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

to find someone to settle

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

wonder," Freya nodded

asked, "No

up with Mr. Tyler. You're afraid he'll end up

and Neil

100%

expression the clock struck four in

intoxication began

fade.

her drunken antics before Preston. 'Freya, oh Freya, you've done it this time. Anyone but Preston would have been fine. After all, Preston

back in his study, Preston

close by,

could you be rough with such a delicate girl? Hey, Preston,

is quite the character.