The Bride Who Said No: Escaping the Shadows of Yesterday

"Mr. Sutton, the guests have arrived. We should make our way downstairs now."

"Okay." Kieran rubbed his temples, his mind involuntarily replaying the conversation he had with Freya the previous day.

If it weren't for his grandmother's insistence on hosting this dinner, he wouldn't have even considered meeting Freya.

Downstairs.

As soon as Freya made her entrance, she became the center of attention.

It wasn't because of any extravagant outfit she wore, but rather because Freya was now the sole heir to the Dawson fortune. Whoever married Freya would hit the jackpot.

Should anything happen to Freya, the entire Dawson estate would go to her husband.

Thus, all the men in the room had their eyes fixed on Freya.

"Freya, come here, my dear," called out Audrey, her face beaming with affection for Freya.

It was hard to imagine that just a few days ago, Audrey had shown nothing but disdain for her.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Freya made her way to Audrey.

Audrey affectionately patted the back of Freya's hand and said, "You've grown more beautiful by the day. You and Kieran haven't seen each other for a while, have you? He'll be down soon. I'll have him keep you company, how about that? Young folks should enjoy dancing and having a few drinks together, don't you think?"

It was clear Audrey was putting on a show for the guests.

This was her way of signaling to everyone present that Freya was favored by the Sutton family.

Freya merely smiled politely, replying, "Mrs. Sutton, I just saw Mr. Sutton yesterday, and I got the impression he wasn't too keen on spending time with me."

Upstairs, Kieran had just descended the staircase when he overheard Freya's conversation with Audrey.

Remembering the previous day's events, his expression turned sour again.

"Nonsense. I know my grandson better than anyone. He adores you. The broken engagement was just a moment of anger. Young people can be impulsive, but he's here tonight specifically to apologize to you." Audrey beckoned Kieran over with a smile as everyone watched.

Now, it was common knowledge

that Kieran held no affection for Eloise. The rumors of their having a child together were completely unfounded.

Eloise had another man in her life.

Thus, the idea that Kieran saw Freya as a substitute for Eloise due to her looks was dismissed.

In fact, they seemed quite well-matched.

It was at this moment that Freya finally understood Audrey's intentions.

So, the Suttons were eyeing the Dawson fortune now that it was vulnerable. Freya sneered inwardly.

Mrs. Sutton's calculations were indeed clever.

Embrace when there's value to be had, and push away when there's none.

Such a refined self-interest.

"Kieran, what are you waiting for? Why don't you take Freya for a walk around the garden?" "Grandmother..."

Kieran started to protest but was silenced by Audrey's stern look.

"Alright."

With a stoic face, Kieran approached Freya, saying, "Ms. Dawson, this way, please."

Freya didn't refuse. Spending more.

time with

Kieran in the public eye could only benefit the Dawsone family.

"Mr. Sutton, I never thought Mrs. Sutton's word alone would make you stoop to see me," Freya said, her voice dripping with sarcasmo

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