Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 85

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**When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn 85**

Curtis was blissfully unaware of the whirlwind of thoughts swirling in Adriana’s mind, nor could he fathom how a mere dessert ball could transform him into a “bad boy” in her perception. It was a strange and delicate balance they maintained, one that was about to tip.

“Curtis, if I don’t get pregnant, Harold will definitely find out…” Adriana’s voice was laced with anxiety, the weight of her words pressing down on her like a heavy shroud.

“Then let’s try harder and up our chances,” Curtis replied, his tone serious, as if they were strategizing a military operation rather than discussing something so personal and intimate.

Adriana opened her mouth, ready to retort, but then closed it again, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. Fine, whatever. She thought to herself, I’ll let it happen naturally. After all, Curtis is my boss. When he decides that the marriage is over, I’ll simply pack my bags and leave without a second thought.

“Can you forgive me now?” Curtis asked, his voice softening as he noticed the tension in her demeanor after she finished her dessert balls.

Forgive? Adriana’s mind raced. Forgive him for what? She felt a surge of confusion wash over her.

“I went a little too far last night,” he admitted, reflecting on his actions with an air of remorse. Yet, she knew that this acknowledgment didn’t guarantee he wouldn’t cross the line again in the future.

The memories of the previous night were almost forgotten, but Curtis had a knack for resurrecting them at the most inconvenient moments.

She lowered her gaze, focusing intently on the remnants of her strawberry bites, deliberately ignoring him.

Once they finished their desserts, Curtis took her to a movie, where they shared laughter and popcorn, and then they wandered through shops, picking up a myriad of small gifts. Nothing extravagant, but each little trinket seemed to light up Adriana’s face with joy.

As the evening unfolded, Curtis led her to the vibrant chaos of the night market. The air was thick with the aroma of street food and the sounds of laughter and chatter filled the atmosphere. Around 8 p.m., he reluctantly called Tom to pick them up, knowing that their time together was drawing to a close.

“Mr. Lincoln… Mr. Harold’s angry. He wants you back at the estate,” Tom said, his voice tinged with hesitation, as if he were caught in the middle of a storm.

Curtis merely acknowledged him with a low hum, his eyes dark and unreadable as he stared ahead, his mind racing with thoughts of Nicole and her incessant need to meddle.

Adriana felt a flutter of nerves in her stomach, but with Curtis’s hand firmly clasped around hers, the unease began to dissipate.

Upon their return to the Lincoln Estate, the moment they stepped inside, Adriana felt a sudden halt.

“Mrs. Lincoln, please come with me. I’ll take you to rest,” the housekeeper said, her tone professional yet firm, attempting to guide Adriana away from Curtis.

“What? Is Grandpa going to say something she can’t hear?” Curtis interjected, his voice low but filled with protective urgency.

“Step aside, you useless brat,” Harold’s voice cut through the air like a knife, his face a mask of cold disapproval as he approached, clearly displeased with Curtis’s interference.

“I’m fine,” Adriana quickly reassured Curtis, sensing the tension building and not wanting to escalate the situation further.

He snorted in frustration. “Wait for me in the living room. Don’t go anywhere,” he commanded, his protective instincts flaring.

Adriana nodded, her heart racing as she followed the housekeeper into the living room, where she spotted Nicole lounging with a smug expression.

Nicole hadn’t returned to the Bartons; she had made herself comfortable at the Lincolns, clearly relishing the opportunity to stir trouble.

“Hmph, you still have the nerve to come back! You vixen. You flirted with Curtis and left me behind. I’ve already told Harold. Just wait,” Nicole spat, her eyes narrowing with disdain.

Adriana met her gaze with a calm smile. “We’re legally married. Watch your words,” she replied, her voice steady despite the storm brewing within her.