Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 40

**When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn**
**Chapter 40: Street Food with Curtis**

Adriana felt a delightful warmth wash over her as she intertwined her fingers with Curtis’s, leading him through the vibrant maze of street food stalls. The atmosphere buzzed with life; the air was thick with the tantalizing scents of sizzling meats and sweet confections, yet beneath the excitement, a knot of anxiety twisted in her stomach. “Mr. Curtis,” she ventured, her voice wavering between enthusiasm and apprehension, “didn’t you say we were supposed to keep our marriage under wraps?”

Curtis paused, turning to her with a seriousness that belied the festive surroundings. “I mentioned we wouldn’t make a grand announcement,” he replied, his voice calm and reassuring. “But hiding it? That’s not necessary.”

Adriana’s mind raced, caught in a whirlwind of emotions. The contract she had signed felt like a heavy anchor, reminding her that retreating from this path would come at a steep cost. She was trapped in a reality that was as thrilling as it was daunting, and she had to find her way through it.

“Look! That’s the hot dog stand!” she exclaimed suddenly, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia as she pointed to a stall adorned with colorful banners. “The owner has always been so kind to me. During my rough patches, he let me help out even when he didn’t need any extra hands.”

Curtis’s brow knitted in concern, his interest piqued. “For those four years with Matthew… he didn’t provide you with an allowance?”

Adriana hesitated, feeling the weight of his gaze. “No, he did,” she replied, her voice faltering slightly. But the truth was far more complicated; Matthew had never handed her cash directly. Instead, he had given her a card that allowed her to purchase items only at select places, limiting her choices and independence.

Most of the time, she hardly used it. The local eateries near campus didn’t accept cards, and the few that did were far too expensive for her modest budget. Adriana had been devoted, sending nearly all her earnings from part-time jobs back to the orphanage. Matthew was well aware that she sometimes went months without spending a single cent from his card.

“Let’s grab a hot dog,” Curtis suggested, his mood visibly dampened by her revelations.

Adriana nodded, sensing the heaviness that lingered in the air. In a bid to lighten the mood, she added, “Matthew used to say he liked the hot dogs here too. I bought some for him once, and he said they were good!”

Mentioning Matthew only deepened Curtis’s frown. He released her hand and approached the stall, engaging in conversation with the owner as if their previous discussion had never occurred. “Boss, any seats available?”

“Absolutely!” the owner beamed, wiping his hands on his apron. “Adriana’s friend, right?”

“Yes!” Adriana replied, her spirits lifting as she greeted the owner. She instinctively jumped in to help serve food to other customers, feeling a rush of fond memories flooding back.

“Don’t worry about helping out. You’re here with a friend—go sit down! I’ll whip you up the best hot dogs,” the owner insisted, his smile warm and welcoming.

Gratefully, Adriana nodded, hurrying to a nearby stool. She took a tissue and wiped the surface, ensuring it was clean, anxious that Curtis might find it unsanitary.

Curtis, dressed in his tailored suit and sporting an expensive watch, seemed almost out of place sitting at this humble stall. Yet here he was, sharing this moment with her, and it felt surreal—a clash of their worlds.

“Curtis,” she said, her voice brightening with enthusiasm. “Do you want some pudding? It’s really good. My treat!” She pointed to a nearby stall run by an elderly lady whose smile radiated warmth.

Taking a deep breath, Adriana set down her spoon and stood up, her heart pounding with newfound resolve. She faced Linda, her voice steady and unwavering. “You can take videos of me all you want, but you filmed my boyfriend without his consent. Delete it, or his legal team will be in touch regarding his portrait rights.”

The words hung in the air, a declaration of her strength and a testament to her growth. Despite the laughter surrounding her, Adriana stood tall, ready to confront her past and protect her present.

In that moment, she felt a surge of empowerment, a flicker of hope igniting within her. Time had tried to heal her, but now she was ready to listen, to embrace her journey of self-discovery and resilience, no matter how challenging it might be.

As the laughter faded and the weight of her words settled in the air, Adriana felt a profound shift within herself. The confrontation with Linda was not merely about defending Curtis or her relationship; it was a pivotal moment of reclaiming her narrative. For so long, she had been defined by others’ perceptions, trapped under the shadows of her past. But now, standing tall and resolute, she realized that she had the power to shape her own story. The warmth of Curtis’s unwavering support enveloped her, and she understood that this was a partnership built on mutual respect and understanding, a stark contrast to the isolation she had once endured.

With each passing moment, the vibrant energy of the street food stall pulsed around them, a celebration of life that echoed her own burgeoning sense of freedom. The rich aromas and laughter of passersby filled her with a newfound joy, and she couldn’t help but smile at the simplicity of sharing pudding with someone who appreciated the little things. Adriana had begun to listen to the whispers of healing that time had offered, accepting the complexities of her journey while embracing the present. As she looked at Curtis, she felt a flicker of hope, not just for their relationship but for her own transformation—a journey where she was no longer a passive participant but an active architect of her happiness.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

In the upcoming chapter, readers can anticipate a deeper exploration of Adriana’s evolving relationship with Curtis as they navigate the complexities of their secret marriage amidst the scrutiny of the outside world. With the confrontation with Linda leaving a mark on Adriana, her newfound strength will be tested as she learns to balance the expectations of her past with the desires of her present. Will she find the courage to stand up for herself and Curtis in the face of judgment, or will the shadows of her former life threaten to pull her back?

Moreover, the chapter promises to delve into Curtis’s character, revealing more about his motivations and feelings towards Adriana. As they continue to bond over shared experiences at the food stalls, the dynamics of their relationship will shift, leading to moments of vulnerability and connection. Will Curtis open up about his own struggles, or will he remain the enigmatic figure he has been so far? Readers will be left on the edge of their seats, eager to discover how their personal histories intertwine and whether they can forge a path forward together, despite the challenges that lie ahead.