Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 146

**When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn**
**Chapter 146: Can I Take a Selfie?**

Once upon a time, there was a moment when Cynthia believed with every fiber of her being that she loved Curtis unconditionally. She had poured her heart and soul into their relationship, never once expecting anything in return. In her mind, the mere thought of Curtis’s happiness was a treasure beyond measure, a reward in itself that filled her with purpose.

Yet, as time wove its intricate tapestry, something shifted within her. A seed of resentment began to sprout, slowly but surely, until it became an all-consuming vine that choked her spirit. She convinced herself that her sacrifices were too great, that no other woman could ever match the depth of her love for him. Anyone who dared to approach Curtis, in her eyes, was merely a predator lurking with hidden agendas—everyone, that is, except for her.

The transformation was insidious, creeping up on her like a shadow in the night. She had morphed into a version of herself that was almost unrecognizable, consumed by an obsession that clouded her judgment.

“Shut up!” Cynthia’s voice erupted in a fit of rage, her hand striking Belinda’s cheek before she could even process what she had done. The world around her faded into a blur as her heart raced, the reality of her actions crashing down on her like a tidal wave.

Belinda’s eyes, filled with tears and disbelief, pierced through Cynthia’s fog of anger. Regret washed over her, heavy and suffocating, but she felt powerless to take it back. She had crossed a line, and in that moment, she realized she had become a stranger to herself.

“Belinda, if you and Curtis leave me, I swear I’ll die,” Cynthia’s voice cracked, hoarse with desperation as she repeated her plea, each word a hammer driving into Belinda’s consciousness.

“Help me. We can’t let Adriana have that baby,” she insisted, gripping Belinda’s hand with a fierceness that betrayed her fear.

In her mind, if Belinda could be the one to sabotage Adriana’s plans, it would force Harold’s hand, compelling him to divorce Adriana without question.

Belinda, her head bowed in sorrow, felt the weight of her mother’s life hanging in the balance, and the thought of Adriana’s impending motherhood only added to her torment.

“Please?” Cynthia’s voice dripped with urgency, a plea laced with desperation that tugged at Belinda’s heartstrings.

Through her tears, Belinda nodded, the decision tearing at her insides. “Okay,” she whispered, feeling utterly trapped. What choice did she have? Her mother’s life was at stake.

The coastline at Haldoria was breathtaking, a canvas painted with shades of bright blue that sparkled under the sun. The sea, crystal clear and vibrant, seemed to stretch endlessly, inviting all who gazed upon it to lose themselves in its beauty.

Adriana stood there, mesmerized by the vast expanse of water before her. “There are usually so many people at the beach. I saw on Facebook that it’s nearly impossible to find a good spot for pictures,” she said, her voice tinged with excitement.

Curtis flashed a warm smile, his eyes sparkling with delight. “This is a private beach, just for you. You can take as many photos as your heart desires,” he assured her, his tone filled with genuine affection.

Adriana’s gaze fell on the high-end camera gear Curtis had brought along, and she couldn’t help but admire it. It looked like it had cost a small fortune, a testament to his passion for capturing moments.

With a heavy heart, Matthew returned to his seat. What he needed to focus on now was ensuring that Curtis divorced Adriana at the earliest opportunity.

Just then, Peter entered the room, and Matthew looked up, his expression tense. “Did you manage to find out what I asked you to investigate?”

“Mr. Langford, regarding Curtis’s father, I have uncovered some leads. However, the person who covered it up was meticulous. It will take more time to piece everything together, but I have reason to believe that Curtis’s father faked his death to escape Mr. Harold’s grasp,” Peter explained, his voice low.

A sly smile crept onto Matthew’s face as he narrowed his eyes. “Keep digging,” he instructed, his mind racing with possibilities.

If he could unearth the truth that Curtis’s father was alive and had started a new life with another family, it would turn the tables in his favor. Curtis would no longer be the sole heir to the Lincolns, and once Harold had another successor, he would have the perfect justification to strip Curtis of his title.

Once Curtis was left with nothing, Matthew was certain Adriana would seek him out again. He knew her better than anyone; she craved strength and security. She had chosen him once because he could protect her, and now she was with Curtis for the same reason.

But what if Curtis faltered? What if he could no longer shield her from the storms of life? Surely, she would return to him, seeking the comfort and strength he could provide.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the horizon, Adriana fell asleep in Curtis’s arms on their way home, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing just beyond their tranquil beach day.