Ms. Escape Marrying to Run Fighting to Rise novel Chapter 30

Chapter 30 The Stand–In Wife

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“Mr. Lincoln went to study in Moweland and took Ms. Reese and her mother with him. The three of them lived there for a few years. Eventually, Mr. Harold couldn’t take it anymore and told Mr. Curtis he’d agree to the relationship if he came back. But for some reason, the woman jumped into a river while they were still in Moweland. Her body was never found. Mr. Curtis came back alone, with the child.”

Eva told the story like it was a novel, making it suspenseful and full of twists.

This love story really was something else.

Adriana was completely drawn in. “Why would she kill herself? Didn’t Mr. Harold already give his blessing?”

“People say she developed postpartum depression after giving birth to Ms. Reese. On top of that, she felt like she was getting too old for Mr. Lincoln and no longer deserved him. She was convinced that once her beauty faded, he’d stop loving her. She couldn’t bear the thought of Mr. Lincoln falling out of love with her one day, so she chose to die in the very year he loved her the most.”

That way, she’d live forever in Curtis’s heart.

No one could replace her.

Adriana chewed on her pastry and nodded slowly. That was a bold move.

The woman had been clever.

But trading her life for that eternal love seemed a little too much.

“After that, Mr. Harold’s biggest obsession was getting Mr. Curtis to marry,” Eva added, sneaking a few glances at Adriana as she spoke. “I don’t know if you’ve heard the rumors, but apparently, your appearance … ”

Adriana blinked. “Don’t tell me I look like his old tutor?”

A stand–in for his first love? Really?

No wonder back at the club where she met Curtis for the first time, one of his friends had said she was exactly his type,

So, it was because of his first love. Adriana had become her substitute.

Just as they were deep in gossip, the front door opened with a click. A woman of around 18 or 19 years old walked in, her long ponytail bouncing behind her. She was dressed in a ballet practice outfit.

Her face was bare, but her posture and energy screamed “raised in wealth“.

She neatly placed her shoes on the rack and said tiredly Eva, get me some water.”

“Oh, Ms. Reese is back,” Eva said with a cheerful smile as she quickly got up to pour her a glass of water.

Adriana felt a bit nervous. She wasn’t sure how to face Blinda Reese, the pampered little princess Curtis had clearly raised with a soft heart and open wallet.

Belinda took the glass and gulped it down before finally noticing Adriana standing by the dining table. “Who’s she?”

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Chapter 30 The Stand–In Wife

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“Ms. Reese, this is Mr. Lincoln’s future wife. They’ll be registering their marriage in a few days, and she’ll be the lady of the house,” Eva said quickly.

Belinda’s expression darkened, and her sudden hostility was evident.

She eyed Adriana carefully, then said bluntly, “She only looks a little like my mom. What makes her worthy of Curtis?”

Adriana felt a little awkward. Yep, her instincts had been right. This young woman was spoiled and sharp- tongued.

“Ms. Reese…” Eva said softly, clearly uncomfortable.

“What’s your name?” Belinda asked, walking straight up to Adriana and sitting down across from her.

“I’m Adriana Xander,” Adriana answered politely.

“Age,” Belinda demanded, like she was interrogating a suspect.

“Twenty–three,” Adriana said again.

“Height, weight, and measurements?” Belinda fired off.

Adriana paused, caught off guard. “Isn’t that a little personal?”

“Tsk. Curtis paid for you, didn’t he? If you’ve been bought, do you really get to have ‘privacy‘?” Belinda scoffed. She laughed mockingly, clearly showing she didn’t see Adriana as someone worth respecting.

Adriana took a deep breath. Suddenly, breakfast didn’t taste so good anymore.

Seeing she wasn’t responding, Belinda spoke again. “I’m Belinda Reese. I’m 19. Just one more year and I’ll be of marriageable age.”

Adriana wasn’t sure what Belinda was trying to imply with that.

“If Curtis has to get married, he should at least marry someone from a matching background. What do you have to offer?” Belinda said, clearly trying to provoke her.

Adriana went quiet. She didn’t want to get into it.

She wasn’t sure how Curtis would respond if he found out.

If he was anything like Matthew–always taking his family’s side–then this wouldn’t end well for her.

“This was Curtis’s decision,” Adriana replied politely.

“I’ll never accept you. You’re not good enough for Curtis Belinda said with a roll of her eyes, clearly seeing Adriana as nothing more than a leech–a woman who would sell her body for money.

She was shameless!

“So, tell me, what kind of woman do you think is worthy of Curtis?” Adriana asked curiously.

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