The Bride Who Said No: Escaping the Shadows of Yesterday

Everyone in the room halted their actions, turning their gaze toward the entrance where Ronan stood, a chilling aura surrounding him. "Ask them," Ronan's voice cut through the air, cold and unwavering.

Kieran's brows furrowed slightly at this.

Silas glanced at the two guys Ronan had pushed forward, recognizing them instantly as the troublemakers hanging around with Hanley. "Got yourselves in trouble with Mr. Beckett, huh? Spit it out!" Silas demanded.

The two shared a look before one shrugged offensively. "It's Hanley. Freya crossed Mr. Sutton today, and Hanley thought he'd teach her a lesson!" Everyone in their circle knew that Kieran and Ronan were arch-enemies. These two, siding with Hanley, supported Kieran.

Seeing Kieran presiding over the room, they seemed less intimidated by Ronan. "Hanley says he's got Mr. Sutton's blessing to pursue Freya. After she pissed Mr. Sutton off, it's only natural for Hanley to want to knock her down a peg! Ronan, since when do you get to meddle in Mr. Sutton's affairs?"

At this, Kieran's expression darkened significantly.

Everyone's eyes turned toward him. Who didn't know about Hanley's reputation in their circles? Forcing himself on women he liked and then throwing money at the problem was his modus operandi.

Until then, he had restrained himself since Freya was Kieran's fiancée-to-be. But Hanley saw his chance with her engagement to Kieran off the table.

The fact that Kieran seemed to approve of Hanley pursuing Freya only confirmed she had seriously offended Kieran. And in Hanley's hands, Freya's fate was all but sealed.

Hearing their bold comments, Ronan scoffed, his eyes filled with disdain for Kieran. "So, Mr. Sutton approves of this. Resorting to such methods with a woman, I see."

With that, Ronan turned and left, the two men oblivious to the tension they had stirred.

"You think you can act this way just because the Beckett family has some clout? Even in front of Mr. Sutton!" one of them yelled after Ronan.

"Exactly! Freya is Mr. Sutton's to deal with. She brought this on herself!"

Bang! Before they could finish, Kieran's grip crushed the glass in his hand.

The room went silent.

Even Eloise was stunned. "Kieran..."

"Mr. Sutton..." The two rich kids finally sensed Kieran's dangerous aura, fear creeping into their voices.

Kieran's cold voice demanded, "Where is she?"

Eloise had never seen Kieran like this, her unease deepening.

Meanwhile, Freya woke up to a cloyingly sweet scent in the air, which was overwhelmingly intense.

Struggling to open her eyes, she found herself in a dimly lit room, bathed in red light, lying on a bed surrounded by an atmosphere thick with desire.Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

She was unable to move, and panic set in. What had happened?