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

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 . 37 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 . Mon , Jan 12 chspretta The Chenics Mockery Adriana turned sharply , her tone guarded .

" I told you not to come here again . Belinda's eyes turned red . " Adriana , I'm sorry . " Her voice cracked as she looked down at the ground . " I know you'll never forgive me And I know it was you who begged Curtis to spare me . If you hadn't said something , he wouldn't have . I'm leaving Haldoria . I got accepted to study abroad . You won't have to see me anymore . " , Adriana said nothing . Belinda hesitated , then whispered , " Curtis really does care about you . " Belinda's eyes glistened . " My mom was sent to a psychiatric hospital in Harborton . Curtis did it himself .

Without his permission , she'll never get out . She'll spend the rest of her life locked inside . He made sure of it ." Adriana looked up , her eyes wide . She wasn't expecting Curtis to go so far . Belinda continued , " He's been at the police station for days handling it . I had a recording of my mom telling me to push you down the stairs . Curtis turned it in himself . But because she's mentally ill and was having an episode , the police sent her to the hospital instead . " Adriana's hands trembled . Heat spread through her palms , but her body felt cold .

Curtis had actually gone to the police ... for her . Belinda wiped her cheeks . " My mom thought she could hold onto Curtis forever with her so - called debt of gratitude . But if she'd just stayed quiet , he would've taken care of her . She didn't have to reach for what was never hers . " 274 AdminJ