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

Chapter 48 My Mother's Not Dead M you . The 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 . 1/3 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 .

2/3 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 . 108 AdminJ