The Ruined Bride of Velvet Nights by Brick Moving Ant

Chapter 3

After Dad and Caspian left to “handle the situation,” I managed to wheel myself into the hallway and

make an overseas call.

“I’ve made my decision. I want to claim Mom’s inheritance now.”

“Val! What the hell are you doing out here? Dad’s been freaking out thinking you might’ve-”

Dad rushed toward me, voice breaking as he pulled me into his arms. “Baby girl, I swear to God, I won’t let anyone touch a hair on your head ever again.”

As he hugged me, he shot Caspian a look over my shoulder.

On cue, my brother held up his phone with theatrical excitement.

“Holy shit, Val! The Swiss surgical team just landed! Got them on the earliest flight possible. We can get you into surgery, like, tonight!”

I lifted my gaze, eyes drifting coldly across their faces.

So now that my face was ruined beyond repair, they figured fixing my legs wouldn’t threaten precious Victoria’s chances anymore? How fucking generous.

But I didn’t need their twisted version of mercy.

“Dad, just… don’t.”

crouched down, squeezing my hand. “Sweetheart, if we don’t do this surgery now, you’re looking at a

my head slowly. What was the

his mouth to argue, but Caspian bounded over, practically glowing. “Dad! Victoria’s

came all this way! Let me wheel

asking what I wanted–as usual–he pushed me

92.3%

Chapter 3

into a

daughter with the

kept her hidden for years. I only discovered her existence after Mom’s funeral.

about me bullying her at school. There was zero chance

the room. “Everyone at school is absolutely devastated. They all wanted me to check on

brought a bouquet of white lilies–classic

the petals. “Sorry about these. The florist was,

I maybe have a few minutes alone with Val? Girl talk?”

her wide eyes and gentle smile.

sweetheart. See if you

shut, Victoria’s entire demeanor

over my bandaged face and immobilized legs,

edge.