The Bride Who Said No: Escaping the Shadows of Yesterday

Violet's words were a thinly veiled jab at Leland's past, suggesting he was once not worthy to grace these halls. Johanna's face stiffened upon hearing this.

But Violet wasn't aiming to target Johanna and Leland specifically. She continued with a slow, deliberate smile, "Even though Mr. Dawson is new around here, today gives us a great chance to get to know him. Getting hold of the Majestic Manor Hotel's banquet hall isn't something many people can brag about. It really shows off Mr. Dawson's bright future."

With that, Violet smoothed over the awkwardness of the moment.

Yet, Leland caught the disdain and contempt in Violet's eyes directed at him.

From a distance, Freya observed the exchange. It might look like Leland was sharing a laugh with Violet to an outsider. But Freya knew better. How could a girl like Violet genuinely approve of a troublemaker like Leland?

The Ramsey family would never have bothered to attend if it weren't for Kieran's status.

"Reya, what are you looking at?" Luna looked at Freya, puzzled.

thought, 'What are Johanna and her son thinking? Freya is here, and they don't even bother to greet her. And then there

high society figures, all adept at reading the room. It was clear to them that neither Kieran nor Johanna and her son were giving Freya the time of day. So, no one really tried to chat with Freya. Almost everyone acted like she was just not there. "Kieran, shall we go offer a toast?" suggested Eloise, picking up a champagne

Kieran's stature wouldn't need to lower himself to clink glasses with Leland. Even

was still

Freya was only observing Leland, indifferent to his flirtations with Eloise. He took the champagne from Eloise and, grabbing her wrist, said, "If you insist, let's go." Eloise blushed as Kieran

Mr. Sutton

this be deliberate? His fiancée is

Freya. It's only a

noticed the surrounding whispers. She quickly nudged Freya's arm, saying, "Hey! They're talking

hadn't been on Kieran

Luna's remark, Freya had finally noticed Kieran walking with Eloise toward Johanna and

"This Kieran, he's got some nerve! What does he think this event