Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 30

Chapter 30: The Stand-In Wife

420 Free Colna

“Mr. Lincoln went off to study in Moweland, taking Ms. Reese and her mother along with him. The three of them lived there for several years. Eventually, Mr. Harold reached his limit and told Mr. Curtis that he would accept the relationship if he returned home. But, strangely, while they were still in Moweland, the woman jumped into a river and was never found. Mr. Curtis came back alone, bringing the child with him.”

Eva recounted the story with the flair of a novelist, weaving suspense and unexpected turns into every sentence.

This wasn’t just any love story—it was something extraordinary.

Adriana listened intently, completely captivated. “Why would she take her own life? Didn’t Mr. Harold already give his blessing?”

“People say she suffered postpartum depression after giving birth to Ms. Reese. On top of that, she believed she was growing too old for Mr. Lincoln and felt undeserving of his love. She was convinced that once her beauty faded, he would stop loving her. The thought of losing his love was unbearable, so she chose to die during the very year he loved her most.”

By doing so, she ensured she would live forever in Curtis’s heart.

No one could ever replace her.

Adriana slowly nodded as she nibbled on her pastry. That was a bold, calculated move.

The woman had been clever, indeed.

Yet trading her life for eternal love seemed like an extreme price to pay.

“After that, Mr. Harold became obsessed with getting Mr. Curtis married,” Eva added, stealing a few glances at Adriana as she spoke. “I don’t know if you’ve heard the rumors, but apparently, your appearance…”

Adriana blinked, cutting her off. “Don’t tell me I look like his old tutor?”

A stand-in for his first love? Really?

No wonder, back at the club where she first met Curtis, one of his friends had said she was exactly his type.

So, it was because of his first love. Adriana had become her substitute.

—

Just as their gossip reached a fever pitch, the front door clicked open. A young woman, around eighteen or nineteen, entered, her long ponytail bouncing with each step. She wore a ballet practice outfit, simple yet elegant.

Her face was bare of makeup, but her posture and the effortless confidence she radiated screamed of a privileged upbringing.

She carefully placed her shoes on the rack and, sounding tired, said, “Eva, bring me some water.”

“Oh, Ms. Reese is back,” Eva said brightly, quickly rising to pour a glass.

Adriana’s heart fluttered with nervousness. How was she supposed to face Belinda Reese—the pampered little princess Curtis had clearly spoiled with both a soft heart and an open wallet?

Belinda took the glass and gulped it down before finally noticing Adriana standing by the dining table. “Who’s she?”

“Ms. Reese, this is Mr. Lincoln’s future wife. They’ll be registering their marriage in a few days, and she’ll be the lady of the house,” Eva explained quickly.

Belinda’s expression darkened immediately, her hostility clear as day.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify