Bullied and Dumped, But She Won in the End (Adriana) novel Chapter 7

7 The Prenuptial Agreement

The doorbell rang. Adriana stood outside, nervous and fidgety.

The housemaid, Eva, answered, a little surprised to see Adriana standing there, soaked and disheveled.

“Miss…” Eva didn’t know what happened but still let her in. She handed Adriana a pair of fresh slippers and thoughtfully draped a shawl over her shoulders.

“Mr. Lincoln’s on a video call. He told me you’d be coming. Just wait in the living room for a bit,” she said gently. “I’ll make you

some lemon tea.”

Adriana was a little touched. She rarely encountered such kindness from strangers. Eva’s warmth put her at ease.

She glanced nervously around at the house’s decor, too afraid to sit down, worried she might dirty Curtis’s pristine sofa.

It was obvious–Curtis was cultured, clean, and rich. Definitely a gentleman.

About three minutes later, Curtis came out of his study.

He didn’t keep her waiting long.

He was wearing loungewear, probably just showered. His hair was damp, casually tousled.

He looked about Matthew’s age, but with sharper, more intense features that would do well in showbiz.

Adriana suddenly felt small, doubting herself.

Why would someone like him want to marry her?

“M–Mr. Lincoln,” she greeted softly.

Curtis glanced at her drenched, pitiful state and paused. “What happened? Save the world on your way here, huh?”

Adriana froze, head down in embarrassment.

Not exactly the gentlemanly vibe she expected.

“Eva, take her for a shower and get her some clean clothes.” Curtis frowned, eyeing her up and down. “Anyone walking in would think I picked up a stray.”

Though his tone was sharp, he turned and grabbed some medicine, mixing it in water before handing it to her.

Adriana was a little overwhelmed. Kindness wasn’t something she got often. “Th–thank you.”

“Drink up, take a hot shower. We’ll talk after.” He picked up a contract—a prenuptial agreement.

Adriana nodded and downed the medicine in one go, trailing after the maid like a lost puppy.

Curtis blinked, raising his hand to stop her, but it was too late. Wasn’t the water hot? Wasn’t the medicine bitter? She just gulped it all down like it was nothing.

This Adriana… is kinda interesting.

כו1

When Adriana came out of the bathroom, she was surprised to see clean, dry clothes already laid out on the guest bed–a loose. simple T–shirt and a pair of shorts.

Eva knocked and came in, smiling. “Miss, these are Mr. Lincoln’s niece’s clothes. She stayed here for a few days not long ago. They’re brand new, already washed. I hope you don’t mind.”

Adriana quickly waved her hands. “No, no, I don’t mind… I just didn’t want to get them dirty…”

“It’s fine. She has plenty of clothes. This set’s yours now.” Eva chuckled, placed the lemon tea on the table, and left.

Adriana got dressed and glanced at herself. Her legs were long and pale, but the shorts exposed all her bruises and scars from the accident. The sight was honestly a little depressing.

After hesitating for a while, she finally dried her hair and walked out.

Curtis was still in the living room, apparently on a call.

Adriana stayed behind the wall, too scared to interrupt.

Curtis spotted her, ended the call, and picked up the prenup. “Shall we talk?”

Adriana nodded, stepping forward. “Mr. Lincoln, you can go over the terms.”

He placed the agreement on the table. “Marry me. The marriage will last for three to five years. No divorce until my grandfather passes. No physical obligations. The marriage stays private. You’ll play the role of the granddaughter–in–law. Here’s a secondary credit card. Spend it freely while we’re married. Once we divorce, this apartment in Haldoria is yours. Everything else is listed in the

contract.”

Adriana stared at him in shock. This didn’t sound like a marriage negotiation–more like a business deal.

Still… the offer was insanely generous.

How did something like this just fall into her lap?

A husband in name only, an unlimited credit card, and a house after divorce?

“What about studying abroad… ” Adriana carefully brought it up.

She admitted the deal was tempting. But building herself up mattered more.

Money runs out. Skills and knowledge were what would keep her afloat after Matthew.

Curtis studied her.

When he laid out the offer, she hadn’t been that excited. But at the mention of studying abroad, her eyes lit up.

“I can sponsor your studies overseas, but I need to be upfront with you.” He paused. “The reason I need this marriage is to give my grandfather peace of mind.”

Adriana got it. That’s why he wanted someone like her–an orphan with no family or background. Marrying into another powerful family would complicate a future divorce. And this wasn’t about love; it was just an obligation.

2/3

Orphans like her were easy to manage. No strings attached, minimal trouble.

And from his perspective, the terms he was offering were more than generous. He wasn’t worried about her pulling any stunts

later.

“The reason I picked you was because I saw how you handled Matthew at the club. You were patient and attentive. Just the type my grandfather would like. And you’ve turned me down multiple times, which tells me you’re not greedy. But if you want to study abroad, I’ll need you to wait until after my grandfather passes, after we divorce.”

Curtis spread his hands apologetically.

He was being clear–what he wanted was emotional support for his grandfather.

Studying abroad meant being apart, which wouldn’t work during the marriage.

Adriana’s face dimmed. Senior year was the best time to apply for overseas programs. If she missed this window, everything could change in three to five years. She didn’t want to lose this chance.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Lincoln…” she said softly. The title of Mrs. Lincoln and a 30 million annual salary couldn’t compare to her desire to build something for herself.

“No need to decide right away,” he said. “Aside from studying abroad during marriage, any other terms are negotiable. My assistant will reach out again in a week.”

It was clear he was very satisfied with Adriana, which was why he was giving her another shot.

Adriana stayed silent. She had already made up her mind. If this door closed, she’d focus on getting into a program and work even harder to save for tuition.

“Well… sorry to trouble you, Mr. Lincoln. I’ll head out. Thank you for the medicine… and the clothes…” She glanced down at herself.

“You…” His gaze dropped to her legs, shocked by the bruises and purple welts.

“I was in a car accident,” Adriana quickly explained. “Just some bumps and bruises.”

He didn’t press. “It’s late. It’s not safe for you to go out like this. I’ll have my assistant drive you.”

Adriana wanted to refuse, but seeing he’d already made the call, she didn’t argue.

Outside Adriana’s apartment.

Matthew pulled up and checked the time. He tried calling her, but she didn’t pick up.

Rubbing his temples, he realized he might’ve gone too far today. He figured he’d stop by a shop to buy something to make it up to

her.

But just as he opened the car door, a black Maybach pulled up. Adriana got out, bowed politely to the driver, and limped her way toward the building.

Matthew’s face instantly darkened. Where the hell was she this late?