Chapter 23: Chapter 23

Chapter 14 Lysander couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off about the “reborn” Ophelia. A subtle but persistent distance separated them.

Her mannerisms, appearance, and voice nearly matched his memories perfectly, yet something felt wrong.

Too perfect, too polished–like a program running flawlessly, but lacking the truly spark of life.

Lysander shook his head. Perhaps he was just imagining things.

As they strolled hand–in–hand through Columbia University’s campus, Lysander guided Celeste along the tree–lined paths.

They strolled past the historic buildings, pausing in front of the Hall of Distinguished Alumni.

Lysander’s portrait immediately caught Celeste’s attention, but what truly captivated her was Navier’s photograph beside his.

‘Navier was brilliant in her own right‘, Celeste thought, ‘yet devoting to this man dimmed her light simply by existing. She deserved better than that fate.”

‘Leaving Lysander was the wisest decision Navier had ever made. Away from his shadow, she could truly shine brighter.‘

After lingering on Navier’s photograph, Celeste finally tore her gaze away and offered insincere praise.

“You were so impressive, Lysander!”

“If I hadn’t gotten sick back then, maybe... maybe my picture would be up here next to yours.”

She lowered her head in fabricated disappointment.

Noticing her shift in mood, Lysander immediately pulled out his phone to call the university president.

“Ophelia, if you still want to want to finish your studies, I’ll arrange for you to enroll. You’ll get your 21:52 The Ruined Bride of Velvet Nights 19.7%

Chapter 14 degree, and if you want your name on this wall, all I have to do is make a call.”

Celeste looked up at him with manufactured delight, her eyes sparkling.

“Really? I could still go to college?”

Before her excitement could build, she lowered her head again, biting her lip uncertainly, “Actually... I don’t know if I should. Lysander, you know... I’m living in someone else’s body now. It wouldn’t be fair. Even if I ever made it onto that wall, I’d want to earn it honestly.”

She let her voice tremble, just a little. Just enough to sell the lie.

“And there’s something. After much struggle, I was reborn in this girl Celeste Stanley’s body. She couldn’t bear her life anymore and jumped into the river, which give me a chance to take over.”

“I didn’t tell you before because I was worried you couldn’t accept it. But I wanted to be honest. I don’t want to have lies between us.”

Celeste deliberately mixed truth with fiction.

Certain details would inevitably surface in Lysander’s investigation. Better to reveal them herself -than let him discover more than she intended.

This way, when he investigated, he’d only find that the old Celeste and the current one seemed like completely different people–reinforcing rather than undermining her story.

Just as she anticipated, Lysander’s suspicions largely dissolved after hearing her explanation. And his sympathy for her only deepened.

“I don’t care what body you’re in. You’re still Ophelia to me. All that matters is having you by my side.”

“Whatever you want, it’s yours. Just don’t leave me again.”

“I’ll call the president right now and arrange for Celeste Stanley to enroll. I won’t interfere with the wall of distinction, but please stop refusing the advantages I can provide.”

Then his tone brooked no argument as he texted the university president.

Celeste smiled with satisfaction. “Of course. Whatever you think is best.”

21:52 The Ruined Bride of Velvet Nights 19.9%

Chapter 14 Even though her grades had been sufficient for Columbia in the past, her family had prevented her from attending.

Now she could finally fulfill her dream of higher education!

This was just the beginning. Everything she wanted–including what rightfully belonged to Navier–would soon be hers.

Celeste lowered her eyes, concealing any trace of her true intentions behind a gentle smile.

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