The Bride Who Said No: Escaping the Shadows of Yesterday

Neil spun on his heel and left the study, closing the door behind him as he went. Preston watched the half-full glass of whiskey on the desk before downing the remaining liquid in one gulp. It was around midnight.

Silas had finished all his tasks for the night and glanced at Kieran, sitting in a booth at Eclipse Lounge, occasionally checking his phone with a distracted air.

"You've been off in your world all night. What's going on?" Silas asked hesitantly.

Kieran returned to reality, putting his phone down with a slight hint of irritation.

Silas knew Kieran wasn't one to slack off at work, so he quickly deduced it had something to do with Freya.

"It's Ms. Dawson again, isn't it?" When Kieran remained silent, Silas knew he'd hit the nail on the head. It always came back to Freya. The old Kieran would never have been like this.

"Let me guess. You're restless because Ms. Dawson hasn't messaged you all day, right?"

Seeing the look on Kieran's face, Silas knew he'd guessed correctly again.

So, Silas said, "Face it, Kieran. You've fallen for Freya."

changed instantly. "Fallen for Freya?

wanting to contact them to know what they're up to. How many times have

seemed to have seen through him, Kieran's

said Ms. Dawson was into you, and you wouldn't give her the time of day. Now, she's stopped orbiting around you,

who'd do anything for money. How could I fall for someone

shook his

her. She could have easily taken Mrs.

and Preston. She wants more than Mrs. Sutton's position. She wants me, well, my attention, Kieran reasoned, though he seemed to

QUMS

loathing for him these past days,

about to call

the matter. "So, Ms. Dawson is a fool? Would she rather chase after Ronan and Preston, leaving Mrs. Sutton's position behind? Not to mention, with Ronan's uncertain inclinations and Preston being such

to Silas,

just not aware of it, and that's why you're

Kieran stood up, his tone cold.