Ms. Escape Marrying to Run Fighting to Rise novel Chapter 48

Chapter 48 My Mother’s Not Dead

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you.

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Finished

“You don’t need to deal with him–and you can’t. His entire goal is to deal with moment you respond, you give him exactly what he wants. Ignore him. Keep your distance.” Curtis looked at her and said, “Focus on your studies. As long as you care, he’ll keep acting like a cornered animal.”

Adriana was silent for a moment before nodding. She understood.

Back in her room, she sat on the edge of the bed with her phone in hand, scrolling through the trending feed again.

After Matthew publicly admitted to “keeping a college girl,” the move backfired spectacularly- his once carefully crafted image as a devoted, faithful man collapsed overnight.

The same people who’d once praised his so–called devotion to his first love for four years were now mocking him.

He’d burned himself just to destroy her.

But now, even his fiancée, Natasha, had become a laughingstock in their circle.

Adriana sighed, about to set her phone down and sleep, when a new trending topic caught her

eye.

“Harborton’s Crown Prince Curtis Lincoln Announces His Marriage.”

In less than ten minutes, it had skyrocketed to the top of the national feed.

Heart pounding, she tapped in. The first post was from Curtis’s verified account. A photo of their marriage certificate, captioned simply, “A promise fulfilled. I’ll give you a home.”

Adriana stared at the screen, speechless. She didn’t fully understand what his caption meant, but posting the certificate so publicly–it was a statement. A warning to Matthew.

She was a little surprised–Curtis was way more protective of her than she’d expected.

Her chest tightened, heart thudding faster. She placed her phone aside and slipped under the covers, a faint smile curling at her lips.

She didn’t know why, but seeing that post made her feel … safe.

As if with Curtis there, everything–every wound, every fear–would finally be taken care of. Somewhere between thought and sleep, she vaguely sensed someone entering her room.

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Chapter 48 My Mother’s Not Dead

But exhaustion pulled her under too quickly. She couldn’t even open her eyes.

Finished:

Curtis stood beside the bed, quietly adjusting the blanket that had slipped from her shoulders. He lingered there for a long while before finally turning and leaving.

The next morning, Adriana woke to an empty house. Curtis was already gone.

According to his original plan, he was supposed to leave for a business trip immediately after their registration. He’d only stopped in Harborton to sign the marriage papers with her.

“I’ll be back the day after tomorrow. I’ll take you to the orphanage then.”

He hadn’t forgotten his promise. He’d taken his time to text her about this.

Adriana smiled faintly and stretched lazily, a rare sense of warmth flooding her chest.

Curtis really was a good man.

No wonder Belinda’s mother had loved him so deeply.

She still couldn’t understand, though–why a woman who had that kind of love would choose to end her life.

“Mrs. Lincoln, any plans for today? I’ll let Tom know,” Eva asked kindly, setting breakfast on the table.

Adriana nodded. “I need to go back to campus today.”

Her overseas study placement had been finalized, and the university wanted the selected students to return for the announcement and graduation rehearsal.

Four years of college–just like that, it was ending.

For her, those years held no fond memories.

Only an endless struggle to escape the shadows of the past.

“Mrs. Lincoln … Ms. Reese is here again,” Eva said hesitantly, wringing her hands. “Mr. Lincoln said not to let her in without your permission, but she’s been sitting outside the gate for an hour. I felt bad… ”

Adriana was eating breakfast when she heard Belinda was outside. She sighed. “Let her in.”

She knew Belinda’s visit would bring nothing good, but she was technically her ‘aunt by marriage‘ now. She couldn’t exactly slam the door on her.

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napter 48 My Mother’s Not Dead

Finished

Eva brightened, relieved. “I knew you’d be kind, Mrs. Lincoln!”

She hurried off, calling out, “Ms. Reese! Come in! Mrs. Lincoln says you can join us–breakfast’s still warm!”

Eva felt bad for Belinda, losing her mom so young.

Belinda snorted, not buying Adriana’s kindness. “Why should she be the one living here? This house used to be mine!”

“Shh. She’s already being generous. Don’t start another fight,” Eva whispered, trying to calm her.

But Belinda ignored her. She stormed inside, dropping her dance bag onto the table with a loud thud that made Adriana jolt mid–sip of her porridge.

Adriana looked up slowly, her patience thinning.

She’d been holding in her temper for too long. Frowning, she said coolly, “If you’re here to throw a tantrum, do it outside.”

“Adriana, you really think you’re the lady of the house? Curtis is going to divorce you soon- just wait.” Belinda snorted, sitting across from Adriana. “Oh, and by the way, my mother’s not dead. She’s coming back. When she does, you’ll be kicked out like the replacement you are.”

Adriana froze. Her mother–alive? That couldn’t be. She’d heard she’d taken her own life years

ago.

But whether Belinda’s mother was dead or alive … and whether Curtis still loved her or not- none of it was Adriana’s concern.

Her role was simple: to play the wife. Nothing more.

“What happened to your cheek?” Her gaze dropped to Belinda’s face. She asked quietly, noticing the red swelling along her jaw.

“None of your damn business. Stop mocking me.” Belinda stiffened, her eyes instantly filling with tears. She bowed her head and shovelled food into her mouth out of spite.

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