The Bride Who Said No: Escaping the Shadows of Yesterday

"Does it hurt here?" Neil asked, gently probing Freya's back. "Hey, hey, don't move... Stop, stop."

Freya winced in pain. The fall onto the bed and Preston's not-so-gentle push seemed to have worsened her condition.

Neil examined Freya's back concernedly before saying, "It's nothing serious. You just bumped into some bone. You'll be fine after some rest."

"I thought I was a goner at Preston's hands," Freya said, casting a resentful glance at Preston, who stood awkwardly to the side.

Neil adjusted his glasses and chided, "Why on earth were you drinking?"

"I... couldn't sleep," Freya mumbled, embarrassed. She couldn't bring herself to admit her nightmares had scared her awake. It seemed too humiliating.

"I bet Preston led you astray, right?" Neil accused, turning his gaze toward Preston. "You know she's a delicate flower, not as sturdy as the buddies you're used to roughhousing with. If you break her, what are you going to do? Spend the rest of your life making it up to her?"

Freya looked at Neil and asked, "Dr. Anderson, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, what's up?"

"Does Preston have some health issue?"

not! How could Preston

is he unable to find

and the money, a real catch. But he might be too intense, which scares the ladies

Freya nodded

asked,

keen on setting me up with Mr. Tyler. You're afraid

Neil

100%

darkening expression the clock struck

intoxication began

fade.

this time. Anyone but Preston would have been fine. After all, Preston will be part of Eloise's team. He's not someone to get

back in his study,

close by,

such a delicate girl? Hey, Preston, are

is quite the character.