Ms. Escape Marrying to Run Fighting to Rise novel Chapter 4

After transferring the money to her bank account, Adriana headed straight to the big mall nearby.

Fifty grand was a huge deal to her. But for Matthew? Probably not even pocket change.

“I’d like to see that bag,” Adriana said, gathering her courage as she stepped into a luxury boutique.

The salesgirl gave her a quick once–over. “That one’s 49,800 dollars.”

Adriana smiled. Perfect. That’s exactly what she had.

“I’ll take it. Please wrap it up,” she said calmly, sitting down as her legs were killing her.

The salesgirl’s attitude flipped instantly. She smiled brightly and went to get the bag.

In this store, a forty–something–thousand bag was entry–level. Nothing fancy. But for Adriana, it was dignity.

The moment she held the bag, it felt heavy in her hands

She didn’t feel more confident because of it. If anything… she felt even smaller.

As she was about to leave the counter, another bag in a display case caught her eye. “Can I ask how much that one is?”

She remembered that bag. Matthew had given the exact same one to Natasha. When Natasha carried it, she looked elegant, poised—radiating confidence.

“That one’s a limited edition,” the salesgirl smiled. “Store display. You’d need at least 30 million in accumulated purchases or buy around ten million worth of products to qualify.”

Adriana froze.

Thirty million …

What did 30 million mean? For Matthew, it was pocket change–something he’d burn just to make Natasha smile. For an orphanage, it could save hundreds of lives

Life is both priceless and dirt cheap.

And Adriana? She belonged to the cheap kind.

The gap between her and Natasha wasn’t just the price of a bag.

It was family, education, and every little thing that shaped who they became.

Matthew would never toss a few grand at Natasha and call it a day, because Natasha’s worth far exceeded that …

Adriana was never meant to play in their world. Funny how she once thought she meant even a little something to Matthew.

What a joke.

Back at her apartment, Adriana listed the bag on a resal site. The bag was brand new, priced slightly lower, and was easy to sell.

Once the money came in, she’d transfer it straight to the orphanage director’s account.

The kids still didn’t have proper winter clothes. Forty grand would be enough to get them through the season.

After a hot shower, Adriana stood by the clothing rack, aked, picking out what to wear for tomorrow’s meeting with Curtis.

The door opened. Without warning or calling first, Matthew walked in.

“Don’t worry about Mia. I’ve got it handled.” He pinched her cheek lightly, pulled her onto the bed, and spoke in an unusually gentle voice. “Still hurts?”

“You’re getting married … right?” Adriana took a deep breath, forcing the words out.

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