Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 137

**Chapter 137: An Awkward Meal**

“Well, Cynthia,” Adriana began, her voice steady but her mind racing, “I really prefer a quieter setting for now. How about I arrange for Eva to stay with you instead? Honestly, I don’t need much assistance in these early stages.” The words spilled out almost reflexively, as if her subconscious had taken over before she could fully process what she was saying.

Deep down, she was acutely aware of her reluctance to share her space with Curtis’s first love. The thought of living under the same roof as Cynthia made her stomach churn. What if she accidentally said something insensitive? What if she did something that would set off old wounds?

And if she was being completely honest with herself, there was an undeniable selfishness lurking beneath her surface. She didn’t want to share Curtis—not even the space they occupied together.

Curtis nodded in agreement, his brow slightly furrowed in thought. “That sounds good. Eva can accompany you. You two already have a rapport, and she’s been looking after Belinda for years. You’ll have plenty to discuss.”

However, Cynthia’s expression darkened, her lips pressing into a thin line. She opened her mouth, seemingly ready to protest, but upon noticing that neither Curtis nor Adriana was willing to budge, she turned her gaze out the window, sulking in silence.

Belinda, sitting quietly at the table, observed her mother with a heavy heart. She remained silent, her own emotions a tangled web of confusion and frustration. She understood the depth of her mother’s affection for Curtis, the dreams of a life they could have had together. Yet, now, Curtis was married to someone else—Adriana.

If Adriana had been just an ordinary woman, perhaps Belinda could have brushed off her feelings. But Adriana was different. She was the woman who had taken Curtis away, the woman who now stood firmly in their lives.

They arrived at an upscale bistro, a place known for its light and contemporary cuisine, carefully chosen for Cynthia’s recovery. The menu featured dishes that were gentle on the stomach, but for Adriana, the atmosphere felt suffocating. A wave of nausea washed over her, even though it was too early for typical morning sickness. The sight and smell of the bland food made her stomach twist in discomfort.

Her cravings had shifted, leaning toward something much spicier—like hot buffalo wings. The meal unfolded in a near silence, with an air of tension hanging over the table. Each person seemed to be on guard, carefully choosing their words, as if they were navigating a minefield.

Adriana was acutely aware of Cynthia’s wariness towards her. With Cynthia opting for silence, Adriana felt it was unwise to initiate any conversation.

Noticing that Adriana was hardly touching her food, Curtis excused himself, leaving the private dining room for a moment.

“So, Adriana, you’re pregnant? Was it IVF? That was… quick,” Cynthia finally broke the silence, her tone casual but her curiosity evident as soon as Curtis stepped out.

Adriana’s fork clattered onto her plate, the sound echoing in the charged atmosphere. A string inside her mind snapped tight. Here it comes, she thought, bracing herself for the inevitable onslaught.

“Um, yes, that’s correct. The IVF process has become quite streamlined now. Implantation can happen right after retrieval,” Adriana managed to say, taking a deep breath as she grasped for a coherent explanation. The last thing she wanted was for Cynthia to find out that she and Curtis had been intimate. That revelation would surely upset her.

“Don’t stress, I was just asking,” Cynthia replied, her tone light as she used the serving utensils to pile some steamed green beans onto Adriana’s plate. “You should eat more. You need those nutrients for a healthy baby.”

Adriana nodded, her breath tightening in her chest. It felt as though Cynthia was already assuming she would be relinquishing the baby after its birth.

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