The Bride Who Said No: Escaping the Shadows of Yesterday

Watching Ronan turn to leave, Eloise suddenly stood up and declared, "Professor Beckett, I need a word with you if you don't mind."

Eloise intended to present herself as a loyal friend advocating on someone's behalf in front of her classmates. However, before she could finish, Ronan casually mentioned, "Oh, and Ms. Harwood, you can scrap any plans about studying abroad. The scholarship had been for someone else. Though, with your connections and family wealth, arranging your study abroad shouldn't be an issue, right?"

Upon hearing that, Eloise's face turned ashen.

Stunned by the news, Cindy blurted, "How is that possible? Eloise has the best grades in our year! How could the scholarship not go to her?"

"Exactly. Eloise has the top grades in our class. Wasn't it decided earlier that she would be the one going abroad?"

The classmates swapped confused glances. After all, everyone knew about Eloise's ties with Kieran, right? How could anyone else even have a shot at the scholarship?

"Professor Beckett, what do you mean?" Eloise asked, trying to maintain her composure.

She had thought her study abroad was a done deal. But Ronan told her the opportunity had gone to someone else, and he said it in front of the class.

Meanwhile, more and more onlookers gathered outside the classroom, drawn by the news that Eloise's friend, Mae, had been taken away by the police. They were all there to see what the commotion was about.

"It means what it means. If you have any complaints, feel free to take them up with your academic advisor," Ronan said, intending to keep the conversation short.

But undeterred, Eloise stepped forward, saying, "Professor Beckett, I understand Mae has had issues with Freya, but that doesn't give you the right to abuse your power just because you're close with Freya! It is an abuse of authority!"

Eloise's words were a direct accusation against Ronan for using his influence to favor Freya, leading to Mae's expulsion and the revocation of her scholarship.

Ronan stopped, turning to face Eloise as everyone awaited his response. Setting down his books he said, was going to spare you the embarrassment, Ms. Harwood, but since you asked, let me clarify the situation."

Eloise's heart sank at his response.

"The scholarship slots are limited, and aside from academic performance, we consider overall student behavior. Ms. Harwood, you've missed several classes

f

without justification. Please explain

that."

Eloise's face fell. True, she'd been distracted by the whole Freya and Kieran drama, causing her to ditch a few classes. But that was it!

"As for having someone ghostwrite your papers and signing attendance for you, I think that speaks for itself. The school has evaluated your recent conduct and determined you no longer meet the scholarship criteria. Thus, the opportunity has gone to someone more deserving, and that's all there is to it Though delivered casually, Ronan's words felt like a slap in the face to Eloise in front of her entire class.

Feeling utterly humiliated, Eloise didn't know where to put herself.

"Alison, stay here. If Ms. Harwood has further questions, you can escort her to the principal's office for an explanation." "Yes, Mr. Beckett."

With that, Ronan left the classroom, leaving the classmates glancing sympathetically at Eloise, the last thing she wanted. "Ellie..." Cindy tried to comfort her, but Eloise, her eyes brimming with tears, swiftly exited the classroom.

That evening, at the Sutton residence.