Chapter 9 The only time Celeste had ever encountered a swing in her childhood was watching her father push her younger brother at the park.
When her brother grew bored and hopped off, Celeste had eagerly approached, only to be kicked down by her father.
âEven if your brother doesnât want it anymore, that doesnât mean you can take it.â
Her brother, seeing her sprawled and bleeding on the ground, had picked up stones to throw at her while laughing and clapping. âServants belong on the ground! Crawl where you belong!â
Heâd learned that from some TV show. But at home, Celeste was treated little better than a servantâEven moving to the city were solely so she could take care of her brother.
Sitting on the swing now, that memory remained painfully vivid.
Celeste was acutely aware that all this happiness she was experiencing rightfully belonged to Ophelia Belmont.
She clenched her jaw and forced herself to keep smiling.
Lysander remained oblivious, continuing to push her without noticing her discomfort.
Eventually, when he was convinced sheâd had enough of the swing, he finally stopped.
He showed her around the entire villa, ending outside the master bedroom, where he pushed open the door.
âOphelia, are you tired? Letâs have a break.â
Then he pulled her close, attempting to kiss her. Inhaling the rich lily fragrance on her skin, desire darkened his eyes.
He trailed kisses up her neck, carefully lifting her onto the bed.
Just as he was about to proceed further, Celeste turned her face away. Her complexion paled as she pressed her slender hand against his chest.
21:51 The Ruined Bride of Velvet Nights.
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Chapter a âI just got back, and Iâm not feeling great. Not tonight, okay? Iâm just not readyâ
She feigned shyness, her face flushing as her fingers clutched the bedsheet, The subtle scent of Navierâs perfume still lingered in the air, as if she were somehow still present.
Celeste couldnât give herself to him now it would feel like a betrayal of Navier.
Without Navier, Celeste would likely have already died in the bed of the old man sheâd been sold to, Lysander embraced Celeste tenderly, breathing heavily but making no further advances.
âOkay, whatever you want. Weâll wait until youâre ready, I just want you to be happy,â
Celeste nodded. As she got up to freshen herself, she deliberately picked up one of Navierâs garments, asking curiously.
âLysander, whose clothes are these? Theyâre not really my style.â
âAnd the makeup... I wouldnât use these brands. Did another woman stay in this room?â
âDid we enter the wrong bedroom? Maybe we should find another room.â
Hearing this, Lysanderâs heart skipped a beat before he quickly explained. âOh, right. This is actually a guest room. I mixed up. My cousin stayed here for a few weeks before you came back.â
âIf you donât like it, Iâll throw everything out.â
He reached for Navierâs clothes and makeup, ready to dump them in the trash.
Celeste stopped his hand, smiling understandingly.
âNo need. Letâs just leave it. If she ever visits again, sheâll have something to wear.â
She led Lysander out, but glanced back at Navierâs belongings one last time.
âLet these remain as a memorial to Navier. We might never see her again.â
Lysander seemed distracted, failing to notice Celesteâs gesture.
He had instinctively concealed Navierâs existence, not wanting Celeste to know about his sevenâyear 21:51 The Ruined Bride of Velvet Nights 15.7%
Chapter 9 marriage.
For some reason, he felt vaguely uneasy as if heâd lost something profoundly important.
But werenât all his important lover and possessions right here with him now?
Lysander glanced at the bathroom where Celeste was freshening up, then found himself inexplicably drawn back to the master bedroom where Navier had lived.
He carefully replaced each of Navierâs belongings exactly where they used to be.
Ophelia had finally returned to himâhe couldnât bear to lose her.
Sometimes sacrifices had to be madeâand Navier should understood that she came second.
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