The Bride Who Said No: Escaping the Shadows of Yesterday

Chapter 177

Had it been the old Freya, she would have run away in tears by then.

But the Freya of today grabbed a glass of champagne with a calm and collected demeanor, saying, "Let them talk. It's not like I had any real plans to marry him."

She figured she'd find an opportunity to call off the engagement with Kieran soon enough. For the moment, living their separate lives seemed just fine.

Meanwhile, Kieran furrowed his brows slightly and said, "You didn't mention we were going to the Dawson family's birthday bash."

Eloise had eagerly sought him out after work, inviting him to a friend's party, but conveniently left out that the Dawson family was hosting. He shouldn't be with Eloise at such events.

"We're already here, and I wanted to socialize. I heard the Dawson family invited quite a crowd, possibly including some of our business partners."

Noticing Kieran's displeasure, Eloise spoke softly, "You've accompanied me to these events before, not just once or twice. Why the reluctance all of a sudden?"

his lips, at a loss for words

family were hosting, he wouldn't hesitate to bring Eloise along, not caring how Freya might feel. But this time, he was worried about the gossip that might swirl around Freya. Eloise's eyes began

helplessly, "Ellie, you know

it. I don't think Ms. Dawson cares that

involuntarily shifted to Freya, who seemed utterly indifferent

tight in his chest. His fiancée didn't seem to mind he was this

said, his tone laced with a

calling me a home-wrecker, and I don't care. But please don't think the same. If you don't stand by me, I have no ne else in

softened with

Harwood family, she had no one else. Without Kieran's protection, the

his recent preoccupation with Freya had left Eloise neglected, Kieran reassured her, "I've squashed those rumors online. Don't worry. No one

smile returned upon hearing Kieran's protective words. "Kieran, I

responded absentmindedly, his full attention

Leland entered the banquet