The Bride Who Said No: Escaping the Shadows of Yesterday

Chapter 2

After Freya walked away, a few people snickered, "What's with the attitude? Just wait until she sees Mr. Sutton not proposing to her. She'll be scampering into the water to pick up the ring like a puppy." "Exactly, everyone knows Mr. Sutton's heart belongs to Ms. Harwood. What's she, then? Nothing but a desperate hanger-on! If it wasn't for Audrey taking a liking to her, would Mr. Sutton even spare her a glance?"

...

Whispers and pointed looks filled the room.

Meanwhile, Freya returned to the ballroom, drenched from head to toe.

Her stepmother Johanna hurried after her. "Freya! Where have you been? Why are you all wet? You do realize it's your engagement party, don't you? Go find somewhere to dry your clothes, quick!"

"And another thing! Why are you dressed so modestly? A woman has to be more appealing to catch a man's eye!" Johanna yanked at her neckline with force.

Freya paid Johanna no mind, her gaze sweeping across the ballroom. The guests filled the room, mingling under the dim lights, all trying to get a moment with one man.

perfection, his eyes devoid of warmth, exuding an aura that said, 'Keep out.' Following his gaze downward was a proud nose and

you'll be Mr. Sutton's fiancée. Your job is to keep him happy and bear his child as soon as possible for a shotgun wedding! Imagine being the lady of the Sutton family, basking in endless luxury!" Johanna grew more animated with each word as if she was the one getting engaged to

Freya

Kieran for three years, only to be kidnapped on their wedding day and tormented for three endless

to realize he had no intention of marrying her. He was too busy

vows with Eloise at what was supposed to be their wedding

discover that this wedding was meant

on the second

cared about

Kieran refused to pay the ransom and was eager to register

starting with hope and plummeting

their engagement party. Yet her attire, her entire look, was a mirror image of Eloise's.

like this, he didn't hide his disdain, saying, "Imitation is pathetic.

their families, making the Harwood family unable to support the Sutton family, and Audrey's dislike