The Bride Who Said No: Escaping the Shadows of Yesterday

"Mr. Sutton, I reckon you won't mind if I take my leave now. I'll be at the Sutton Group's press conference tomorrow morning at 10."

Freya pushed past Kieran, but as she turned to leave, Kieran suddenly grabbed her arm.

Freya frowned at him. Her eyes were full of disdain as if she'd been accosted by a rat from the sewers. She didn't bother to hide her disgust. "Kieran, clinging like this is just pathetic." Kieran caught every bit of that disgust in her eyes. The look was familiar to him from the first time he saw it, though he hadn't thought much about it then.

But in that moment, Kieran remembered. That was the same look he used to give Freya! Instantly, Kieran was seething with anger. Did Freya dare to look at him with such contempt? "Freya, think carefully about calling off your engagement with the Sutton family," Kieran said, practically spitting out the words through clenched teeth.

"She's thought about it." A deep, amused voice came from outside the room.

Soon, the door swung open. It was Ronan in a crisp white shirt with the sleeves casually rolled up, a silver cufflink sparkling at his wrist.

Freya was puzzled about Ronan's presence, but he stepped forward and wrapped her in his arms, saying to Kieran, "Mr. Sutton, a wise bird chooses its tree. I believe Freya prefers my company over yours." Faced with Ronan's sudden declaration, Freya's face screamed, 'Are you insane?'

"You?" Kieran stepped back, pointing from Freya to Ronan. "Freya, you are indeed something, aren't you? I've underestimated you."

Freya frowned.

Kieran said coldly, "But let me advise you to think it over. Ronan doesn't rule Echo City. Between Ronan and me, you'd better think carefully before choosing."

"Is there even a choice to make?" Ronan said, feigning lightness. "My family's reputation is spotless, unlike the Sutton family, who've been involved in various scandalous businesses over the years. I'm a decent man and have never been in a relationship. Mr. Sutton, didn't you have a child with Ms. Harwood? In capability, I'm no less than you, and in terms of status, the Sutton family is no higher than the Beckett family. I can protect Freya from any harm. Any sensible person would never choose you, Mr. Sutton. I'd advise you not to embarrass yourself here."

With every word Ronan spoke, Kieran's expression grew colder.

While still in Ronan's embrace, Freya saw Kieran scoff and declare, "Fine, we'll call off the engagement!"

Seeing Kieran so easily provoked into agreeing by Ronan, Freya secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

But Kieran quickly added, "However, Freya, you must apologize to Ellie. Otherwise, none of you are leaving."

Kieran's tone was icy, his gaze lethal.

Ronan didn't seem worried as Kieran's men started to flood in, surrounding them with over a dozen bodyguards. "Is that so?"

He slightly raised his hand, signaling, "Come in."

The Beckett family's bodyguards poured into the room.From NôvelDrama.Org.

The small space, barely 200 square feet, was instantly crammed with bodyguards from the Beckett and Sutton families.

"I'm a man who likes to feel secure, so I tend to bring extra muscle when I step out," Ronan said coldly. "So, as for who won't be leaving this room today, it's hard to say."