Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 134

**When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn**
**Chapter 134: Missing for Two Days**

Curtis had kept the details shrouded in mystery, only hinting that there was a deep connection between his mother and Nicole’s mother.

Adriana nodded slowly, her mind racing to piece together the fragments of information. It was clear that Curtis was reluctant to divulge the full story, and she respected his silence, choosing not to pry any further. After all, the notion of honoring a marriage promise solely based on his mother’s dying wish felt like a heavy burden, perhaps even an unreasonable one.

In the meantime, Curtis had made it a priority to clear his schedule, dedicating himself entirely to Adriana’s side. He was determined to be her rock during this tumultuous time.

Across town, Nicole was engulfed in a rising tide of anxiety. The thought of Adriana undergoing a check-up and discovering her pregnancy sent her spiraling into panic. She frantically brainstormed possible solutions to eliminate the baby, but each idea seemed to slip through her fingers like sand, never materializing into a concrete plan.

Curtis, unwavering in his commitment, never left Adriana’s side, not even for a fleeting moment.

“That’s odd. Belinda hasn’t replied to any of my messages for the past few days,” Adriana remarked, her brow furrowing as she stared at her WhatsApp screen, confusion evident in her voice.

Had she offended Belinda in some way? Aside from that one instance where shopping had pulled Belinda away, she couldn’t recall doing anything to warrant this silence.

“She can be a bit childish, you know? She tends to sulk over the smallest things. Don’t take it to heart,” Curtis reassured her as he placed a plate of fresh, sliced fruit on the table and settled beside her.

“No, I really need to call her,” Adriana insisted, a knot of unease tightening in her stomach. She tapped on Belinda’s name and hit dial.

But the call was immediately rejected.

“Maybe… you should give it a try?” Adriana suggested, her eyes pleading with Curtis.

Curtis nodded, pulling out his own phone and dialing Belinda’s number. Unfortunately, that call was met with the same rejection.

Panic began to bubble within Adriana. “Something isn’t right… What if something happened to her? Should we go check on her at school?”

She recalled whispers about Belinda possibly dating someone, and her concern deepened.

Dating in college wasn’t inherently problematic, but Belinda was still so naïve, easily misled by her emotions.

Curtis agreed, rising to his feet. “Let’s go check on her.”

When they arrived at the school and approached one of Belinda’s professors, they were met with troubling news: Belinda had taken two days off and hadn’t been on campus at all.

Adriana’s anxiety escalated. “Curtis, what do we do…? What if something has happened to her?”

Curtis placed a calming hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry. I’ll have someone find her right away.”

He instructed Adriana to wait in the car while he stepped outside to make some urgent calls.

About thirty minutes later, Curtis returned, his expression grave as he slid into the driver’s seat. “Belinda found out that her mom isn’t dead. She ran away from home in anger. She’s at a hotel,” he stated, his tone flat and devoid of emotion.

Adriana’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Belinda knows Cynthia is alive? You guys hiding the truth from her… that’s not good. Finding out like that must’ve shattered her,” she murmured, her mind racing with implications.

Curtis nodded silently, his focus now on the road as he drove toward the hotel where Belinda was staying.

As they traveled, Adriana’s nerves twisted and turned. If Belinda was aware that Cynthia had survived, it could only mean one thing: Cynthia had sought her out.

Which also implied that Cynthia had regained enough strength to walk, talk, and navigate her life once more…

And if that were the case, where did Curtis plan to place Cynthia now?

“Belinda, open the door,” Curtis called out, knocking firmly. When silence met his call, a frown creased his brow.

“Belinda!” he called again, frustration edging into his voice.

Adriana felt a surge of compassion. “Why don’t you head downstairs and wait? Let me try talking to her alone.”

Curtis nodded, stepping back reluctantly.

Adriana knocked once more. “Belinda, it’s me. Curtis is gone. It’s just us now.”

Curtis cast a glance back at her before turning to walk away.

Inside the room, silence reigned.

“Belinda, aren’t we friends?” Adriana called softly through the door, her voice laced with concern.

After what felt like an eternity, the door cracked open just a sliver. Belinda peeked out cautiously, her eyes darting around to ensure Curtis was truly gone before she opened the door wider, allowing Adriana to step inside.

The atmosphere was heavy; the curtains were drawn, and the room was dim and stifling.

Beer bottles littered the table, a clear indication of a night spent drowning sorrows.

“Who taught you to drink like this? Your eyes are so puffy, they look like walnuts,” Adriana sighed, sinking into the nearby couch.

Belinda flopped down on the other end of the couch, her face pressed into the cushions, offering no response.