Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 34

Chapter 34: Apologize

Matthew remained rooted in place, frozen in hesitation, while Adriana took the initiative and signed the resignation papers. The moment her pen touched the paper, the finality of their separation settled in—everything between her and Matthew was officially finished. No more connections, no more ties.

As she set the pen down, a heavy burden seemed to lift from her chest, leaving her feeling lighter than she had in a long time. She inhaled deeply, her fingers brushing over her swollen face, then retrieved a mask from her pocket and carefully put it on. Standing tall, she walked away with a newfound confidence, her head held high.

“We’re all just human,” she reminded herself quietly. “No one is born better than anyone else.” She wasn’t less than anyone—simply an orphan, a truth beyond her control.

“Adriana, this isn’t over,” Natasha called out, her voice sharp and threatening as Adriana passed by without hesitation.

Adriana didn’t even glance back. She kept walking, her resolve unwavering. “Fine,” she thought, “bring it on.”

In just six months, she’d be leaving for Pastalia anyway. Nothing Natasha or Matthew could do now would hold her back.

“Adriana!” Matthew’s voice rang out behind her, panic evident as he tried to catch up.

Natasha’s eyes were red, her voice trembling with emotion. “Matthew! If you go after her today, our engagement is off!”

Matthew hesitated, turning to face Natasha. His chest tightened with anxiety, but after a moment of weighing his options, he chose to stay loyal to Natasha. He was too confident, too certain that Curtis’s interest in Adriana was only temporary. He believed that once Curtis lost interest, Adriana would return to him. He convinced himself Curtis wouldn’t remain interested in Adriana for long.

—

Clarke Residence.

Upon arriving at the villa, Adriana lingered in the garden, hoping the swelling on her face would subside before she went inside. She didn’t want Eva to worry unnecessarily.

“Mrs. Lincoln, you’re back! Mr. Lincoln… he’s back too,” Eva exclaimed nervously, spotting Adriana by the window and rushing out to greet her.

Adriana stood up, surprised. Curtis was back already? She thought he was supposed to arrive next Friday.

“Mr. Lincoln changed his schedule. I told him you came back today… That’s why he adjusted his plans. I probably shouldn’t have said anything,” Eva added hurriedly, guilt flickering across her face.

Adriana felt a sudden pang of anxiety. Curtis changed his mind? Was he upset? Was he reconsidering? She worried about how to explain the situation to keep Curtis on her side. If he backed out now, she’d be in serious trouble.

Inside the living room, Belinda stood beside the couch, her eyes red and puffy from crying. She looked visibly upset.

Curtis sat on the couch, his expression tense and heavy with unspoken frustration.

Adriana remained where she was, hesitant to approach. She feared getting caught in Curtis’s anger. After all, Curtis was technically her boss now.

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