The Bride Who Said No: Escaping the Shadows of Yesterday

Freya looked down at the apron Preston had tied around her waist, spacing out for a moment. By the time Freya snapped back to reality, Preston had already moved to the side, continuing with his chopping. Outside the kitchen, Hans and Neil, as if oblivious to what had just happened, made their way to the living room, engaging in some unknown conversation.

Freya couldn't help but take another look at Preston.

He was deeply focused on his chopping.

The profile of Preston's face seemed flawless. Although he was usually reserved and not much of a talker, he appeared quite serious in the kitchen.

Actually, not just in the kitchen. Whenever he was working on something, he was always serious.

Otherwise... he seemed a bit standoffish.

"Seen enough?"

Suddenly, Preston's words broke Freya's train of thought.

Freya coughed lightly and said, "I just... thought there was something on your face."

Without responding, Preston gave Freya the chance to swiftly reach out and tap his cheek. Although it was just a brief moment, Preston was visibly startled.

flour that was on Freya's

Hans instinctively wanted to intervene but was

flirting. Why would

between them. It seemed like Freya did

back, trust me, I know what I'm talking about," Neil said with a confident pat on

choice

The thought of his reaction to the

communicated, maintaining harmony

were not difficult, and Preston quickly made his way

the flour on Preston's

to have already known it was there and precisely wiped it off with a paper towel. Neil knew he wasn't

was finally showing a

approached, and Freya emerged from the kitchen

quickly stepped up to help, taking the dishes from

spread of spaghetti with meatballs, pork ribs, garlic oysters, and grilled salmon, Neil's

comfort dishes that followed, like chicken stew with mushrooms, spicy fish, and a bowl of salad, all of which were

Hans' cooking by

hands together,