When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn 26

When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn 26 Summary

Adriana confronts Matthew with intense anger and hatred, unable to forgive him. Their tense interaction is interrupted by Curtis Lincoln, a powerful and cold man from a wealthy family, who arrives at the hospital with a sharp warning about Natasha’s brother facing prison due to illegal detention. Natasha is visibly terrified of Curtis, highlighting the power imbalance between the families. Matthew protects Natasha and dismisses Curtis’s intrusion, but Curtis remains unshaken, showing his dominance in the situation.

Curtis then shifts the conversation to Adriana’s future, surprising her by acknowledging her talent and offering to fund her studies abroad in Pastalia. However, his offer comes with a strict condition: upon her return, Adriana must join the Lincoln Group, a prestigious company, and enter into a contractual marriage with him. Curtis makes it clear that this marriage is a business arrangement, not one of love, and he demands a child during their union, even suggesting IVF if physical intimacy is uncomfortable.

Adriana, recognizing the opportunity this deal presents to escape her past and build a new life, agrees to Curtis’s terms despite the cold and transactional nature of the proposal. She sees this as a chance to gain financial support and professional stability, contrasting sharply with the broken promises and emotional pain she experienced with Matthew. Curtis’s pragmatic approach to marriage underscores the stark differences between him and Matthew.

As Adriana prepares to leave the hospital, Matthew finally appears to take her home and requests her mercy for Rufus, Natasha’s brother. Adriana’s response is fierce and resolute; she recounts the brutal abuses she endured—torture, blackmail, and violence—and refuses to show any mercy now. Her refusal marks a decisive turning point, signaling her determination to no longer be a victim or controlled by others.

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Chapter 26: No Mercy Was Given

Adriana fixed Matthew with a fierce glare, her eyes blazing with pure hatred. “Matthew! You bastard!” she spat, her voice trembling with anger and pain.

Matthew quickly averted his gaze, unable to face the storm in her eyes.

Just then, a voice interrupted from the doorway. “Mr. Langford, arriving first thing in the morning with your lover—was this supposed to be some kind of apology?” Curtis stepped into the hospital ward, carrying a tray of breakfast, which he set down on the table with deliberate calm. His eyes, cold and sharp, immediately locked onto Natasha. “I heard your brother took the fall for you? Illegal detention is a serious offense. He’s probably looking at a few extra years in prison because of your mess.”

Natasha’s face drained of color instantly. She gripped Matthew’s arm tightly, fear evident in her every movement.

It was clear as day—Natasha was terrified of Curtis.

And it made sense. The Lincolns were a wealthy, influential family in Harborton, their legacy stretching far beyond anything the Joneses could ever hope to match.

Matthew instinctively moved Natasha behind him, shooting Curtis a look of irritation. “Mr. Lincoln, you seem to have too much free time on your hands, wasting your energy on people who don’t deserve it.”

Curtis didn’t flinch. “Whether someone is worth your time or not isn’t for you or me to decide,” he replied coolly, standing his ground without a hint of backing down.

Matthew frowned, then turned his attention back to Adriana. “Think it over. I’ll be in touch.”

With that, he took Natasha’s hand and left the room.

To Matthew, Curtis was nothing more than a wild card—unpredictable and volatile. Everyone in their circle knew Curtis’s moods swung without warning. If Curtis wanted to waste his time on someone like Adriana, then so be it.

But Adriana would never be with a man like Curtis.

Curtis settled into a chair nearby, his tone dripping with disdain. “You really went for that guy? Your taste is seriously questionable.” He gestured toward the breakfast. “Eat.”

Adriana gave Curtis a grateful look. “Mr. Lincoln, you’re still in Haldoria?”

Curtis leaned back lazily on the couch, his expression unreadable. After a pause, he said, “Afternoon flight.”

—

It was 15:46 on a chilly Saturday afternoon, November 15th.

Adriana nodded silently.

Breaking the quiet, Curtis spoke again. “I saw your work.”

Adriana blinked, surprised. “Mr. Lincoln, you saw my graduation project online?”

Curtis nodded once more. “You definitely have talent.”

A warm glow blossomed in Adriana’s chest at his words. “Thank you,” she whispered.

“I’m willing to lower the original terms of our agreement,” Curtis continued, his gaze steady on her. “I’ll approve funding for you to study abroad in Pastalia this year.”

Adriana’s eyes brightened with hope, though she looked at him nervously. “Really?”

Curtis stood, towering over her slightly as he spoke firmly, “But I have one condition.”

Her heart skipped a beat. She met his gaze, tense and uncertain.

“When you return, you’ll join Lincoln Group,” Curtis declared without hesitation. He had always been eager to recruit promising talent—and Adriana was no exception. If he saw potential, he wouldn’t let it slip away.

Adriana paused to consider, then nodded slowly.

This wasn’t just a condition—it was an opportunity.

Even if she came back from abroad decorated with awards, without financial backing or a solid platform, launching her own business would be nearly impossible.

And Lincoln Group was one of the top firms in the industry. Securing a position there was a privilege few achieved.

Curtis looked her squarely in the eyes and added, “And one more thing—during the course of the marriage, I want a child.”

Adriana froze, staring at him in disbelief.

So, this meant they had to be a real married couple?

“If you’re uncomfortable with physical intimacy, I’ll agree to IVF,” Curtis said bluntly, “Either way, before my grandfather passes, I want him to have a great-grandchild.”

There was no warmth or emotion in his voice. He wasn’t speaking of love—he was laying out the terms of a business deal.

—

Curtis valued Adriana’s abilities and potential. That was why he approached the marriage as a transaction.

In Curtis’s world, everything had a price—even marriage.

Adriana understood this clearly. Curtis was not like Matthew. His desires were straightforward—a deal with clear terms, leaving no room for false hopes or emotional entanglements.

Unlike Matthew, who had once promised to protect her, to keep her safe, and made her believe in love and security.

That illusion had nearly cost Adriana her life.

“Alright. I agree,” Adriana said without hesitation.

She was willing to work with Curtis. She would enter into a contractual marriage, study abroad, and then return to work at Lincoln Group.

As long as it meant escaping Matthew—and finally living the life she wanted—it was worth it.

She was done being controlled. Done being trampled on.

Curtis gave a small nod. “Get some rest. After you’re discharged, I’ll have my man Kenneth come pick you up.”

—

Before Adriana was discharged, Matthew called several times but never showed up.

Then, on the day she was released, he finally appeared.

“I’m here to take you home,” he said softly.

Adriana didn’t respond. She simply walked past him, determined to leave.

“About Rufus… Could you sign a letter of leniency? He’s going to be sentenced no matter what. Natasha hopes you might show some mercy—maybe help reduce his time,” Matthew said quietly from behind her.

Adriana stopped in her tracks, then turned sharply to face him. “When they locked me in that equipment box at the university and left me to die, did they show me mercy? When they destroyed the hearing in one of my ears, stomped on my fingers, burned my eye with a cigarette, stripped me, and filmed it to blackmail me—did they ever show me mercy?”

Her voice was cold, filled with bitter finality.

No mercy had ever been given. And she wasn’t about to give any now.

Conclusion

Adriana’s resolve crystallized in the cold hospital room, her heart hardened by the betrayals and pain she had endured. The chapter closes on her unwavering decision to reclaim control over her life, even if it meant entering a calculated alliance with Curtis, a man whose cold pragmatism starkly contrasts with the broken promises of love she once believed in. Her refusal to show mercy reflects the deep scars left by past wounds, underscoring the theme of survival and self-preservation in a world where trust has been shattered.

The emotional tension between Adriana and Matthew lingers, a poignant reminder of the love that once was and the harsh realities that have since replaced it. As Adriana steps forward into an uncertain future, the chapter leaves us with a powerful portrait of a woman who, despite the darkness surrounding her, chooses strength over vulnerability. It is a moment of painful clarity—a turning point where past illusions are cast aside, and a new, determined path is embraced.

What to Expect in Next Chapter?

The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the tangled emotions and power dynamics between Adriana, Matthew, and Curtis. As Adriana commits to a pragmatic yet emotionally fraught alliance with Curtis, readers will witness how this decision reshapes her path, challenging her notions of freedom, trust, and ambition. The contrast between Curtis’s calculated demands and Matthew’s lingering presence sets the stage for intense confrontations and personal reckonings.

Expect the simmering tensions to rise as Adriana navigates the uneasy terrain of her new arrangement, all while grappling with the scars left by past betrayals. The stakes are higher than ever, with promises and threats hanging in the balance. Will Adriana find the strength to reclaim her life on her own terms, or will the shadows of her past continue to haunt her every step? Emotions will run high, and loyalties will be tested in ways that could change everything.

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.

The Comeback Queen’s Crown Novel Chapter 26

When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn 26