When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn 38

When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn 38 Summary

Curtis firmly denies having seen Adriana before, which relieves her as she realizes her suspicions were unfounded. When Curtis takes Adriana to a dimly lit underground parking garage and leads her to an elevator, Adriana grows curious about his intentions since he could have simply arranged a delivery instead of accompanying her personally. Upon exiting the elevator, Adriana is shocked to see Natasha and Danielle, the eldest Barton daughter, waiting there.

Danielle greets Curtis warmly, but Natasha’s face darkens upon seeing Adriana, revealing her displeasure. Natasha coldly refers to Adriana as “Anna,” hinting at a past connection, while Danielle expresses grudging respect for Adriana’s capabilities. Adriana tries to avoid confrontation, but Curtis boldly takes her hand and challenges Natasha, declaring Adriana as his wife, which shocks everyone. Natasha reacts with disbelief and disdain, unable to accept that Curtis would marry an orphan like Adriana, especially given the existing marriage agreement between their families.

Curtis defends Adriana, praising her intelligence and talents, which he had only recently come to appreciate beyond her appearance. This acknowledgment surprises Adriana and fills her with a newfound confidence. Natasha tries to argue, but Danielle silences her, understanding Curtis’s nature well enough to know he won’t be easily challenged. Curtis then walks away with Adriana, leaving Natasha anxious and unable to accept the reality of their marriage.

Danielle reassures Natasha that Curtis’s marriage to Adriana is likely a strategic contract to keep Harold quiet, as Curtis remains emotionally attached to someone else. Danielle reveals that Harold wants Curtis to marry her sister Nicole, who mysteriously disappeared years ago. If Nicole returns, Curtis will divorce Adriana, ending the contract marriage. Danielle and Chandler currently benefit from Nicole’s absence, as her return would jeopardize their inheritance from the Barton estate, adding tension and uncertainty to the situation.

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Chapter 38: Danielle’s Scheme

Curtis held Adriana’s gaze for a long, tense moment, his eyes searching hers before he finally broke the silence with a firm, “No.”

He hadn’t seen her before, that much was clear.

A small sigh of relief escaped Adriana’s lips. So it was just her imagination playing tricks on her after all.

When the car came to a halt in the dimly lit underground parking garage, Curtis took the lead, guiding Adriana toward the elevator.

Honestly, if his intention was merely to give her something, he could have easily arranged for the store to deliver it. Yet, he chose to take her out himself, which piqued Adriana’s curiosity.

The moment they stepped out of the elevator, Adriana’s body stiffened. Haldoria was indeed a tiny place—right there, standing before her, was Natasha.

But Natasha wasn’t alone. She was accompanied by Danielle, the eldest daughter of the Barton family.

“Curtis?” Danielle’s eyes lit up as she spotted him, greeting him with a bright smile.

Natasha’s gaze immediately landed on Adriana, and her face darkened with displeasure. “Wow, you really do show up everywhere,” she said with a biting edge.

Danielle turned toward Natasha, intrigued. “You two know each other?”

With a quick, dismissive glance, Natasha replied coolly, “She’s Anna—the one I told you about.”

Danielle’s eyes narrowed sharply as she looked at Adriana, her expression dripping with disdain. “So it’s her. I have to admit, she’s more capable than I gave her credit for.”

Adriana kept her head bowed, choosing to ignore their hostility, and tried to slip away quietly. She didn’t want to stir up any trouble for Curtis.

But Curtis reached out, firmly taking Adriana’s hand right in front of both women. “Do you have a problem with my wife?”

His words hung in the air, shocking Natasha into silence.

Adriana’s eyes widened in disbelief as she looked at Curtis. Weren’t they supposed to keep the marriage a secret?

Natasha was so stunned she couldn’t find her voice. Curtis’s wife? Had he truly lost his mind, marrying an orphan like her?

Danielle was surprised but less so—she had already heard some rumors from Belinda.

“No problem,” Natasha said quietly, though her tone was laced with condescension. “I just think… she’s not good enough for you. Besides, our families have a marriage agreement, even if…” She trailed off, unable to finish her sentence.

After all, the engagement wasn’t hers to begin with.

“My wife is amazing,” Curtis said firmly, his gaze locked on Adriana.

He meant every word.

Adriana’s SAT scores and her exceptional design talent had genuinely impressed him.

There weren’t many women who could truly captivate Curtis’s attention.

During the four years Adriana had spent with Matthew, Curtis had only noticed that she was obedient, pretty, and had a figure he liked. He never bothered to look deeper, never recognized her real strengths.

Adriana had been the top student in her class, the brightest from that small town where her orphanage was located. Her achievements were genuine and hard-earned.

She stared at Curtis, stunned.

So this was what it felt like—to have your efforts acknowledged.

A warm, indescribable feeling blossomed inside her, and she instinctively lifted her chin higher.

“Mr. Lincoln…” Natasha started, unwilling to let the matter drop, but Danielle grabbed her wrist firmly to silence her.

Natasha might not understand Curtis well, but Danielle did.

Curtis was not someone you wanted to challenge.

Curtis shot Natasha a cold look, then took Adriana’s hand and walked away without another word.

“How could Curtis be interested in Adriana? How could he marry her?” Natasha’s voice trembled with anxiety. She couldn’t accept that an orphan—someone she had always looked down upon—was suddenly on the same level as her.

Curtis was practically the crown prince of Harborton. Countless women vied for his attention. Even Danielle had once gone out of her way to win him over.

“Don’t worry. Curtis isn’t really into her. He probably married her because she’s easy to control,” Danielle said calmly, confident that Curtis would never truly fall for Adriana. “He’s still hung up on someone else. My guess? Their marriage is just a contract. He’s using her to keep Harold quiet.”

Natasha nodded grimly, but even with Danielle’s explanation, she found it hard to accept.

“You’re into Curtis too. Can you accept this?” Natasha asked Danielle pointedly.

Aren’t you going to try to break them up?

“I’m not in a hurry,” Danielle replied coolly. “Harold wants Curtis to marry my sister, Nicole. If the Bartons ever find her, Harold will make sure Curtis divorces Adriana.”

When that happens, the contract marriage between Curtis and Adriana will come to an end.

“But if the Barton heiress really does come back, won’t that be bad for you?” Natasha asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Years ago, Gilbert and his wife had died in Haldoria, and baby Nicole had mysteriously disappeared.

That was how Danielle and Chandler managed to return openly to the Barton Estate.

If Nicole never returned, all of the Barton inheritance would belong to Danielle and Chandler.

But if Nicole did come back, they wouldn’t receive a single penny or a single share.

Conclusion

The tension between Adriana and the Barton family members crystallizes the deep divides of status, power, and perception that have long shadowed her life. Curtis’s unwavering defense of Adriana not only surprises those around them but also marks a pivotal moment where recognition and respect begin to replace judgment and disdain. Adriana’s quiet strength and genuine talents finally find validation in Curtis’s eyes, hinting at the possibility of a future where she is seen for who she truly is, rather than the circumstances of her past.

Yet beneath this fragile victory lies the looming threat of old alliances and schemes, as Danielle and Natasha plot in the shadows, unwilling to accept Adriana’s place beside Curtis. Their calculated patience and the unresolved mystery of Nicole’s fate remind us that the path ahead will be fraught with challenges. For now, though, the chapter closes on a note of quiet triumph and the stirring hope that love and merit might one day overcome the weight of history and expectation.

What to Expect in Next Chapter?

The next chapter promises to deepen the tension between Adriana and the Barton family, especially as Danielle’s calculated schemes begin to take shape. Curtis’s unexpected declaration of marriage to Adriana has already sent ripples through the group, but the undercurrents of rivalry and hidden agendas suggest that peace will be elusive. As secrets about family ties and inheritance surface, alliances will be tested and loyalties questioned, leaving readers eager to see how Adriana will navigate this treacherous landscape.

Emotions will run high as Adriana, still grappling with her own self-worth, faces the sharp disdain and veiled threats from those who once looked down on her. Curtis’s protective stance hints at a growing bond that may be challenged by external forces, while the looming presence of Nicole’s possible return adds an ominous layer of uncertainty. The next chapter will explore not only the power struggles at play but also the personal growth and resilience required to withstand them.

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.

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When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn 38