Chapter 617:

Reflecting on the three young ladies' remarks, Freda furrowed her brow in bewilderment. "Gavin," she asked, "what does your family actually do? Are you merely a violinist?"

"I come from a regular family," Gavin responded calmly. "Don't overthink it."

He then inquired, "When do you plan to leave?"

"I'm leaving. You needn't worry," Freda scoffed. "I have a driver."

Gavin remained neutral; his question had been a courtesy, and he had no intention of driving her home. After his departure, Freda found herself aimless. She pondered her options if she stayed, until she spotted Theo, providing a reason to remain.

Freda felt hurt that Theo hadn't kept his promise to dance the first dance with her. Though she hesitated to approach him, she found herself walking toward him nonetheless.

Theo was engaged in a cheerful conversation with a woman, both smiling. Noticing Freda, his expression briefly flickered to a frown, but he quickly recovered. He leaned down, whispered something to the woman, and she departed with a smile.

Once she left, the smile vanished from Theo's face. He looked at Freda sternly. "Why do you keep following me around? You seem to find me wherever I go."

Theo's harsh words pierced Freda's heart. She managed a forced smile. "Can't I come over to talk to you?"

"I really don't see what we have to talk about," Theo said impatiently. "You should know better than anyone that I have no feelings for you, none at all. I dislike you intensely. Why do you keep approaching me?"

His harshness and disdain were deeply hurtful. Her expression darkened with sadness. "I just haven't seen you in a long time," she replied, her voice filled with hurt, "and wanted to say hello and catch up."

Theo looked at her coldly. "You don't still think there's a chance for us, do you? Do you still have feelings for me? Freda, I say this one last time—I have no feelings for you. The only person on my mind is Elyse. If Elyse were to come to me, I'd propose in a second. Marrying you is out of the question."

Frozen, Freda's eyes welled up. She still tried to express her feelings, believing her love was as strong as Elyse's, convinced she could offer him the same—or even more—affection.

However, Theo refused to listen. He knew of her feelings, but his heart belonged to Elyse. He understood the challenges of being with Elyse, yet he couldn't let her go, clinging to the love he'd once received from her, unwilling to accept anyone else's affection.

Perhaps feeling a touch of sympathy, Theo tried a kinder approach, hoping to help her understand and move on.

"Freda," he remarked, "you need to let go of this fixation. Our relationship was initially about linking our families through marriage, strengthening resources and forging alliances. When two families can't collaborate for mutual gain, it undermines potential connections."

He paused. "Do you understand? Our relationship was based on interests from the start. When those interests are no longer served, we part ways. I've always been clear about this; I have no romantic feelings for you. All I considered was the advantage I would gain by being with you."

Freda knew their relationship had been transactional, yet she'd deluded herself, convincing herself Theo harbored some feeling for her. The more she believed this, the more compelled Theo felt to confront her with the harsh truth.

Freda faced him. "Why are you so composed?"

...