Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 185

**When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn**
**Chapter 185: Uncanny Resemblance**

“I want to stay with you. I don’t want anyone bullying you. If someone says something nasty, I’ll curse them out for you.” Adriana’s voice trembled with a mix of determination and bravado as she attempted to sound fierce, puffing herself up like a little warrior ready for battle.

Curtis couldn’t help but chuckle at her earnestness.

He reached over, gently ruffling her hair, a gesture that felt both comforting and teasing. “Since when does my little bunny know how to bite people?” he teased, his tone light and playful.

Adriana huffed, her cheeks puffing out adorably. “A rabbit can bite when it’s angry! Just wait till tomorrow—I’ll show them I’m not someone to mess with.” There was a fire in her eyes, a spark of defiance that Curtis found endearing.

“Good,” he replied, his voice softening, a warmth radiating from him. “With me here, you can do whatever you want. Don’t worry about offending anyone. If something bothers you, just say it. If you want to push back, then push back. I’ve got your back—no matter what. Even if it gets physical, I’ll cover you.”

Adriana’s eyes sparkled with excitement, her heart racing at the thought. “So basically… with you backing me, I get to strut around like the boss and everyone has to step aside?” The thrill of empowerment washed over her.

He chuckled again, the sound rich and full of affection. “Yes. Be as fierce as you want. Make them think twice before they open their mouths.”

For a moment, her smile wavered, transforming into something softer, more vulnerable. She leaned in closer, wrapping her arms around him in a warm embrace. “I love you so much…”

The moment those words slipped from her lips, time seemed to freeze.

“Hm?” Curtis tilted his head, feigning ignorance, but inwardly, he was elated.

“N-nothing,” she stammered, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Curtis’s lips curled into a knowing smile. He had heard her perfectly. She had confessed her love—whether it was a slip of the tongue or a heartfelt revelation, it filled him with a warmth he was reluctant to acknowledge.

As their plane touched down in Harborton, Curtis’s phone buzzed violently, almost slipping from his grasp. It was a barrage of missed calls from Irene Walton.

“Curtis, what on earth happened? Adriana miscarried? If Joe hadn’t told me, I’d still be in the dark!” Irene’s voice was sharp, laced with concern and irritation. “Where are you now?”

“We’re back in Harborton,” Curtis replied calmly, though he couldn’t help but wonder why Irene seemed so invested in Adriana’s well-being—was it genuine affection or something else?

“Fine. Good. I just got back to Harborton myself to handle a few things. I’m going to see Adriana this afternoon.” Without waiting for a response, she hung up, leaving Curtis with a sense of urgency.

After hearing about Adriana being pushed down the stairs, Irene had nearly lost her composure. She had immediately called Joe for details, only to discover that it was Belinda who had done it, likely acting on Cynthia’s orders.

But upon learning that Curtis had already taken action by placing Cynthia in a psychiatric facility, Irene had finally let out a sigh of relief.

“Was that Ms. Walton?” Adriana asked softly, her curiosity piqued.

Curtis nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Yeah. She likes you. She sounds genuinely worried.”

Adriana’s face lit up. “I like her a lot.”

“Mr. Lincoln, the car’s here. Sorry—I hit some traffic,” Kenneth called out from a second vehicle, having flown in ahead of them to assist.

Curtis ignored Nicole completely, taking Adriana’s hand firmly in his own and leading her straight to the car, a protective gesture that made her heart swell.

Nicole opened her mouth, ready to hurl another insult at Adriana, but Justin stepped in front of her, blocking her path. “If you don’t want to disappear, Ms. Barton, then do not provoke Curtis Lincoln.”

Nicole snapped back, her voice sharp with indignation. “You’re supposed to be powerful, aren’t you? What, are you scared of Curtis too? Danielle said you’re my dog. You do what I say. So go kill Adriana—I want to marry Curtis!”

Justin’s eyes darkened, but his voice remained steady, unwavering. “Killing people is illegal.”

“Tch. Useless,” Nicole spat, climbing into her car with a final huff, her frustration palpable.

Whenever she was in a foul mood, she took it out on Justin, and Danielle encouraged this behavior, sharing her disdain for him and relishing the sight of Nicole tormenting him.

Justin endured it all with remarkable composure. On one hand, he cooperated with the Bartons and their schemes; on the other, he worked quietly in the shadows, trying to uncover the whereabouts of the real Nicole.

Just before getting into the car, he cast a glance in the direction where Curtis and Adriana had disappeared.

He didn’t know why, but every time he saw Adriana, something deep within him stirred.

And she looked… uncannily like Jeremy’s long-passed first wife.