Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 66

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

**Dinner With Details**

“Not really.” Curtis’s voice was calm, almost dismissive as he deftly plated some food for Adriana without addressing the price of the bracelet. His focus was entirely on her, a subtle kindness in his actions that made her feel a flicker of warmth.

Adriana allowed herself a moment to breathe, to let the tension melt away as she concentrated on the meal laid before her.

It can’t be that expensive, can it? What if it breaks while I’m wearing it?

She bit her lip, her thoughts spiraling. After all, I’m just a contract wife. Why would he give me something so extravagant?

“Wow! These ribs taste amazing!” she exclaimed, taking a generous bite of the barbecue ribs. The explosion of flavor danced across her palate, igniting her senses.

So this is what expensive ribs taste like, huh?

Curtis merely smiled, his eyes twinkling as he continued to serve her with a quiet confidence.

As the savory aroma filled the air, Adriana became acutely aware of her own chatter, suddenly feeling self-conscious. She lowered her gaze to her plate, intent on eating in silence.

If I keep living like this, will I just lose myself?

“Try this.” Curtis’s voice broke through her thoughts as he placed a piece of roasted cod on her plate. “The chef didn’t use any dill or parsley, just a hint of minced garlic.”

Adriana’s cheeks puffed slightly as she chewed, her hands pausing mid-motion.

She looked up at Curtis, astonished.

He actually remembers I don’t like dill.

It struck her then, the realization that even Matthew, who had been in her life for four long years, had never noticed her aversion to dill.

The memory of her childhood flooded her mind—when she was just ten years old, taken in by her second foster family. Afraid of rejection, she had forced herself to eat a casserole laden with dill, parsley, and blue cheese. The smell had made her stomach churn, and later, in the safety of the bathroom, she had vomited until her body was empty.

And yet, her foster parents had not kept her, despite her compliance.

The following year, they welcomed a baby of their own.

So, Adriana was returned to the group home.

Since that day, her distaste for dill had become more than just a matter of taste; it was a reminder of deeper wounds. Each time she caught a whiff of it, she was transported back to feelings of rejection and abandonment.

Just then, Curtis’s phone rang, slicing through the heavy silence like a knife.

Adriana blinked, instinctively lowering her head to resume eating. Maybe Curtis just doesn’t like dill or parsley either…

“Hello?” Curtis stepped away, his tone professional yet concerned.

Adriana trailed behind another maid, her heart racing as they made their way to the designated area for female guests.

“Curtis! It’s been half a year, hasn’t it? How’s everything? Is the Lincoln Group doing well?” A jovial voice broke through the air as Chandler Barton, Jeremy’s illegitimate son and Danielle’s father, approached Curtis with an easy smile.

With Jeremy’s legitimate son and daughter-in-law having passed away in Haldoria, Chandler had taken on the role of host, a position he wore like a crown.

Adriana studied Chandler for a moment, an involuntary shiver racing down her spine.

Shaking off the feeling, she made her way to a nearby couch and sank into its plush embrace.

“So you’re Adriana?” Kelsey Barton, Chandler’s wife, scrutinized her with a gaze laced with disdain. “You’re nothing compared to Danielle. I truly don’t understand what Curtis sees in you.”

Next to Kelsey, an elegant woman slowly set down her coffee cup, her eyes landing on Adriana’s wrist. “Wow, Curtis really went all out, giving her the emerald bracelet.”

Kelsey’s expression shifted subtly, a flicker of surprise crossing her features.

One bracelet, no matter how costly, paled in comparison to the vast Lincoln fortune—but Curtis presenting Adriana with this piece made a bold statement: she was cherished, and any who dared to provoke her would face his wrath.

“Is this bracelet… really valuable?” Adriana asked quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

She felt a twinge of embarrassment; her knowledge of emeralds was limited at best.

“Do you have any idea how much the Lincolns paid for your emerald bracelet at the Haldoria auction over a decade ago?” the elegant woman asked lightly, a smile playing on her lips. “That entire emerald set, including this bracelet, a cabochon ring, and a simple pendant, was priced at 500 million.”