The Ruined Bride of Velvet Nights by Brick Moving Ant

I stood up, brushing imaginary dust from my Hermès skirt.

“Security will escort you out. If you ever approach the Rousseau name again, I’ll personally ensure you’re prosecuted for every cent you stole.”

She left screaming obscenities, vowing revenge.

I wasn’t remotely concerned. I had inherited not just Grand–père’s fortune, but his network of

influence as well.

In his final days, Grand–père’s hospital suite overlooked the same Mediterranean waters that had enchanted my mother as a child.

During his lucid moments, he taught me about the business empire I would inherit. During others, he spoke to me as if I were Élise, recounting happy memories I’d never heard before.

“Remember when you performed Swan Lake in the garden? Your mother was furious about the ruined roses, but I couldn’t stop applauding.”

I didn’t correct him. Instead, I held his hand and asked for more stories–collecting precious fragments of my mother’s life that had been lost to me.

Between these tender moments, I explored the estate, discovering my mother’s childhood–her ballet slippers still in her closet, diaries filled with teenage dreams, photographs of her laughing by the same pool where I now swam daily.

News reached me that Caspian had died during a prison riot, his skull crushed by another inmate. Dad had received thirty years without parole, his health already failing in maximum security.

I mentioned these developments to Grand–père, he simply nodded.

rights itself eventually,” he murmured.

painted his room in gold, he

me, ma chérie,” he whispered, “did Élise speak of me

my head gently on his shoulder, as I imagined

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Chapter 11

died,” I said, gently adjusting the

weathered face. “She thought

gazed at him–this powerful man now so fragile

softly.

think I’ll keep that

expression transformed from confusion to understanding. Tears welled in his eyes, but then, remarkably, he began to laugh–a gentle, knowing laugh.

Valentina,” he whispered, reaching for my hand. “You are so much like her. The same quiet strength. The same beautiful defiance.”

Papa’s waiting for you in the garden… your pirouettes were

he slipped away, peacefully reuniting

left a message. She had told me, on that final night in our Manhattan apartment, that she had forgiven her parents. That understanding comes with time. That

to

some words better left unspoken.