For three years, Freya Dawson worshipped the ground Kieran walked on, her love unconditional and her self-respect dwindling with each passing day. To Kieran, she was merely a plan B, a secondary choice behind his true love, Eloise Harwood. To everyone’s knowledge, Freya was just a cheap stand-in for the woman Kieran truly loved. But Freya’s wake-up call came harshly—on her wedding day, she was kidnapped and tortured for three endless nights, while Kieran refused to pay her ransom and married Eloise instead. When Freya finally opened her eyes to the truth, she found herself back at their engagement party three years earlier, the very night Kieran abandoned her to save a suicidal Eloise. This time, however, she was met not with sympathy but ridicule. Fed up, Freya boldly declared their engagement off, citing Kieran’s 'sexual dysfunction' as her reason, sparking a viral sensation. Later, a seething Kieran cornered her, questioning her motives with a venomous sneer, "So, Freya Dawson, is this some kind of twisted game to you? What are you trying to pull?"

Chapter 1Snap! A loud slap echoed across the room, landing harshly on Freya Dawson's face, followed by the frantic tearing of her beautiful wedding dress."Damn it! The big boss of the Sutton Group can't even fork over five million for ransom? I've been busting my ass for days haven't gotten anything out of it. I'll make you pay!" As the kidnapper spoke, he pinned Freya down relentlessly.Gazing at Freya's soft, smooth skin, the kidnapper showed no mercy, ripping off the last piece of fabric that preserved her dignity. "But hey, getting to fuck Kieran Sutton's wife, the top socialite of Echo City, isn’t a bad deal, after all!""No... please, I'm Kieran's wife! The lady of the Sutton family! Please let me call him. He'll pay the ransom!" Freya struggled desperately, hope and pleading in her eyes.But her hopes were shattered by a cold statement. "Quit dreaming! Mrs. Sutton? You're nothing but Kieran's leftover trash! Kieran just married Eloise Harwood yesterday! Why would he think of you?"Hearing that, Freya turned pale.She thought, ‘Kieran married Eloise? No! That can't be true! Our wedding was supposed to be just three days ago! I wouldn't have been kidnapped if I hadn’t waited in vain for Kieran's wedding car. I have only been missing for three days. How could Kieran marry Eloise?’Freya retorted, "No... you're lying!""Am I? Take a good look!" The kidnapper grabbed a remote from the floor, turning on the TV.On the screen, Eloise, wearing a wedding dress, was standing at what was supposed to be her wedding venue with Kieran.[Ms. Dawson jilted. The Sutton Group’s CEO welcomes his true love back home, exchanging vows at the wedding venue, promising a lifetime.]The headline sent a tremor through Freya's heart. No wonder she had been waiting in vain for Kieran's car. He had never intended to marry her. This wedding... was meant for Eloise!Realizing her predicament, the kidnapper exclaimed excitedly. "I heard rumors that Ms. Dawson kept her first night for Kieran. It turns out it's true! Man, I hit the jackpot! Too bad, Ms. Dawson, you're not even worth five million in Kieran's heart! If you play nice, maybe I'll leave you in one piece!"...The kidnapper's voice echoed in her ears.Freya felt like a complete joke. Everyone in Echo City knew she was just a stand-in for Eloise. She had abandoned her pride to marry Kieran, ignoring the whispers to care for Audrey Sutton and putting Kieran above all else.After three years, she thought she had finally warmed Kieran's heart, only to realize... it was all for someone else.Freya closed her eyes in despair, tears of regret streaming down her face. If she could live again, she would stay far away from Kieran...."Can you believe it? She jumped! That's insane!""Do you have to be that eager? Even if that was Mr. Sutton's ring, to dive in after it?""Everyone knows Freya is Mr. Sutton's lapdog. She'd do anything for him, even dance naked in front of us if he asked!"...Laughter and ridicule filled the air. A suffocating sensation overwhelmed Freya. Her head throbbed. The mocking laughter of men excitedly filled her ears."Cough cough..." Struggling, Freya surfaced.The scene before her was too familiar. It was her engagement party with Kieran from three years ago.‘Have I traveled back in time?’ Freya wondered.Freya recalled the time Kieran had embarrassed her in front of everyone, tossing the engagement ring into the pool and declaring, "If you can fetch it, I'll marry you."Not knowing how to swim, she had nearly drowned.Climbing out, drenched, she had presented the ring, only to be met with the ultimate humiliation as Kieran rushed off to Eloise's side, leaving her to become the joke of Echo City.Freya looked down at the ring in her hand and bitterly smiled. She asked herself, ‘Is this what you wanted, Freya?’Facing the jeering crowd, Freya stood up."Why not rush over to Mr. Sutton with the ring? Without it, he won't engage you!""Yeah, he won't even look your way without that ring!"...The ridicule didn't stop there. To them, Freya was nothing more than a joke.Ignoring their taunts, Freya calmly removed the engagement ring from her finger and tossed it into the pool along with the other, sending ripples through the still water and silencing the crowd with a single splash.After Freya walked away, a few people snickered, "What's with the attitude? Just wait until she sees Mr. Sutton not proposing to her. She'll be scampering into the water to pick up the ring like a puppy.""Exactly, everyone knows Mr. Sutton's heart belongs to Ms. Harwood. What's she, then? Nothing but a desperate hanger-on! If it wasn't for Audrey taking a liking to her, would Mr. Sutton even spare her a glance?"...Whispers and pointed looks filled the room.Meanwhile, Freya returned to the ballroom, drenched from head to toe.Her stepmother Johanna hurried after her. "Freya! Where have you been? Why are you all wet? You do realize it’s your engagement party, don’t you? Go find somewhere to dry your clothes, quick!""And another thing! Why are you dressed so modestly? A woman has to be more appealing to catch a man's eye!" Johanna yanked at her neckline with force.Freya paid Johanna no mind, her gaze sweeping across the ballroom. The guests filled the room, mingling under the dim lights, all trying to get a moment with one man.Kieran stood in his sleek black suit. His demeanor was icy. His face was a masterpiece of chiseled perfection, his eyes devoid of warmth, exuding an aura that said, 'Keep out.' Following his gaze downward was a proud nose and thin, cold lips as if sculpted."Men are always ruled by their penises. After the engagement, you'll be Mr. Sutton's fiancée. Your job is to keep him happy and bear his child as soon as possible for a shotgun wedding! Imagine being the lady of the Sutton family, basking in endless luxury!" Johanna grew more animated with each word as if she was the one getting engaged to Kieran.Hearing that, Freya scoffed. ‘Endless luxury?’In her past life, she gave her all to Kieran for three years, only to be kidnapped on their wedding day and tormented for three endless days and nights!The first day, she desperately hoped Kieran could save her, only to realize he had no intention of marrying her. He was too busy rushing to the airport to welcome Eloise back home.That very day, Kieran exchanged vows with Eloise at what was supposed to be their wedding venue.She had waited for nothing, only to discover that this wedding was meant for Eloise all along.Kieran ignored her plight on the second day, claiming she had fled the wedding!Knowing she was kidnapped, he only cared about his sweet time with Eloise.On the third day, Kieran refused to pay the ransom and was eager to register his marriage with Eloise, wanting nothing to do with her.Those three days were absolute hell, starting with hope and plummeting into the despair she felt now.Today was supposed to be their engagement party. Yet her attire, her entire look, was a mirror image of Eloise's. Everyone in Echo City knew Eloise was Kieran's true love, and Freya was a cheap substitute.Freya vividly remembered, in her past life, when she appeared before Kieran dressed like this, he didn't hide his disdain, saying, "Imitation is pathetic. Ellie would never stoop so low!"Eloise, the orphan of the Harwood family, and Kieran had been childhood sweethearts. If not for the strained relations between their families, making the Harwood family unable to support the Sutton family, and Audrey's dislike for Eloise, Kieran would have married Eloise long ago.Kieran had always preferred gentle and pure women like Eloise. Unfortunately, she bore a slight resemblance to Eloise. So, Johanna had always pushed her to imitate Eloise in order to win Kieran’s heart.She had tried to please Kieran for three months. The whole Echo City knew she shamelessly chased after the opportunity to become a Sutton, yet Kieran acted as if she didn't exist.It was only because Audrey liked her that Kieran, under Audrey's pressure, chose to engage her. But the humiliation at the engagement party and Kieran's abandonment of her for Eloise, including the three years of being used and ultimately discarded, cut her deep like a knife.Remembering her tragic fate in the past, Freya decided to let go. If Kieran loved Eloise, she would step aside!"Johanna, I'd like a moment alone with Mr. Sutton." Freya's face bore a faint smile, as demure as ever, quickly disarming Johanna.Seeing Freya wanting to speak with Kieran, Johanna couldn't agree fast enough. "Of course! Of course! After all, we're going to be family."Johanna smiled from ear to ear, promptly releasing the grip on Freya's dress.Freya made her way toward Kieran with determination in her steps.Kieran didn’t even glance her way.Quick to intercept, his bodyguard blocked her path smoothly. “Ms. Dawson, Mr. Sutton is occupied and can’t see you now.”“I need to speak with Kieran,” Freya insisted.“Mr. Sutton is entertaining guests now and can’t spare the time,” the bodyguard replied, his patience wearing thin.Freya noted the bodyguard’s attitude, but it wasn’t surprising.After all, she had just been a lovesick puppy following Kieran around, likely getting on his nerves nonstop. It made sense that his bodyguard felt emboldened to speak to her this way.“I will be Mr. Sutton’s fiancée after tonight. You might want to think about the implications of speaking to the future Mrs. Sutton in such a manner,” she countered.Hearing Freya claim the title of Mrs. Sutton, the bodyguard's disdain grew. “Ms. Dawson, even if tonight were your wedding, not your engagement party, I’d still follow orders. If Mr. Sutton says he’s unavailable, he’s unavailable. I’d advise you to save energy, return to your seat, and stop causing trouble.”‘Causing trouble?’ So, in Kieran’s eyes, she had always been a nuisance.Freya didn’t give up. “What if I insist on seeing him now?”The bodyguard sighed, “Ms. Dawson, why embarrass yourself like this?”Over the past three months, Freya had been doggedly pursuing Kieran. She delivered breakfast to his office only for him to ignore it, showed up uninvited, and waited for him to finish work, only for him to stay late to avoid her. It was clear to everyone that Kieran found Freya unbearable. And yet, she failed to see the reality of her situation.How could someone like her possibly become the future Mrs. Sutton?Even tonight’s engagement party was Audrey’s insistence, not a genuine desire from him. In their eyes, only Eloise was seen as the future lady of the Sutton family.When the bodyguard thought Freya would retreat as usual after his threat, she sharply retorted, “Is this the kind of manners Mr. Sutton’s bodyguards have?”Caught off guard, the bodyguard faltered.“While I may not yet be Mrs. Sutton, I am still the heiress of the Dawson family. Even Kieran wouldn’t dare speak to me this way. And you, a mere bodyguard, dare to threaten me? The Sutton family has truly surprised me today.”His expression changed. Freya might not yet be Mrs. Sutton, but she was undoubtedly the darling daughter of the Dawson family.“Ms. Dawson... I didn’t mean...” His tone softened. Freya had always been compliant, never speaking out against them. But today, her words were sharp as knives.Freya announced, “It seems the Sutton family isn’t genuinely interested in joining with the Dawson family. Perhaps we should call off this engagement then.”At that moment, applause broke the tension. Kieran had been listening and stepped forward, his voice laced with sarcasm. “Has the Freya finally stopped pretending?”He had thought Freya would do anything to please him, even jumping into a pool to retrieve a ring as a test. Yet there she was, showing her true colors.Always the haughty heiress, she had tried to play the part of the demure fiancée before him. This confrontation had been quite enlightening.Facing Kieran, Freya saw the disdain in his eyes for the first time. In her previous life, she had devoted herself entirely to him. She believed that through her efforts as a devoted wife and diligent business partner, she could warm his heart.What a fool she had been to think her efforts to become Mrs. Sutton would be enough, only to be abandoned at the crucial moment for a ransom she knew he could easily afford.Laughing softly, she said, “Yes, I’m tired of pretending. Let’s call off the engagement. We’re both busy, after all.”Chapter 2Snap! A loud slap echoed across the room, landing harshly on Freya Dawson's face, followed by the frantic tearing of her beautiful wedding dress."Damn it! The big boss of the Sutton Group can't even fork over five million for ransom? I've been busting my ass for days haven't gotten anything out of it. I'll make you pay!" As the kidnapper spoke, he pinned Freya down relentlessly.Gazing at Freya's soft, smooth skin, the kidnapper showed no mercy, ripping off the last piece of fabric that preserved her dignity. "But hey, getting to fuck Kieran Sutton's wife, the top socialite of Echo City, isn’t a bad deal, after all!""No... please, I'm Kieran's wife! The lady of the Sutton family! Please let me call him. He'll pay the ransom!" Freya struggled desperately, hope and pleading in her eyes.But her hopes were shattered by a cold statement. "Quit dreaming! Mrs. Sutton? You're nothing but Kieran's leftover trash! Kieran just married Eloise Harwood yesterday! Why would he think of you?"Hearing that, Freya turned pale.She thought, ‘Kieran married Eloise? No! That can't be true! Our wedding was supposed to be just three days ago! I wouldn't have been kidnapped if I hadn’t waited in vain for Kieran's wedding car. I have only been missing for three days. How could Kieran marry Eloise?’Freya retorted, "No... you're lying!""Am I? Take a good look!" The kidnapper grabbed a remote from the floor, turning on the TV.On the screen, Eloise, wearing a wedding dress, was standing at what was supposed to be her wedding venue with Kieran.[Ms. Dawson jilted. The Sutton Group’s CEO welcomes his true love back home, exchanging vows at the wedding venue, promising a lifetime.]The headline sent a tremor through Freya's heart. No wonder she had been waiting in vain for Kieran's car. He had never intended to marry her. This wedding... was meant for Eloise!Realizing her predicament, the kidnapper exclaimed excitedly. "I heard rumors that Ms. Dawson kept her first night for Kieran. It turns out it's true! Man, I hit the jackpot! Too bad, Ms. Dawson, you're not even worth five million in Kieran's heart! If you play nice, maybe I'll leave you in one piece!"...The kidnapper's voice echoed in her ears.Freya felt like a complete joke. Everyone in Echo City knew she was just a stand-in for Eloise. She had abandoned her pride to marry Kieran, ignoring the whispers to care for Audrey Sutton and putting Kieran above all else.After three years, she thought she had finally warmed Kieran's heart, only to realize... it was all for someone else.Freya closed her eyes in despair, tears of regret streaming down her face. If she could live again, she would stay far away from Kieran...."Can you believe it? She jumped! That's insane!""Do you have to be that eager? Even if that was Mr. Sutton's ring, to dive in after it?""Everyone knows Freya is Mr. Sutton's lapdog. She'd do anything for him, even dance naked in front of us if he asked!"...Laughter and ridicule filled the air. A suffocating sensation overwhelmed Freya. Her head throbbed. The mocking laughter of men excitedly filled her ears."Cough cough..." Struggling, Freya surfaced.The scene before her was too familiar. It was her engagement party with Kieran from three years ago.‘Have I traveled back in time?’ Freya wondered.Freya recalled the time Kieran had embarrassed her in front of everyone, tossing the engagement ring into the pool and declaring, "If you can fetch it, I'll marry you."Not knowing how to swim, she had nearly drowned.Climbing out, drenched, she had presented the ring, only to be met with the ultimate humiliation as Kieran rushed off to Eloise's side, leaving her to become the joke of Echo City.Freya looked down at the ring in her hand and bitterly smiled. She asked herself, ‘Is this what you wanted, Freya?’Facing the jeering crowd, Freya stood up."Why not rush over to Mr. Sutton with the ring? Without it, he won't engage you!""Yeah, he won't even look your way without that ring!"...The ridicule didn't stop there. To them, Freya was nothing more than a joke.Ignoring their taunts, Freya calmly removed the engagement ring from her finger and tossed it into the pool along with the other, sending ripples through the still water and silencing the crowd with a single splash.After Freya walked away, a few people snickered, "What's with the attitude? Just wait until she sees Mr. Sutton not proposing to her. She'll be scampering into the water to pick up the ring like a puppy.""Exactly, everyone knows Mr. Sutton's heart belongs to Ms. Harwood. What's she, then? Nothing but a desperate hanger-on! If it wasn't for Audrey taking a liking to her, would Mr. Sutton even spare her a glance?"...Whispers and pointed looks filled the room.Meanwhile, Freya returned to the ballroom, drenched from head to toe.Her stepmother Johanna hurried after her. "Freya! Where have you been? Why are you all wet? You do realize it’s your engagement party, don’t you? Go find somewhere to dry your clothes, quick!""And another thing! Why are you dressed so modestly? A woman has to be more appealing to catch a man's eye!" Johanna yanked at her neckline with force.Freya paid Johanna no mind, her gaze sweeping across the ballroom. The guests filled the room, mingling under the dim lights, all trying to get a moment with one man.Kieran stood in his sleek black suit. His demeanor was icy. His face was a masterpiece of chiseled perfection, his eyes devoid of warmth, exuding an aura that said, 'Keep out.' Following his gaze downward was a proud nose and thin, cold lips as if sculpted."Men are always ruled by their penises. After the engagement, you'll be Mr. Sutton's fiancée. Your job is to keep him happy and bear his child as soon as possible for a shotgun wedding! Imagine being the lady of the Sutton family, basking in endless luxury!" Johanna grew more animated with each word as if she was the one getting engaged to Kieran.Hearing that, Freya scoffed. ‘Endless luxury?’In her past life, she gave her all to Kieran for three years, only to be kidnapped on their wedding day and tormented for three endless days and nights!The first day, she desperately hoped Kieran could save her, only to realize he had no intention of marrying her. He was too busy rushing to the airport to welcome Eloise back home.That very day, Kieran exchanged vows with Eloise at what was supposed to be their wedding venue.She had waited for nothing, only to discover that this wedding was meant for Eloise all along.Kieran ignored her plight on the second day, claiming she had fled the wedding!Knowing she was kidnapped, he only cared about his sweet time with Eloise.On the third day, Kieran refused to pay the ransom and was eager to register his marriage with Eloise, wanting nothing to do with her.Those three days were absolute hell, starting with hope and plummeting into the despair she felt now.Today was supposed to be their engagement party. Yet her attire, her entire look, was a mirror image of Eloise's. Everyone in Echo City knew Eloise was Kieran's true love, and Freya was a cheap substitute.Freya vividly remembered, in her past life, when she appeared before Kieran dressed like this, he didn't hide his disdain, saying, "Imitation is pathetic. Ellie would never stoop so low!"Eloise, the orphan of the Harwood family, and Kieran had been childhood sweethearts. If not for the strained relations between their families, making the Harwood family unable to support the Sutton family, and Audrey's dislike for Eloise, Kieran would have married Eloise long ago.Kieran had always preferred gentle and pure women like Eloise. Unfortunately, she bore a slight resemblance to Eloise. So, Johanna had always pushed her to imitate Eloise in order to win Kieran’s heart.She had tried to please Kieran for three months. The whole Echo City knew she shamelessly chased after the opportunity to become a Sutton, yet Kieran acted as if she didn't exist.It was only because Audrey liked her that Kieran, under Audrey's pressure, chose to engage her. But the humiliation at the engagement party and Kieran's abandonment of her for Eloise, including the three years of being used and ultimately discarded, cut her deep like a knife.Remembering her tragic fate in the past, Freya decided to let go. If Kieran loved Eloise, she would step aside!"Johanna, I'd like a moment alone with Mr. Sutton." Freya's face bore a faint smile, as demure as ever, quickly disarming Johanna.Seeing Freya wanting to speak with Kieran, Johanna couldn't agree fast enough. "Of course! Of course! After all, we're going to be family."Johanna smiled from ear to ear, promptly releasing the grip on Freya's dress.Freya made her way toward Kieran with determination in her steps.Kieran didn’t even glance her way.Quick to intercept, his bodyguard blocked her path smoothly. “Ms. Dawson, Mr. Sutton is occupied and can’t see you now.”“I need to speak with Kieran,” Freya insisted.“Mr. Sutton is entertaining guests now and can’t spare the time,” the bodyguard replied, his patience wearing thin.Freya noted the bodyguard’s attitude, but it wasn’t surprising.After all, she had just been a lovesick puppy following Kieran around, likely getting on his nerves nonstop. It made sense that his bodyguard felt emboldened to speak to her this way.“I will be Mr. Sutton’s fiancée after tonight. You might want to think about the implications of speaking to the future Mrs. Sutton in such a manner,” she countered.Hearing Freya claim the title of Mrs. Sutton, the bodyguard's disdain grew. “Ms. Dawson, even if tonight were your wedding, not your engagement party, I’d still follow orders. If Mr. Sutton says he’s unavailable, he’s unavailable. I’d advise you to save energy, return to your seat, and stop causing trouble.”‘Causing trouble?’ So, in Kieran’s eyes, she had always been a nuisance.Freya didn’t give up. “What if I insist on seeing him now?”The bodyguard sighed, “Ms. Dawson, why embarrass yourself like this?”Over the past three months, Freya had been doggedly pursuing Kieran. She delivered breakfast to his office only for him to ignore it, showed up uninvited, and waited for him to finish work, only for him to stay late to avoid her. It was clear to everyone that Kieran found Freya unbearable. And yet, she failed to see the reality of her situation.How could someone like her possibly become the future Mrs. Sutton?Even tonight’s engagement party was Audrey’s insistence, not a genuine desire from him. In their eyes, only Eloise was seen as the future lady of the Sutton family.When the bodyguard thought Freya would retreat as usual after his threat, she sharply retorted, “Is this the kind of manners Mr. Sutton’s bodyguards have?”Caught off guard, the bodyguard faltered.“While I may not yet be Mrs. Sutton, I am still the heiress of the Dawson family. Even Kieran wouldn’t dare speak to me this way. And you, a mere bodyguard, dare to threaten me? The Sutton family has truly surprised me today.”His expression changed. Freya might not yet be Mrs. Sutton, but she was undoubtedly the darling daughter of the Dawson family.“Ms. Dawson... I didn’t mean...” His tone softened. Freya had always been compliant, never speaking out against them. But today, her words were sharp as knives.Freya announced, “It seems the Sutton family isn’t genuinely interested in joining with the Dawson family. Perhaps we should call off this engagement then.”At that moment, applause broke the tension. Kieran had been listening and stepped forward, his voice laced with sarcasm. “Has the Freya finally stopped pretending?”He had thought Freya would do anything to please him, even jumping into a pool to retrieve a ring as a test. Yet there she was, showing her true colors.Always the haughty heiress, she had tried to play the part of the demure fiancée before him. This confrontation had been quite enlightening.Facing Kieran, Freya saw the disdain in his eyes for the first time. In her previous life, she had devoted herself entirely to him. She believed that through her efforts as a devoted wife and diligent business partner, she could warm his heart.What a fool she had been to think her efforts to become Mrs. Sutton would be enough, only to be abandoned at the crucial moment for a ransom she knew he could easily afford.Laughing softly, she said, “Yes, I’m tired of pretending. Let’s call off the engagement. We’re both busy, after all.”Chapter 3Snap! A loud slap echoed across the room, landing harshly on Freya Dawson's face, followed by the frantic tearing of her beautiful wedding dress."Damn it! The big boss of the Sutton Group can't even fork over five million for ransom? I've been busting my ass for days haven't gotten anything out of it. I'll make you pay!" As the kidnapper spoke, he pinned Freya down relentlessly.Gazing at Freya's soft, smooth skin, the kidnapper showed no mercy, ripping off the last piece of fabric that preserved her dignity. "But hey, getting to fuck Kieran Sutton's wife, the top socialite of Echo City, isn’t a bad deal, after all!""No... please, I'm Kieran's wife! The lady of the Sutton family! Please let me call him. He'll pay the ransom!" Freya struggled desperately, hope and pleading in her eyes.But her hopes were shattered by a cold statement. "Quit dreaming! Mrs. Sutton? You're nothing but Kieran's leftover trash! Kieran just married Eloise Harwood yesterday! Why would he think of you?"Hearing that, Freya turned pale.She thought, ‘Kieran married Eloise? No! That can't be true! Our wedding was supposed to be just three days ago! I wouldn't have been kidnapped if I hadn’t waited in vain for Kieran's wedding car. I have only been missing for three days. How could Kieran marry Eloise?’Freya retorted, "No... you're lying!""Am I? Take a good look!" The kidnapper grabbed a remote from the floor, turning on the TV.On the screen, Eloise, wearing a wedding dress, was standing at what was supposed to be her wedding venue with Kieran.[Ms. Dawson jilted. The Sutton Group’s CEO welcomes his true love back home, exchanging vows at the wedding venue, promising a lifetime.]The headline sent a tremor through Freya's heart. No wonder she had been waiting in vain for Kieran's car. He had never intended to marry her. This wedding... was meant for Eloise!Realizing her predicament, the kidnapper exclaimed excitedly. "I heard rumors that Ms. Dawson kept her first night for Kieran. It turns out it's true! Man, I hit the jackpot! Too bad, Ms. Dawson, you're not even worth five million in Kieran's heart! If you play nice, maybe I'll leave you in one piece!"...The kidnapper's voice echoed in her ears.Freya felt like a complete joke. Everyone in Echo City knew she was just a stand-in for Eloise. She had abandoned her pride to marry Kieran, ignoring the whispers to care for Audrey Sutton and putting Kieran above all else.After three years, she thought she had finally warmed Kieran's heart, only to realize... it was all for someone else.Freya closed her eyes in despair, tears of regret streaming down her face. If she could live again, she would stay far away from Kieran...."Can you believe it? She jumped! That's insane!""Do you have to be that eager? Even if that was Mr. Sutton's ring, to dive in after it?""Everyone knows Freya is Mr. Sutton's lapdog. She'd do anything for him, even dance naked in front of us if he asked!"...Laughter and ridicule filled the air. A suffocating sensation overwhelmed Freya. Her head throbbed. The mocking laughter of men excitedly filled her ears."Cough cough..." Struggling, Freya surfaced.The scene before her was too familiar. It was her engagement party with Kieran from three years ago.‘Have I traveled back in time?’ Freya wondered.Freya recalled the time Kieran had embarrassed her in front of everyone, tossing the engagement ring into the pool and declaring, "If you can fetch it, I'll marry you."Not knowing how to swim, she had nearly drowned.Climbing out, drenched, she had presented the ring, only to be met with the ultimate humiliation as Kieran rushed off to Eloise's side, leaving her to become the joke of Echo City.Freya looked down at the ring in her hand and bitterly smiled. She asked herself, ‘Is this what you wanted, Freya?’Facing the jeering crowd, Freya stood up."Why not rush over to Mr. Sutton with the ring? Without it, he won't engage you!""Yeah, he won't even look your way without that ring!"...The ridicule didn't stop there. To them, Freya was nothing more than a joke.Ignoring their taunts, Freya calmly removed the engagement ring from her finger and tossed it into the pool along with the other, sending ripples through the still water and silencing the crowd with a single splash.After Freya walked away, a few people snickered, "What's with the attitude? Just wait until she sees Mr. Sutton not proposing to her. She'll be scampering into the water to pick up the ring like a puppy.""Exactly, everyone knows Mr. Sutton's heart belongs to Ms. Harwood. What's she, then? Nothing but a desperate hanger-on! If it wasn't for Audrey taking a liking to her, would Mr. Sutton even spare her a glance?"...Whispers and pointed looks filled the room.Meanwhile, Freya returned to the ballroom, drenched from head to toe.Her stepmother Johanna hurried after her. "Freya! Where have you been? Why are you all wet? You do realize it’s your engagement party, don’t you? Go find somewhere to dry your clothes, quick!""And another thing! Why are you dressed so modestly? A woman has to be more appealing to catch a man's eye!" Johanna yanked at her neckline with force.Freya paid Johanna no mind, her gaze sweeping across the ballroom. The guests filled the room, mingling under the dim lights, all trying to get a moment with one man.Kieran stood in his sleek black suit. His demeanor was icy. His face was a masterpiece of chiseled perfection, his eyes devoid of warmth, exuding an aura that said, 'Keep out.' Following his gaze downward was a proud nose and thin, cold lips as if sculpted."Men are always ruled by their penises. After the engagement, you'll be Mr. Sutton's fiancée. Your job is to keep him happy and bear his child as soon as possible for a shotgun wedding! Imagine being the lady of the Sutton family, basking in endless luxury!" Johanna grew more animated with each word as if she was the one getting engaged to Kieran.Hearing that, Freya scoffed. ‘Endless luxury?’In her past life, she gave her all to Kieran for three years, only to be kidnapped on their wedding day and tormented for three endless days and nights!The first day, she desperately hoped Kieran could save her, only to realize he had no intention of marrying her. He was too busy rushing to the airport to welcome Eloise back home.That very day, Kieran exchanged vows with Eloise at what was supposed to be their wedding venue.She had waited for nothing, only to discover that this wedding was meant for Eloise all along.Kieran ignored her plight on the second day, claiming she had fled the wedding!Knowing she was kidnapped, he only cared about his sweet time with Eloise.On the third day, Kieran refused to pay the ransom and was eager to register his marriage with Eloise, wanting nothing to do with her.Those three days were absolute hell, starting with hope and plummeting into the despair she felt now.Today was supposed to be their engagement party. Yet her attire, her entire look, was a mirror image of Eloise's. Everyone in Echo City knew Eloise was Kieran's true love, and Freya was a cheap substitute.Freya vividly remembered, in her past life, when she appeared before Kieran dressed like this, he didn't hide his disdain, saying, "Imitation is pathetic. Ellie would never stoop so low!"Eloise, the orphan of the Harwood family, and Kieran had been childhood sweethearts. If not for the strained relations between their families, making the Harwood family unable to support the Sutton family, and Audrey's dislike for Eloise, Kieran would have married Eloise long ago.Kieran had always preferred gentle and pure women like Eloise. Unfortunately, she bore a slight resemblance to Eloise. So, Johanna had always pushed her to imitate Eloise in order to win Kieran’s heart.She had tried to please Kieran for three months. The whole Echo City knew she shamelessly chased after the opportunity to become a Sutton, yet Kieran acted as if she didn't exist.It was only because Audrey liked her that Kieran, under Audrey's pressure, chose to engage her. But the humiliation at the engagement party and Kieran's abandonment of her for Eloise, including the three years of being used and ultimately discarded, cut her deep like a knife.Remembering her tragic fate in the past, Freya decided to let go. If Kieran loved Eloise, she would step aside!"Johanna, I'd like a moment alone with Mr. Sutton." Freya's face bore a faint smile, as demure as ever, quickly disarming Johanna.Seeing Freya wanting to speak with Kieran, Johanna couldn't agree fast enough. "Of course! Of course! After all, we're going to be family."Johanna smiled from ear to ear, promptly releasing the grip on Freya's dress.Freya made her way toward Kieran with determination in her steps.Kieran didn’t even glance her way.Quick to intercept, his bodyguard blocked her path smoothly. “Ms. Dawson, Mr. Sutton is occupied and can’t see you now.”“I need to speak with Kieran,” Freya insisted.“Mr. Sutton is entertaining guests now and can’t spare the time,” the bodyguard replied, his patience wearing thin.Freya noted the bodyguard’s attitude, but it wasn’t surprising.After all, she had just been a lovesick puppy following Kieran around, likely getting on his nerves nonstop. It made sense that his bodyguard felt emboldened to speak to her this way.“I will be Mr. Sutton’s fiancée after tonight. You might want to think about the implications of speaking to the future Mrs. Sutton in such a manner,” she countered.Hearing Freya claim the title of Mrs. Sutton, the bodyguard's disdain grew. “Ms. Dawson, even if tonight were your wedding, not your engagement party, I’d still follow orders. If Mr. Sutton says he’s unavailable, he’s unavailable. I’d advise you to save energy, return to your seat, and stop causing trouble.”‘Causing trouble?’ So, in Kieran’s eyes, she had always been a nuisance.Freya didn’t give up. “What if I insist on seeing him now?”The bodyguard sighed, “Ms. Dawson, why embarrass yourself like this?”Over the past three months, Freya had been doggedly pursuing Kieran. She delivered breakfast to his office only for him to ignore it, showed up uninvited, and waited for him to finish work, only for him to stay late to avoid her. It was clear to everyone that Kieran found Freya unbearable. And yet, she failed to see the reality of her situation.How could someone like her possibly become the future Mrs. Sutton?Even tonight’s engagement party was Audrey’s insistence, not a genuine desire from him. In their eyes, only Eloise was seen as the future lady of the Sutton family.When the bodyguard thought Freya would retreat as usual after his threat, she sharply retorted, “Is this the kind of manners Mr. Sutton’s bodyguards have?”Caught off guard, the bodyguard faltered.“While I may not yet be Mrs. Sutton, I am still the heiress of the Dawson family. Even Kieran wouldn’t dare speak to me this way. And you, a mere bodyguard, dare to threaten me? The Sutton family has truly surprised me today.”His expression changed. Freya might not yet be Mrs. Sutton, but she was undoubtedly the darling daughter of the Dawson family.“Ms. Dawson... I didn’t mean...” His tone softened. Freya had always been compliant, never speaking out against them. But today, her words were sharp as knives.Freya announced, “It seems the Sutton family isn’t genuinely interested in joining with the Dawson family. Perhaps we should call off this engagement then.”At that moment, applause broke the tension. Kieran had been listening and stepped forward, his voice laced with sarcasm. “Has the Freya finally stopped pretending?”He had thought Freya would do anything to please him, even jumping into a pool to retrieve a ring as a test. Yet there she was, showing her true colors.Always the haughty heiress, she had tried to play the part of the demure fiancée before him. This confrontation had been quite enlightening.Facing Kieran, Freya saw the disdain in his eyes for the first time. In her previous life, she had devoted herself entirely to him. She believed that through her efforts as a devoted wife and diligent business partner, she could warm his heart.What a fool she had been to think her efforts to become Mrs. Sutton would be enough, only to be abandoned at the crucial moment for a ransom she knew he could easily afford.Laughing softly, she said, “Yes, I’m tired of pretending. Let’s call off the engagement. We’re both busy, after all.”