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?"

pursed his lips, at a loss for

Freya might feel. But this time, he was worried about the gossip that might swirl around Freya. Eloise's eyes began to mist over. "Is it like they

know that's not what

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

this, Kieran's gaze involuntarily shifted to Freya, who seemed utterly indifferent

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

care," Kieran said, his tone

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

softened

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

reassured her, "I've squashed those rumors online. Don't worry. No one can talk about you like that

returned upon hearing Kieran's protective words.

absentmindedly, his full attention still

then, Johanna and Leland entered the banquet