The Bride Who Said No: Escaping the Shadows of Yesterday

Freya couldn't figure out what game Ronan was playing. Since she got to know Ronan, she'd found him sneakily cunning and quietly intense. The reward Ronan offered didn't pique Freya's interest, but she was genuinely curious about how he always showed up right on time.

Pondering over this, Freya sidled up to Ronan, took a whiff, and said, "You reek of booze... Don't tell me you came straight from a bar?" Ronan nodded, urging Freya to continue.

Frowning, Freya ventured, "You were so timely because you were also at Eclipse Lounge, perhaps discussing business?"

"Wrong guess," Ronan said, wagging his finger in front of Freya. "No prize for you this time."

"You..."

Before Freya could finish her sentence, Ronan swung open the door of a nearby private room. Inside, professors and teachers from Summit University were belting out classic rock hits. Freya was stunned by the sight. All eyes in the room turned to Freya and Ronan.NôvelDrama.Org owns this.

"Mr. Beckett, who's this?"

"Is this our department's Freya? You haven't been to school these past few days or picked up calls. We heard about your engagement, but remember, your studies come first." The department head stepped forward, recognizing Freya. After all, Kieran was one of the investors in Summit University.

"Apologies, ma'am, I still have a few things to discuss with Freya."

With that, Ronan, all smiles, led Freya out of Eclipse Lounge.

Since they bumped into the university teachers, Freya had been too shocked to speak. She asked, "Ronan, what's the joke? You and Summit University's staff out for drinks?" "My dear Ms. Dawson, today's Teachers' Day." Ronan explained, "As a guest lecturer invited by Summit University, isn't it natural for me to join my colleagues for a get-together?" "Natural? Hardly!"

Given Ronan's stature in Echo City, not even the Summit University's dean had the clout to invite Ronan to such an event.

"Alright." Ronan nudged Freya toward the exit, saying, "Your best friend's waiting for you." He flashed a 'call me' sign with his hand and then turned to leave.

Freya still wanted to press for answers when Luna started calling out to her from outside Eclipse Lounge, "Reya! Reya!"

As Freya approached, Luna visibly relaxed, "Thank God you're okay! It looks like Ronan's got your back after all!"

"What?" Freya tilted her head, asking, "Luna, you contacted Ronan?"

"Yeah!" Luna said, "I was freaking out at the entrance when I saw Ronan come out, so I told Ronan Kieran had taken you, and he went straight in."

So that was how it was. It was no wonder the teachers were puzzled when Ronan appeared. So, Ronan had made a return trip.

But why was Ronan attending a Teachers' Day gathering at Summit University?

"Reya, did Kieran do anything to you?" Luna asked worriedly, "You shouldn't have come today! You have no idea how risky it was!" "Luna, I'm fine. You should head home now. Don't make your parents worry."

"But you..."

Freya cut her off. "My car's right here. I've had a few drinks. I'll wait for the family driver to pick me up."

Seeing Freya was okay, Luna finally nodded. "Okay, text me when you get home."

Freya nodded. "Will do."

Freya only felt at ease enough to return to her car after she had watched Luna leave.