Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 5

Matthew’s Proposal

“You’re proposing, and you want me to help your future wife? Matthew, how are you any different from Mia? Why do you have to be so cruel to me?” Adriana’s voice cracked, raw with emotion as her feelings surged beyond her control.

She couldn’t keep it bottled up any longer.

Matthew’s expression darkened as he fixed his gaze on her. “Still pretending you’re not starting a fight?”

Adriana struggled to catch her breath. The one thing she longed for—Matthew’s love—was something he would never offer.

“Even if I don’t marry Natasha, I’ll find someone else. Maybe a Cohen daughter, or a Hawthorne heiress, but it will never be you. Understand?” His words were sharp, leaving no room for misunderstanding.

Adriana had no family, no prestigious lineage. She was never meant to be a match for someone like Matthew. For him, bloodlines and status were everything. Taking her in had been his wildest act of rebellion, but a title? That was out of the question.

A bitter laugh escaped her lips. “I never expected you to marry me. I’m not foolish… I always knew this would end.”

“Adriana, you’re an adult now. Be realistic. As long as you behave, when this ends, I won’t leave you empty-handed. Pick any house in Haldoria. I’ll give you a car, money—whatever you want.” Matthew stood and stepped closer, his tone firm. “Be here early tomorrow.”

Her voice was hollow, numb. “I want to get married too, Matthew.”

He paused, mid-step, turning back to look at her.

“I’m serious,” she added, lifting her chin despite the tears streaming down her cheeks.

“Get some rest. I’ll pretend you’re just throwing a tantrum. When you’re ready to end this and settle down, let me know. I’ll find you a decent guy from the company. Middle-class, promising.” His voice was generous, almost mocking, as he turned and left the room.

He was convinced that someone like her couldn’t do better.

He had been patient enough.

He could give her anything—except marriage and a name.

Adriana collapsed onto the floor, a bitter smile twisting her lips.

He had shared his bed with her for four years. Now that he was done, he wanted to marry her off to some controllable nobody.

Controlling her now. Controlling who she would marry later.

Matthew was truly cruel.

But it didn’t matter. Tonight, she was meeting Curtis. Even Matthew wouldn’t dare interfere with him. If she married Curtis, everything would finally be over.

***

The next day, Clarke Residence No. 1.

In Haldoria, every billion-dollar mansion was a creation of Harborton Clarke Estates. Matthew’s home, Curtis’s Clarke Residence—they were the epitome of luxury and status.

Adriana had been to Matthew’s house many times before. As his intern assistant, she often picked him up here. But each visit left her feeling uneasy.

Perhaps it was because she was an orphan, but Adriana had always been haunted by the idea of what “home” meant.

Matthew kept her in a lavish apartment—one of the finest in Haldoria—but that was no home.

It was a golden cage, a place to keep her confined.

His true home was here. And she would never belong.

“Anna is here,” Natasha greeted her with a warm smile as Adriana entered.

Natasha stood there, radiating ease and confidence, perfectly embodying the lady of the house.

Adriana had once wondered what it would feel like to marry Matthew, to stand here as the mistress of this grand home.

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