Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 114

**When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn**
**Chapter 114: I’m Willing to Be His Shield**

Adriana turned her back on Matthew, her silence a fortress he felt powerless to breach.

“Adriana…” he called out, his voice strained, a mix of frustration and an undercurrent of desperation lacing his words. “Can you please stop acting like this?”

Yet, she remained unmoved, as if he were merely a ghost haunting her presence.

With a heavy sigh, Matthew felt the weight of their past pressing down on him. Once, her sweetness had wrapped around him like a warm embrace; now, she felt like an insurmountable wall.

Determined to reach her, he shifted closer, planting himself beside her on the couch.

Adriana didn’t even spare him a glance. She attempted to inch away, but his grip tightened around her arm, a silent plea for her attention.

“Look,” he insisted, pulling out his phone, his heart racing with urgency as he displayed photos and videos of Curtis and Cynthia. “He’s going to marry Cynthia sooner or later. The only thing holding him back is Nicole. Mr. Harold won’t approve of their union, but how much longer can he hold on? Curtis is just using you as a shield to keep Mr. Harold off Cynthia’s back. You’re taking all the hits for her. When Mr. Harold passes away, you two will part ways, and he’ll be with Cynthia in an instant.”

Adriana’s gaze fell on the images, a knot tightening in her stomach. The reality of being a mere contract wife gnawed at her, yet she clung to a semblance of dignity.

“Mr. Lincoln pays me thirty million a year and throws in a bunch of perks. He appreciates my design skills and wants to send me abroad for studies. That’s more than enough for me. I’m willing to be his shield,” she replied, her voice icy as she met Matthew’s eyes.

What Curtis offered her were tangible benefits, a stark contrast to the emotional turmoil she felt.

“Adriana! Don’t you see? You can’t just waltz into the Lincolns’ world. Curtis has made enemies of both the Bartons and the Lincolns. Even with that thirty million, you won’t last long enough to enjoy it!” Matthew’s frustration bubbled over. He wasn’t sure if she was genuinely oblivious or simply putting on an act.

People in their social circles didn’t just welcome outsiders. Adriana was an orphan, and the notion that marrying Curtis could elevate her status was laughable. For them, wealth was merely a tool; it was respect, power, and legacy that mattered most.

“None of this is your business,” Adriana shot back, her tone sharp, attempting to cut off the conversation.

She thought he was being insufferably self-righteous. “Mr. Langford, you’re about to marry Natasha. Maybe you should focus on her instead of wasting your time on me?”

“Still angry with me?” Matthew grasped her wrist, his voice softening. “Look, I’m sorry. I promise, once I sort things out with the Langfords and secure my position, I’ll make it up to you. Don’t be foolish. It’s not too late to ask for a divorce from Curtis now.”

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