The Bride Who Said No: Escaping the Shadows of Yesterday

Eloise's frown was deep and persistent. Once upon a time, she had been Kieran's plus-one at countless dinners, big and small. But this charity dinner wasn't just any dinner. Rumors swirled that Preston Tyler from overseas would be attending. In Echo City, who didn't know Preston's clout? He was the top dog in a world where only the cunning survive. Having Preston on your side meant walking tall both at home and abroad.

Yet, to such an occasion, Kieran had chosen to bring Freya.

Eloise threw her glass across the room with a slam, her face a storm of emotions.

"Has he left already?"

"Ms. Harwood... Yes, he's left."

Watching Kieran leave with Freya for the charity dinner, Eloise stared at her half-done makeup in the mirror, feeling completely ridiculous.

"Ms. Harwood, do you... want to continue with your makeup?" They had started preparing Eloise early, confident that Mr. Sutton would take their young mistress to the event. But...

"Continue," Eloise said icily. "Tonight, I must be there no matter what."

"Understood."

Meanwhile, Kieran had arrived at the Majestic Manor Hotel, gallantly opening the car door for Freya. As soon as Freya stepped out, she became the center of attention. "Isn't that Freya? Why is she attending the dinner with Mr. Sutton?"

"Right, isn't Mr. Sutton usually accompanied by Ms. Harwood?"

"Freya must have played dirty again. I heard she even drugged Mr. Sutton before..."

Whispers filled the air.

Kieran's gaze swept over them, and the gossiping socialites immediately fell silent. His look was so chilling thatit sent shivers down their spines.

Freya looked around. She remembered it was at this charity dinner that Preston made his appearance in the past life.

Then, Eloise

was

with Kieran,

instantly capturing Preston's heart with her striking beauty and graceful demeanor. Preston had become

Eloise's benefactor, looking aftene

when she went abroad for further studies.

her

Echo City was buzzing with gossip about Preston's crush on Eloise, which had turned him into her devoted admirer.

And it was precisely because of this

that Kieran hurried to get rid of Freya

as a nuisance, bringing Eloise back home to get engaged. Eloise had achieved much with Preston's help back then.

"What are you looking at?" Kieran's voice suddenly broke the silence.

Freya turned to see Kieran watching her intently. She averted her gaze, saying, "Nothing much, just looking around."

Kieran pressed, "Just looking around, or looking for Ronan?"

"Mr. Sutton, you're overthinking it."