Ms. Escape: Marrying to Run, Fighting to Rise Novel

Chapter 137 An Awkward Meal " Well , Cynthia , I prefer a quiet environment 87 Finished ... How about I arrange for Eva to stay with you instead ? I don't need much help in the carly stages anyway , " Adriana replied , the refusal tumbling out before she could fully think it through . She genuinely didn't want to live under the same roof as Curtis's first love . What if she said or did the wrong thing ? And , if she was being honest with herself , she was selfish . She didn't want to share Curtis , not in the same house . Curtis nodded in agreement . " That works . Eva can go with you .

You're already comfortable with her , and she's taken care of Belinda for years . You'll have plenty to talk about ." Cynthia's expression soured . She opened her mouth to speak , but seeing neither Curtis nor Adriana budge , she turned to stare out the window in displeased silence . Belinda watched her mother , not saying a word , her own feelings a tangled mess . She knew how much her mother loved Curtis and how she had always wanted to marry him . But now , Curtis was married to someone else . If Adriana were just some ordinary woman , maybe it wouldn't bother her too much .

But Adriana was ... different . Curtis took them to an upscale bistro known for its light , contemporary cuisine , foods . considered gentle for someone in recovery like Cynthia . Adriana , however , felt a wave of nausea . It was too early for typical morning sickness , but even the sight and smell of the bland food made her stomach turn . Her cravings were leaning more towards something spicy right now , like hot buffalo wings . The meal was eaten in near silence . No one spoke much , as if everyone was on guard . Adriana knew Cynthia was wary of her .

With Cynthia staying quiet , Adriana didn't dare initiate conversation . Noticing Adriana barely picking at her food , Curtis excused himself and left the private dining room . " So , Adrianna , you're pregnant ? Was it IVF ? That was ... quick , " Cynthia finally spoke once Curtis was gone . 1/3 10:19 Tue , Jan 6 Chapter 137 An Awkward Meal : 87 Finished Adriana's fork clattered onto her plate . A string in her mind snapped tight . Shit . Here it comes . " Um , yes , that's right . The IVF process is quite streamlined now .

Implantation can happen right after retrieval , " Adriana managed , taking a deep breath and grasping for an explanation . If Cynthia found out she and Curtis had been intimate , she would definitely be upset . " Don't stress , I was just asking , " Cynthia said with a light laugh , using the serving utensils to place some steamed green beans onto Adriana's plate . " You should eat more . You need the nutrients for a healthy baby . " Adriana nodded , her breath feeling tight . It felt like ... Cynthia was already assuming she would hand the baby over after the birth .

" Don't worry , I'll take good care of the child for you . After all , it's Curtis's . I'll treat it as my own , " Cynthia stated calmly , a subtle declaration of her claim . " Curtis said that after the baby is born , we won't divorce for at least three years . I'll be the one caring for my child ," Adriana said , feeling like Cynthia had just crossed a line . Even though she was only just pregnant , Adriana already felt fiercely protective . Cynthia's face tightened . She frowned at Adriana . " He said you wouldn't divorce for three years after the birth ? " Adriana nodded . " Yes ?

Isn't that ... an unspoken family rule of his ? " " What nonsense ... " Cynthia's breathing hitched slightly . She seemed to bite back her initial retort , forcing a faint , knowing smile . " He's probably just worried a newborn would be too disruptive for my rest . Caring for an infant is exhausting work . By age three , they're much easier to manage ." Adriana looked down , saying nothing more . She couldn't ask for too much . There was no way she could fight Curtis for custody if they divorced . That was a futile dream . " Mom , you should focus on taking care of yourself .

You don't need to worry about someone else's baby , " Belinda murmured quietly , pushing her own food around her plate without looking up . Cynthia shot a glance at her daughter but didn't respond . Curtis returned , followed by a server who placed a plate of chips with jalapeno salsa and a few 2/3 10:19 Tue , Jan 6 Chapter 137 An Awkward Meal 87 Finished other small bites . " You didn't seem to have much of an appetite . Try these . I had the kitchen make them fresh ," he said softly , taking his seat beside her . " See if they're more to your liking .

" Adriana glanced nervously at Curtis , then tried a chip with the jalapeno salsa . It was good- spicy and flavorful . Seeing her approval , Curtis smiled . " Have some more then , or you'll be hungry later . " Adriana kept stealing glances at him . He's being so attentive to me , right in front of his first love . Cynthia must be seething . Sure enough , Cynthia's face was stormy . She sipped on her pumpkin soup in silence for a few moments before suddenly clutching her chest , looking nauseous . " Ugh ... Curtis , I suddenly feel very unwell . Could you take me to the hospital ?

" Belinda watched her mother with a detached expression , saying nothing . A daughter knows her mother best ; she knew exactly why Cynthia was doing this - to pull Curtis's attention back to herself . But if Curtis still had feelings for her mother , why would he be so concerned about Adriana? " I'll take you to the hospital , " Curtis said , standing up with a worried frown , moving to check on Cynthia . Cynthia retched , leaning into him as if seeking his support to carry her . 118 መ AdminJ