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."

for Freya? What nonsense are you

contact them to know what they're up to. How many times have you checked your phone now, hoping to see a message from Freya? I know you're too proud to message her first,

have

you wouldn't give her the time of day. Now,

off Silas's following words. "Freya is a woman who'd do anything for money. How could I fall for someone like

shook

your grandmother adored her. She could have easily taken Mrs. Sutton's place. There was no need for her to go through all

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

QUMS

and loathing for him these past days, Kieran couldn't believe Freya was

about to call

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 a dangerous character, she'd rather throw herself

Silas, Kieran fell

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

his tone cold. "Don't bring this