Ms. Escape Marrying to Run Fighting to Rise novel Chapter 13

At Haldoria University.

Adriana still hadn’t gone back to work at Langford Group. She was a little bummed because they still owed her half a month’s pay.

She sold the pricey purse she had bought on impulse and sent all the money straight to the orphanage’s charity account.

Not long after, Lydia gave her a call.

Lydia was the head of the orphanage and had stuck around all these years to care for the kids no one else wanted.

It was a small, low–profile place. Most of the children there had disabilities or came from really tough situations, which made Lydia’s job that much harder.

She wasn’t just looking after them–she was also handling their medical needs.

“You sent more money again, didn’t you?” Lydia asked. Adriana smiled gently and said, “I’ve saved up a bit. Please take care of yourself too, Lydia.”

“You’re such a sweet girl. Didn’t I tell you to hold off on sending money? Keep it for yourself. You still have to go abroad, remember?”

Adriana paused for a second. “You’re right.”

Studying overseas was expensive. Even if she had a guaranteed spot, the cost of living would add up to tens of thousands a year.

And with a student visa, she’d only be allowed to work a few hours a day–not nearly enough.

“Take care of yourself, Adriana,” Lydia said, her tone warm. “Oh, and lately, a few couples have come in, saying they lost a child. The description they provided matches yours. The police are doing DNA tests. Maybe you’ll get lucky and find your real parents.”

Adriana’s smile faded a little. She didn’t hold out hope anymore.

She used to dream of her parents showing up to take her home.

But every time she woke up, it was the same. Nothing had changed.

I’m just a kid someone abandoned. No one is coming back for

Maybe they wanted me gone from the beginning.

After ending the call, Adriana made her way toward the niversity’s academic building.

She had a meeting with her advisor to fill out the paperwork for her study abroad program.

She stepped into the office and greeted him politely. “I I’m here for the application.”

The advisor looked uneasy and avoided her eyes. “Adriana… I know your situation. You’re from the orphanage, and going overseas costs a lot. You need to think practically-”

Her heart sank. Something was off. “I’ll cover my own expenses,” she said quickly. “You told me I’m top of the class. This spot was supposed to be mine.”

He adjusted his glasses and hesitated. “Technically, yes. But… the committee wanted to look at more than just grades. Your family background and social skills were brought up… ”

Adriana’s eyes started to sting. “But none of that was ever part of the criteria. You told me today was for the paperwork. Did something change? Just tell me the truth.”

She tried not to cry, but her breathing grew unsteady.

“I’m sorry,” the advisor said with a sigh. “It’s not my call. The spot went to Cheryl.”

Adriana’s tears finally spilled over.

I’ve worked so hard for this. That opportunity was supposed to be mine. Why did someone else take it from me?

“Why? Study abroad spots are based on academic scores… ” Cheryl’s grades aren’t even close to mine.

“Adriana, you know how things are at Haldoria. It’s all politics and connections … ” He handed her some tissues. “Don’t cry. You can still apply for grad school here. There will be other chances.”

He knew. He knew exactly how much this meant to me.

I’d been with him for four years. I told him over and over how important this opportunity was–how studying in Pastalia had always been my dream. I even told him how much I admired Professor Harrett, who’s only accepting students for one more year.

And now I’ve lost it all.

This was my one shot at something better. The only real chance someone like me–an orphan, with nothing–can actually make it.

And Matthew crushed it without a second thought.

The silence on the phone dragged out before Matthew finally spoke again, sounding irritated. “You’re talking about that overseas thing? Natasha’s cousin wanted to go, so I talked to the school. If you can’t go this year, just try again next year. What’s the big deal?”

Matthew didn’t like how disobedient Adriana was being. He seemed to be slowly losing control over her.

Adriana sat there on the floor, holding her head, her body shaking with quiet sobs.

How could he be so heartless?

“This was all I had left … ” she whispered, barely able to speak. “Please, Matthew. Please give it back. I’m begging you.” She’d never begged him for anything before. “This is Professor Harrett’s last year taking students. There won’t be another chance. Please. Just this once. Let me have it back.”

Just this once.

That was all she asked.

“Fine,” Matthew said after a beat. “I’ll talk to them again. Be at the apartment by 8:00 p.m. I want to see you.”

Then he hung up.

Adriana wiped her face quickly, trying to pull herself together. She bolted down the stairs, her heart pounding in her chest.

He’s going to fix it… right?

As long as I do what he wants, as long as I don’t step out of lin, he’ll keep his promise, right?

She had to believe it. She needed this more than anything.