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

child as soon as possible for a shotgun wedding! Imagine being the lady of the Sutton family, basking in endless luxury!" Johanna grew more

that, Freya scoffed. 'Endless

past life, she gave her all to Kieran for three years, only to be kidnapped on their wedding day and tormented for

she desperately hoped Kieran could save her, only to realize he had no intention of marrying her. He was too busy rushing to the airport to welcome Eloise back

vows with Eloise at what was

that this wedding was meant

plight on the second

cared about his sweet

the third day, Kieran refused to pay the ransom and was eager to

starting with hope and plummeting into the despair

image of Eloise's. Everyone in Echo City knew Eloise was Kieran's true love, and Freya was a

life, when she appeared before Kieran dressed like this, he didn't hide his disdain, saying, "Imitation is pathetic. Ellie would never stoop

sweethearts. If not for the strained relations between their families, making the Harwood family unable to support the Sutton family, and Audrey's dislike for Eloise, Kieran would have married