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?"

lips, at a

might feel. But this time, he was

know

overthinking it. I don't think Ms. Dawson

Kieran's gaze involuntarily shifted to Freya, who seemed utterly indifferent to his and Eloise's

didn't seem to mind he

doesn't seem to care," Kieran said, his tone laced with a

been calling me a home-wrecker, and I don't care. But please don't think the same. If you don't stand by me,

softened

family, she had no one else. Without Kieran's protection, the Harwood" family would have been ostracized in Echo City, their

Freya had left Eloise neglected, Kieran reassured her, "I've squashed those rumors online.

Kieran's protective words. "Kieran, I knew

responded absentmindedly, his full attention still on

and Leland entered