Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 96

**When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn 96**

Yolanda was a woman of principles, and she was acutely aware of her boundaries. The thought of dismantling someone else’s relationship or family was simply out of the question for her. “I’m really sorry, Adriana… I had no idea Curtis was taken. The tabloids always portray him as a single man,” she said, her voice laced with genuine regret.

“It’s alright,” Adriana replied with a light-hearted chuckle, her eyes sparkling with a hint of irony. “Honestly, our marriage might not endure for long anyway.”

Yolanda burst into laughter, her amusement infectious. “Well then, I suppose I’ll just bide my time until you and Mr. Lincoln part ways before I make my move!” Her ambition was as clear as day, like a beacon shining brightly in the night. Yolanda’s interest in Curtis was no secret; it was as obvious as the sun rising in the east. After all, with his power and status, it was nearly impossible for any woman to remain indifferent to him.

Adriana smiled back, appreciating the candor in Yolanda’s demeanor. There was something refreshing about a girl who embraced her feelings and desires openly, without resorting to the deceitful games that so many others played behind the scenes.

In truth, Adriana had never felt that Curtis was truly hers to keep. The thought of their impending divorce loomed over her like a dark cloud. Whoever managed to capture Curtis’s heart next was welcome to the challenge. The competition was fierce, with countless women eager to vie for his attention.

Adriana felt a pang of helplessness as she considered the other women orbiting Curtis’s life. Danielle was one contender, Cynthia another, and now Nicole had even moved into their home, taking over her main bedroom.

“So, Adriana, what do you think? Can we be friends?” Yolanda asked, her smile bright and inviting, almost too good to be true.

“Sure…” Adriana hesitated for a moment, her brow furrowing slightly in thought. “I haven’t really had many friends growing up, so I’m not entirely sure how friendships work. If I ever do anything that makes you uncomfortable, please just let me know.”

Yolanda’s eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly nodded, her smile unwavering. “Does this mean I get to be your main bestie now? I’ll do everything I can to win you over!”

Adriana couldn’t help but laugh at Yolanda’s exuberance. There was something genuinely sunny and confident about her.

She couldn’t help but ponder the kind of upbringing Yolanda must have had—parents who supported her, a nurturing environment that allowed her to blossom into such a vibrant and self-assured young woman.

Adriana admired Yolanda’s boldness, but deep down, she knew she could never embody that kind of spirit. Growing up, her insecurities had buried her desires so deeply that even if she yearned for something, she never had the courage to voice it.

Her relationship with Matthew had lasted four long years, and the only time she had ever mustered the courage to ask him anything of substance was that fateful moment when she had simply inquired, “Are we actually dating?”

Matthew’s affirmative response had been enough to satisfy her for the entirety of their relationship.

But even that simple acknowledgment had come at a price—Matthew often looked down on her for never demanding more from him.

“I still have three days left of my vacation in Haldoria. How about we hit the beach tomorrow?” Yolanda suggested, waving a travel guide filled with local attractions in front of Adriana.

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