Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 59

**When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn**
**Chapter 59: Repeated Disappointment**

“Lydia, as for my relationship with Curtis, I can say that we are serious for the time being. But the future? Honestly, I’m not sure.” Adriana hesitated, her heart racing. She couldn’t bring herself to divulge the truth about their contract marriage. If she did, it would only cause Lydia unnecessary worry. And what would she say if things went south? How could she explain such a complicated situation later on?

Lydia nodded thoughtfully, her eyes softening with concern. “As long as you’re happy, that’s what truly matters. But remember, if he ever mistreats you, don’t hesitate to walk away. Your happiness should never be sacrificed for anyone.”

Adriana nodded, feeling a warmth spread through her at Lydia’s words.

After spending some time helping Lydia settle the orphans down for their naps, Adriana took Curtis by the hand and led him to the backyard of the orphanage.

“This is where I grew up,” she said, her voice tinged with nostalgia as she gazed at the familiar surroundings.

Curtis turned his attention to her, curiosity etched on his face. “Did your birth parents ever come looking for you?”

Adriana settled onto the swing, her fingers brushing against the worn chains. “A few couples who lost their children came by in the past. But every time, the test results were just… disappointing.”

The memory of those heartbroken parents haunted her—each departure felt like a wound reopening, leaving her with a sense of emptiness.

“There were a few kind families who chose to adopt me, but after a few years, when they had their own children, I became a burden. They sent me back.” Her voice softened, a bittersweet smile playing on her lips.

Curtis’s demeanor shifted; his body stiffened as he instinctively raised a hand toward her, only to let it fall back to his side. “You have a home now,” he said, trying to reassure her.

Adriana paused, her heart racing as she turned to face him.

That was true, wasn’t it? Through this contract marriage, she had gained a sense of belonging, a place that she could call her own.

Curtis had even provided her with the luxurious Clarke Residence, a place worth millions—a stark contrast to her past.

But could a house really embody the essence of home?

If she wasn’t wandering anymore, did that truly signify that she had found her place in the world?

Just then, an assistant rushed up behind them, breathless. “Mr. Curtis, it’s a call from Mr. Harold.” The assistant extended the phone toward Curtis, who frowned and stepped away to take the call.

“Grandpa,” he answered, his tone serious.

“When are you bringing Adriana back?” Harold’s voice was commanding, filled with an urgency that made Adriana’s stomach twist.

“We’re flying back tonight and will arrive tomorrow,” Curtis replied, his voice steady. He added, almost as an afterthought, “Grandpa, she’s a bit timid. Please don’t scare her.”

A long silence stretched between them before Harold spoke again, his words heavy with expectation. “You know the condition I set for allowing you to marry her.”

Curtis’s expression darkened, his grip tightening around the phone. “Yes.”

“As soon as Nicole is found, you’ll divorce Adriana and marry her,” Harold stated flatly.

The weight of those words settled heavily in the air. “Yes,” Curtis confirmed, his voice barely a whisper.

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