husband and daughter will