The Ruined Bride of Velvet Nights by Brick Moving Ant

Chapter 9

A month later, they found me.

I’d sold all my shares, using the money to buy a small house in a city I loved. My days were peaceful – tending to my garden, brewing tea, living at my own pace.

Until Callum burst through my gate, a weary–looking Mila at his side. They rushed toward me as if nothing had changed, arms outstretched for an embrace I easily avoided.

“Aria, I finally found you,” Callum breathed, his practiced sincerity making my stomach turn.

“When you disappeared, the company was in chaos. I know you must have been forced to sell the

I don’t blame you. We can still be a family if you come

wasn’t stupid – he knew I’d sold the shares deliberately. But his need to paint me as a victim rather than acknowledge my

never married. At best, we were dating, and now we’re done. Those shares were your compensation. You betrayed me, so I struck

I’d poured all my love into. But her lies had poisoned

hurt, of course. But what was

shaking his head, eyes wet, insisting we

the gate: “You’re so heartless, Mom! You’re nothing like Aunt Sophie.

so much, let

moment before spitting back: “Fine! I