Ms. Escape Marrying to Run Fighting to Rise novel Chapter 178

Chapter 178 The Enemy’s Mockery

His words were syrupy sweet, like he still believed she could be talked into anything if he just used the right

Forget it, Matthew!” Adriana’s voice cracked with fury. “Stop going after Curtis, or I swear-

She stopped short, realizing how hollow her threat sounded.

“Adriana,” Matthew’s voice sharpened, desperate now. “Curtis doesn’t love you. You’re fooling yourself if you think he does.”

Adriana didn’t give him the satisfaction of a response. She ended the call and hurled the phone onto the couch.

It started ringing again almost immediately. She didn’t pick up.

She didn’t understand how he could still cling to her after all this time.

Was four years not enough for him? Or did it just drive him crazy knowing the woman he once treated like a toy now belonged to someone else?

Adriana sat on the couch, her eyes fixed on her stomach for what felt like forever.

She had truly believed she’d carry that baby to the end.

But the accident had shattered that dream like glass hitting concrete.

Belinda had done it under Cynthia’s threats. Adriana knew that much. The girl hadn’t meant to hurt her. Still, Curtis hadn’t punished Cynthia. Not a word. Not a single action.

That silence cut deeper than anything else. Curtis always claimed he only felt gratitude toward Cynthia. But Adriana couldn’t stop asking herself if that was the truth.

That child had been his too.

A few days later, Curtis texted her. He said he had work to handle and would be out of town for a week.

Adriana lay curled up on the couch, her chest tight, her face pressed into the pillow. She cried until her throat burned.

Without the baby, what was left between them? They had no real love, only a contract. And a contract couldn’t keep a heart together.

After several days of hiding at home, Adriana forced herself to go back to campus.

She headed to the library to borrow some books, but fate seemed to mock her. Cheryl was there.

Adriana turned to walk the other way, but Cheryl spotted her and came strutting over, her heels clacking against the floor.

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Chapter 176 The Enemy’s Mookery

Well, look who ris, Cheryl sneered, her voice full of venoth. “Adriana Xander Word’s spreading fast. You couldn’t even keep the Lincolns heir, and now Curtis is abour to throw you out

Adriana’s eyes darkened. “Get out of my way, Cheryl

Cheryl laughed, the sound sharp as glass. “Please. You can drop the act. You only had a place in that family because of that baby. Too bad you couldn’t hold on to it.”

Adriana clenched her fists and turned, ready to walk off, but Cheryl moved closer, her tone dripping with malice.

“I heard it was Cynthia’s daughter, Belinda, who caused it,” she said. “And Curtis didn’t even defend you. I guess that’s what happens when his precious Cynthia still owns a piece of his heart.

Her words sank deep, twisting like a knife.

Cheryl smirked, her voice turning mocking. “Everyone knows Curtis still has feelings for Cynthia. You’re the only fool who actually believes you’re the one he loves.”

She laughed behind her hand and strutted away, leaving the sting of her perfume and cruelty in the air.

Adriana stood frozen. Her eyes burned, and tears slid down her cheeks before she even noticed. When no one talked about it, she could pretend it didn’t hurt. She could keep the lie alive.

But now that the whole world seemed to know Curtis still protected Cynthia, it felt like someone had

reached into her chest and ripped something out.

She cared about him. She knew that now.

And it terrified her. Because somewhere along the way, she had stopped being content with just being a contract wife. She wanted more.

Adriana walked out of the library, holding her books close, her phone still in her hand. Curtis’s name glowed on the screen. Her thumb hovered over it for a long time, but she couldn’t bring herself to press call.

She stared at it until the screen dimmed, then finally turned it off.

She couldn’t have it both ways.

She was being ridiculous.

She was only a contract wife, and that baby had been part of the deal. She had no right to ask for anything more from him.

“Mrs. Lincoln, we’ve arrived,” the driver said as the car came to a stop in front of the villa.

Adriana blinked and stepped out, trying to push away her thoughts.

“Adriana …”

Her whole body went still. The voice was familiar. Belinda.

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