The Bride Who Said No: Escaping the Shadows of Yesterday

"Freya, this whole mess with Kieran is all because he's been ensnared by that Harwood girl. But don't worry. I'll make sure he properly makes it up to you. You were the one I chose to be part of the Sutton family, and I won't let anyone change that." Audrey's voice was filled with affection. Freya smiled and said, "Audrey, if Kieran has made up his mind, there's not much I can say. I wish him and Ms. Harwood all the best."

With that, Freya stood up and said, "Audrey, if you ever need me, I'll come by to help. It's just... my engagement to Kieran should probably end here."

"Freya..." Audrey wanted to say more, but Freya shook her head. "Audrey, I have things to attend to back home. I'll take my leave now and visit you some other time." After saying her piece, Freya turned and left.

Audrey sighed as she watched Freya's retreating figure. Freya wasn't always this headstrong.

Outside the Sutton Mansion, Freya had barely reached the gate when a dark figure suddenly covered her mouth and nose.

Instinctively, she reached for the small knife hidden in her sleeve but stopped when she caught sight of the Sutton family's crest on her assailant's clothing.

Realizing it was one of Kieran's men, she let the knife go and pretended to be caught off guard. After all, even if Kieran didn't favor her, he wouldn't harm her.

As expected, she wasn't treated harshly but pulled into a sleek, black car. In the car, Freya feigned unconsciousness. After a while, she felt herself being lifted and carried out.

The sound of the elevator ding was familiar. It sounded like the one at the Majestic Manor Hotel. Was Kieran taking her to a hotel?

Knock.

"Mr. Sutton, we've brought her."

"Come in."

Inside, the acrid smell of tobacco filled the air, making Freya hold her breath as she was tossed onto a soft bed.

As Freya tensed up, Kieran's voice cut through the dim room. "Wake her up."

A bucket of cold water was splashed over her, and Freya immediately opened her eyes.This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

The room was dimly lit, the yellowish hue of the lamp adding an ambiguous atmosphere.

Soaking wet and feeling as if she was cut all over, Freya pretended to be furious. "Kieran, don't you think this is a bit much?"

"Too much?" Kieran scoffed. "Ellie's already frail and stubborn. After Grandma humiliated her, she ended up in the hospital, unconscious. Ms. Dawson, didn't you think you went too far by snitching?"

Freya denied it. "Kieran, I didn't snitch."

Hearing Freya call him by his name, Kieran suddenly grabbed her chin, retorting, "You think I'd believe that? Huh? Freya, you're so desperate to be Mrs. Sutton that if I have your scandal plastered all over the internet tonight, ruining your reputation, do you think Grandma would still welcome you into the Sutton family?"

At that, Freya's gaze turned icy.

Ruin her reputation? Her reputation had already been destroyed in her past life by a vile kidnapper!

Once, her purity and reputation were her highest priorities. She had wanted to offer Kieran a clean and whole self. But when she got violated by that kidnapper in her past life, the naïve and foolish Freya had died.

What reputation? What honor? As long as she could survive, she could forsake it all.