Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 81

**When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn**

**Morning Tensions**

Adriana awoke with a disorienting sense of déjà vu, as if she had been transported back to that fateful day when Matthew had first brought her to their shared apartment. The familiar walls seemed to echo with memories, each corner whispering secrets of their past.

“Matthew…” she murmured softly in her sleep, a question lingering on her lips, Are we dating? We are, right? The uncertainty gnawed at her, but she was too lost in the haze of dreams to articulate her thoughts.

Unbeknownst to her, the name slipped from her lips, breaking the stillness of the morning.

Curtis, who lay beside her, stiffened at the sound, his expression darkening like a storm cloud gathering on the horizon. He was a man of many moods, and this one felt heavier than the rest, a shadow lurking just beneath the surface.

When the sun finally rose, casting a warm glow through the curtains, Adriana blinked awake to find the space beside her empty. Curtis had vanished, leaving behind a cool, unwelcoming patch of sheets that hinted he had been gone for quite some time.

As she swung her legs over the side of the bed, a wave of discomfort washed over her. Her back and waist throbbed, and for a fleeting moment, she wondered if she had been struck by a car during the night.

With cautious steps, she ventured into the living room, her heart fluttering with a mix of hope and trepidation. But Curtis was nowhere to be found, and the absence of breakfast only deepened her disappointment.

Curtis was usually so considerate, always ensuring they shared a meal together in the mornings, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm toast filling the air. But today, the kitchen was silent, void of any signs of his usual attentiveness.

As she brushed her teeth, a knot of anxiety twisted in her stomach. Did I say something to upset him last night? The thought gnawed at her, making her feel uneasy.

Just then, the door creaked open, and Curtis stepped back into the room, dressed in his workout gear, a sheen of sweat glistening on his brow. He looked invigorated, as if he had just conquered a mountain.

Adriana paused, toothbrush in hand, her heart racing. Before she could form a coherent thought, Curtis cupped her cheek and pressed his lips against hers, a kiss that was both tender and possessive.

She blinked at him in surprise, momentarily lost in the warmth of the gesture. But something felt off; his mood hung heavy in the air, and confusion clouded her thoughts.

“Up this early?” he asked, finally releasing her from his embrace, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.

“Y-you went to work out?” Adriana stammered, unable to hide her admiration. Curtis was a picture of discipline, a quality she both respected and envied.

“Nah, I went to fight your ex,” he replied, his tone laced with a lazy teasing that somehow felt serious.

Adriana’s eyes widened in shock. Did he really just say that? The realization hit her like a cold splash of water. “You got into a fight?”

“Yeah,” he shrugged, a nonchalant grin on his face. “He’s like a rabid dog, always ready to bite first thing in the morning.”

Adriana inhaled sharply, her mind racing. The thought of Curtis clashing with Matthew sent a thrill of excitement through her. That would have been something to witness. Too bad I missed it.

“You seem… disappointed you didn’t get to see us fight,” Curtis remarked, ruffling her hair affectionately, his hand moving with an ease that felt almost instinctual.

Adriana felt a flicker of resentment at his playful gesture. “Why did he hit you? He should apologize,” she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur.

Curtis smiled, a hint of mischief in his eyes. “Next time we see him, you can get justice for me.”

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