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?"

Of course not! How could Preston have

to find

catch. But he might be too intense, which scares the

wonder," Freya nodded

asked,

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

and Neil didn't

100%

expression the clock struck

Freya's intoxication

fade.

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

his study, Preston was

close by, Neil commented,

could you be rough with such a

is quite the character.