The Bride Who Said No: Escaping the Shadows of Yesterday

Audrey's vision of an ideal lady was straight out of a classic Hollywood film, and in her eyes, Ms. Miller fit the bill perfectly.

That certainly would make things easier. At least it would keep Kieran from ogling Freya all day long.

But Kieran didn't miss the gleam of mischief in Freya's eyes. Seeing that just stoked a fire of fury within him. Was she that eager for him to look elsewhere?

"I had high hopes for you two. I did. But after a few months, it turns out that you're not a good match. Kieran needs a wife who can manage the household," Audrey said, her words laced with disappointment. "But if Ms. Dawson has her path to follow, who am I to force this union?"

Her words were a thinly veiled critique of Freya's role as a fiancée.

Freya just nodded in agreement.

Audrey wanted a trophy wife, someone beautiful to show off in public yet practical at home.

Recalling her attempts to please Audrey and Kieran by cooking and cleaning, prioritizing Kieran above all else, made Freya want to slap herself. She sneered inwardly, 'Was I that desperate for approval? I've neglected my ambitions for a man.'

It was as if all her education had gone to waste.

Freya was determined not to play the dutiful fiancée in her second chance at life.

Mistaking Freya's compliance for subservience, Audrey looked down on her even more. She couldn't fathom Freya's inner feelings, assuming she regretted losing Kieran, like missing out on a fortune.

But to Freya, she would go for the fortune without hesitation if Kieran and a fortune were before her. Kieran was a prized possession to Audrey but was nothing special to Freya.Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

"I've said my piece, Ms. Dawson.

Don't take it to heart. After all, Echo City is full of eligible bachelors. With your father gone, I'll ensure you're well looked after and find a suitable match."

en

Freya rejected, "There's no need, Mrs. Sutton. I'm not considering marriage at the moment."

And even if she were, Audrey's help would be the last thing she'd seek.

Audrey

bet

leely nodded, which was

courtesy, before rising leave The maids promptly escorted her out.

Finally, Freya could relax. Audrey had left.

SWO

"You're eager to break off our engagement, huh?" Kieran's dark and ominous voice came from behind her.

As she turned, Freya locked onto his stare, as deadly as if he was about to off someone.

"Mr. Sutton, you already know my stance on our engagement. Is there any point in asking?"

She had made her intentions clear more than once. But Kieran always seemed to think she was joking.

His expression darkened further as he coldly asked, "Is it Ronan or Preston?" Confused, Freya asked, "What?"

Kieran moved closer, his eyes getting frostier with each step. He grabbed her arm, his voice as cold as ice, "You cozying up to Ronan or Preston? Or you got them both

wrapped around your finger

swnov