The Bride Who Said No: Escaping the Shadows of Yesterday

Reflecting for a moment, Freya gave a quick nod, her informal way of saying goodbye. "Catch you later, Teach!"

Ronan nodded back, polite as ever, "See you."

Freya bit back the words "you're nuts" and turned, leaving Ronan's office behind.

Time at school always flew by, and before they knew it, evening had arrived. Freya and Luna walked out of the academic building, hand in hand.

In reality, they didn't have any classes that afternoon. Freya just wanted to spend some extra time in the school's library.

Luna had never seen Freya this driven and hardworking before. It was as if ever since that engagement party where Freya had dramatically dived into the swimming pool, something had clicked in her mind. She wasn't chasing after Kieran anymore and had instead ignited a passion for her studies.

Luna said, "Reya, you don't have to hit the books so hard, you know. Your family's got enough dough to last for generations."

Freya shook her head, "That's not how it works. Money can change hands overnight, but knowledge sticks. Once you've learned something, it's yours. No one can take that away."

Checking her watch, Freya added, "We should get going."

"What's up?" Luna asked, puzzled.

"Kieran expects you home at a certain time? Isn't that a bit much?"

"No, it's party time," Freya replied. "A guy like Kieran would never tolerate his fiancée hitting the town, don't you think?"

"...I guess no guy would like his girlfriend out partying without him," Luna mused, thinking Freya was pretty bold.

Using this tactic to push Kieran away was pretty bold. Given their social standing, it could easily spiral into a major scandal. Luna slapped Freya on the back, seriously saying, "I've been waiting for you to say that!"

Meanwhile

At the Eclipse Lounge.

Silas dragged Kieran into a luxurious private room.

"I know you're not a fan, but we've got obligations, man," Silas said, lowering his voice, "I asked the

manager to round up a bunch

uveine

hotties for us tonight. Distract yourself a bit, stop thinking about work."

"We're here for work, and you're telling me not to think about work?" Kieran glanced at Silas.NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.

Silas grinned, "What's there to worry about? Look around, none of these execs came for work. They're all here for the ladies!"

Kieran rubbed his temples. He'd never been fond of loud places or social drinking.

But certain deals couldn't be

clinched over a dinner table; places like the Eclipse Lounge were more conducive for winning over clients.

Before long, a line of glamorous women entered. Each woman was dressed to impress, flaunting their assets.

At that moment, Kieran's mind wandered back to Freya's outfit from earlier in the day.

Freya had an exceptional figure, the kind that stood out in a crowd, with curves in all the right places.

Compared to Freya, these women seemed lacking.

Kieran couldn't muster any enthusiasm.

Besides, he wasn't keen on unfamiliar women getting close.

The other executives, however, were thoroughly enjoying the company of these soft, fragrant beauties.

Silas kept the drinks coming for them.

For Kieran, being there was more

about showing face to the clients than anything else. He didn't need

l.ned

drink much; just needed to be present while others toasted to him, and then they'd be eager to discuss business deals.

It was practically a set routine.

After a few rounds of drinks, Silas slapped Kieran on the shoulder, "Gonna hit the restroom. Be right back!"

A bit tipsy, Silas staggered off, leaving Kieran to his thoughts.