Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 99

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

Irene’s brow furrowed deeply, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. “You seem to have some serious issues with your great-nephew,” she remarked, her voice steady yet probing.

The man’s face clouded over, shadows flickering across his features, but he remained silent, the weight of unspoken words heavy in the air between them.

…

Curtis was absent from home, which meant that Belinda had slipped back into the house once more, her heart racing with a blend of excitement and mischief.

After spending time with Adriana, Belinda found herself growing increasingly fond of her. The warmth of their connection was undeniable, especially since Belinda struggled to make friends at school. Whenever she felt the sting of injustice or loneliness, her heart ached to return to Adriana for comfort and understanding.

In the past, she had thought Danielle was a kind soul simply because she had defended her a few times. With Cynthia gone, Belinda had never truly experienced the genuine care of another, and thus she had clung to the notion that Danielle was a good person.

However, as the days turned into weeks, it became clear to Belinda that Adriana was, in fact, extraordinary.

“Goodness, why are you back here again?” Eva asked quietly, standing at the door with an air of discomfort. “Mr. Lincoln said you’re not supposed to disturb Mrs. Lincoln.”

Belinda peeked inside, her lips forming a pout. But the moment she spotted Adriana, her face lit up with sheer joy. “Adriana!” she exclaimed, her voice bubbling over with excitement.

Adriana sipped her water, a slight cough escaping her lips. She thought to herself, Why won’t this girl leave me alone? “Eva, let her come in,” she said, her tone softening.

With a skip in her step, Belinda entered the living room and wrapped her arms around Adriana’s arm, practically bouncing with enthusiasm. “Adriana, let’s go shopping!” she declared, her eyes sparkling with hope.

“No, thank you. I already have plans with a friend. We’re going to the beach,” Adriana replied, her voice firm yet gentle as she turned down the invitation.

Belinda’s eyes widened with excitement. “Then take me with you!” she pleaded, her desperation palpable.

Adriana glanced at the clock, her brow furrowing slightly. “It’s Friday. You had classes this morning. What made you run back here?”

Belinda’s expression dimmed, and she sank into a nearby chair, her shoulders slumping. “I don’t want to go to school,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

It was a well-known fact that children often despised school when they faced adversity there, and Belinda was no exception.

Adriana, sensing the weight of Belinda’s sadness, chose not to scold her. Instead, she settled beside her, concern etched on her face. “What’s wrong? Did someone bully you at school?” she asked, her voice laced with empathy.

Belinda shook her head, her gaze fixed downwards, the weight of her thoughts pulling her deeper into her own world.

“Aren’t we friends?” Adriana pressed gently, hoping to coax her to open up.

Belinda’s nose twitched, and she finally looked up, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “They said I’m… a burden. They called me thick-skinned, and even though my mom’s gone, I still cling to Curtis like a vampire. Curtis is married now, and nobody wants me…”

Adriana felt a sharp pang in her chest, a familiar ache stirring within her. Belinda’s plight mirrored her own in so many ways.

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