Chapter 25: Chapter 25

Chapter 16 Lysander hung up and noticed Celeste’s distant expression. Assuming she was frightened, he quickly reassured her.

“They had it coming because of their greedy, and he dared to treat you that way.”

Celeste leaned into his embrace and spoke softly. “It’s okay. He doesn’t know I’m not his sister anymore. I did take over his sister’s body, maybe part of me feels guilty for that.”

“Ophelia, you’re too kindhearted.” Lysander stroked her hair, resting his chin atop her head.

“With me here, I’ll protect you. Nothing will ever hurt you again.”

Even as he spoke these tender words, his phone kept vibrating with incoming messages.

They were from Nick, his secretary.

Celeste caught a glimpse of the screen–along with updates about the Stanley family, there was mention of Navier.

Nick’s team still couldn’t locate her.

Lysander’s expression darkened further.

How long is she going to keep this up? It’s been ages–she can’t still be this angry. Would she really cut him out of her life forever?

“Turn the city upside down if you have to–just find her.” he furiously typed back.

Celeste’s eyes darkened. She deliberately asked. “Lysander, who are you texting?”

“Just work stuff with Nick,” he replied hastily, his manner unnaturally stiff as he pocketed his phone.

“We’re home. Let’s go inside.”

He changed the subject smoothly. Watching his retreating back, Celeste felt an even greater sense of bitter irony.

Nearly a month had passed, and Lysander still had no information about Navier.

22:18 The Ruined Bride of Velvet Nights 21.4%

Chapter 16 Beyond that one–way ticket to England, she had vanished completely.

Lysander gripped the divorce papers tightly with his thoughts increasingly chaotic.

At a gathering with friends, he had left Celeste at home, needing space to clear his mind.

“Wait, wait, hold on,” said Eric Hayes, leaning forward. “You’re telling me Navier actually left? Seriously? And disappeared overseas without a trace, while Ophelia was reborn and returned to your life?”

Lysander took a sip of his drink and nodded.

“So, what?” James asked. “Ophelia’s back, your first love, your dream life is happening, and you’re still sitting here looking miserable?”

“Honestly,” Michael chimed in, “since you’re divorced, shouldn’t you be planning your wedding with Ophelia now? What’s the problem?”

“Your first love is back in your arms, your dream came true, your business is thriving, god–you’ve got it all,” James laughed.

“I’d be celebrating, not looking like someone ran over my dog.”

“I don’t know,” Lysander drained his glass.

“I haven’t considered marrying Ophelia so quickly. It’s out of my plan. Besides, if Navier hasn’t given up on me, she’ll definitely cause trouble when she finds out.”

“I’m worried she might hurt Ophelia.”

At this, everyone fell silent.

Someone tentatively suggested. “If Navier was really gonna cause trouble, she would’ve done it already.”

“And if she was still hung up on you, why would she divorce you? Being your legal wife would give her more leverage to drive Ophelia away.”

“Come on, man. Navier has pretty decisive about this. She’s not coming back. Maybe the real reason you’re hesitating... is because Navier’s still in your head.”

Lysander’s face instantly turned to ice.

22:18 The Ruined Bride of Velvet Nights 21.7%

Chapter 16 The entire private room went deathly quiet as everyone exchanged nervous glances.

“Impossible!” Lysander insisted, his face ashen.

The suggestion that he had developed feelings for Navier felt like an insult to what he and Ophelia shared.

Yet the bystanders saw what he couldn’t.

It was obvious to everyone–he couldn’t let Navier go, Whether or not it was love remained debatable, but some type of attachment had clearly formed.

People develop deep bonds with pets they’ve had for just a few years–how much stronger to someone who had always stood faithfully by his side?

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