Ms. Escape Marrying to Run Fighting to Rise novel Chapter 117

Chapter 117 Adriana’s Restless Heart

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Finished

Adriana tried to get into the back seat, but the door wouldn’t budge. She leaned forward and glanced at Curtis. “Curtis, the door won’t open.”

“Sit up front,” he said quietly, looking at her.

Adriana nodded and obediently climbed into the passenger seat.

“Want to grab some of those dumplings near your school?” Curtis asked casually.

Her eyes lit up, and she nodded, then blinked in surprise. “Wait, how did you know I haven’t eaten yet?”

Curtis sighed.

The fact that she’d run out this late already told him everything–she’d probably fought with Matthew and skipped dinner.

“You had a fight with Matthew?” he asked, giving her a glance.

“No.” Adriana’s mood dropped, her voice soft.

“How did that girl you’re sponsoring do on her exams?”

Adriana froze for a second and didn’t reply.

He looked at her again but didn’t press.

“She did well. She got top 20 in the whole state,” she finally said after a pause, nervously twisting her fingers.

“It’s not me sponsoring her. It’s Matthew,” she added softly.

Curtis didn’t say anything more. He already understood.

The rest of the drive was quiet. Adriana stared out the window, her mind somewhere else.

When they arrived, Curtis parked, got out, and reached for her hand without a word.

She glanced at him but couldn’t help thinking about that photo and video Matthew had shown her.

He must have really been obsessed with Cynthia to go that far–scheming, paying her to be his decoy–just to marry another woman.

“Want some yogurt?” Curtis asked as they passed a small stand.

Adriana snapped out of it and nodded quickly. “My treat!”

Curtis didn’t respond. After she ordered two fruit yogurts, he quietly paid himself.

“Hey, I said I’d pay,” Adriana said, embarrassed. She could at least afford yogurt.

“Then let me buy the dumplings,” she added, still trying to make it fair.

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20:15

Mon, Jan

Chapter 117 Adriana’s Restless Heart

Curtis nodded.

While they ate, Adriana was distracted. Her phone kept ringing, but she didn’t answer.

It was Liana.

Finished

Over the years, Liana had rarely contacted her–no messages on holidays, no small talk. Adriana had always assumed she was just busy with school.

But Liana messaged Matthew for every holiday. Even when it wasn’t one, she’d send things like, “There’s a flu going around. Wear a mask,” or “It’s been hot lately. Stay cool.”

She only ever called Adriana when she couldn’t reach Matthew.

Now, the phone kept buzzing.

Adriana ignored it at first, but Liana was relentless.

Afraid Curtis might get the wrong idea, Adriana finally answered. “Hello?”

“Adriana, are you mad at me?” Liana’s voice trembled with worry, almost breaking into a sob. “I’m sorry. Is it because I’m too close to Matthew? But you’re not even his girlfriend, right?” she asked, her tone defensive and probing.

Adriana took a steadying breath. “You’re overthinking it. I’m busy. Gotta go.”

“Adriana, I

now you like Matthew. On my 18th birthday, he told me you two weren’t dating, that you liked him, but he only kept you around because he felt sorry for you. He paid for your college, didn’t he? We’re the same. You’re one of the students he sponsors, and so am I.”

Adriana froze. So in Liana’s eyes, they were equals just two girls Matthew helped out.

“You’re right,” Adriana said quietly, too tired to explain anything more.

Liana had no idea how many humiliating compromises Adriana had made back then just to get Matthew to fund her education.

“So, Adriana, what we should focus on is how to be more useful to Matthew,” Liana said confidently, her words laced with challenge. She was implying she could become more valuable than Adriana. “Good grades don’t mean everything.”

So what if Adriana had better grades? Liana didn’t think she was any worse.

“Good luck,” Adriana said after a long pause. “I don’t need to be useful to anyone. I just need to live with myself. And by the way, I’m married.”

There was stunned silence on the line. “You’re married?“,

“Yeah.”

“What’s your husband like? Bet he’s not as good as Matthew, right? You gave up because you couldn’t have him? Adriana, that’s such a loser move.” Liana laughed, clearly mocking her.

“I’m busy. Study hard,” Adriana said calmly and hung up.

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