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."

expression changed instantly. "Fallen for Freya? What nonsense are

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

seemed to have seen through him,

you, and you wouldn't give her the time of day. Now, she's stopped orbiting

glare cut off Silas's following words. "Freya is a woman who'd do anything

Silas shook his head.

Dawson was after money and status, why would she call off the engagement? After all, your grandmother adored her. She could have easily taken Mrs. Sutton's place. There was no need for her to go through

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

QUMS

for him these past

about to call out

after Ronan and Preston, leaving Mrs. Sutton's position behind? Not to mention, with Ronan's uncertain inclinations and

to Silas, Kieran fell

Dawson. You're just not aware of it,

Kieran stood up, his tone cold.