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.

demeanor was icy. His face was a masterpiece of chiseled perfection, his eyes devoid of warmth, exuding an aura that said, 'Keep out.' Following his gaze downward was

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

that, Freya

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

her, only to realize he had no intention of marrying

Eloise at what

that this wedding was meant for

ignored her plight on the second day, claiming she had

she was kidnapped, he only cared

the ransom and was eager to register his marriage with Eloise, wanting

days were absolute hell, starting with hope and plummeting

a mirror image of Eloise's. Everyone in Echo City knew Eloise was Kieran's true

when she appeared before Kieran dressed like this,

not for the strained relations between their families, making the Harwood family unable to support the Sutton family, and Audrey's dislike for Eloise,