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?"

course not! How could Preston

unable to find someone to settle down

a real catch. But he might be too

wonder," Freya

asked, "No

with Mr. Tyler.

Neil

100%

darkening expression the clock struck four

Freya's intoxication began

fade.

Freya, you've done it this time. Anyone but Preston would have been fine. After all,

study, Preston was deep in

close by, Neil commented,

be rough with such

is quite the character.