At Haldoria University, Adriana was weighed down by frustration and uncertainty. She had not returned to her job at Langford Group because they still owed her half a month\u2019s salary. Despite her struggles, she sold an expensive purse and donated the money to an orphanage, showing her compassion for the children there. When Lydia, the orphanage head, called, they discussed Adriana\u2019s upcoming study abroad plans and the financial difficulties she faced, as well as the faint hope of finding her real parents through ongoing DNA tests.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Adriana\u2019s hope for a better future took a harsh blow during a meeting with her academic advisor. Though she was top of her class and expected to secure a study abroad spot, the position was given to Cheryl Poe, who was connected to influential people, including Matthew from Langford Group. The advisor revealed that politics and connections had overridden merit, leaving Adriana devastated. Matthew had personally intervened to give the spot to Cheryl, crushing Adriana\u2019s dreams.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Feeling betrayed and heartbroken, Adriana called Matthew, confronting him about his actions. Matthew\u2019s cold response only deepened her pain, as he dismissed the importance of the opportunity and expected her to try again next year. Adriana, overwhelmed by emotion, begged him to reconsider, explaining that this was her one real chance, especially since Professor Harrett was accepting students for the last time.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
After a tense silence, Matthew reluctantly agreed to talk to the school again and asked Adriana to meet him at the apartment. Though uncertain, Adriana clung to the hope that he would fix the situation, willing to comply with his demands to keep his promise. The chapter ends with her fragile hope that things might still be set right, despite the heavy cost to her pride and spirit.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
13 He\u2019s Going to Fix It, Right?<\/p>\n
At Haldoria University, the atmosphere felt heavy around Adriana. She still hadn\u2019t returned to her position at Langford Group, partly because a lingering frustration gnawed at her\u2014her employer still owed her half a month\u2019s salary. The unpaid wages were a constant reminder of how uncertain her situation was.<\/p>\n
In a quiet moment of resolve, Adriana had sold the expensive purse she\u2019d impulsively bought some time ago. The money from that sale was immediately transferred to the orphanage\u2019s charity fund, a place close to her heart. She wanted to make sure those children, who had so little, could have a bit more.<\/p>\n
Not long after, her phone rang. It was Lydia, the head of the orphanage, a woman who had dedicated years to caring for children whom society had largely forgotten. The orphanage was modest and rarely in the spotlight. Most kids there faced disabilities or had endured harsh circumstances, which made Lydia\u2019s role all the more demanding. She wasn\u2019t just a caretaker; she also managed their medical treatments and emotional needs.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou sent more money again, didn\u2019t you?\u201d Lydia\u2019s voice was gentle but tinged with concern.<\/p>\n
Adriana smiled softly, a warmth spreading in her chest despite everything. \u201cI\u2019ve managed to save a little. Please, make sure you\u2019re taking care of yourself too, Lydia.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, you\u2019re such a kind soul,\u201d Lydia replied warmly. \u201cDidn\u2019t I tell you to hold off on sending money for now? Keep some for yourself. Remember, you still have to prepare for your trip abroad.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adriana hesitated for a moment, the weight of Lydia\u2019s words sinking in. \u201cYou\u2019re right,\u201d she admitted quietly.<\/p>\n
The thought of studying overseas was thrilling but daunting. Even with a guaranteed spot, the cost of living alone would run into tens of thousands annually. And with a student visa, her work hours would be limited to just a few each day\u2014not nearly enough to cover expenses.<\/p>\n
\u201cTake care of yourself, Adriana,\u201d Lydia said with genuine affection in her voice. \u201cOh, by the way, a few couples have come by recently, saying they lost a child matching your description. The police are running DNA tests. Maybe, just maybe, you\u2019ll get lucky and find your real parents.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adriana\u2019s smile dimmed. She no longer held onto that hope. The dream of her parents returning to bring her home had faded with each passing day. Every morning, she woke to the same cold reality\u2014she was just a child left behind, abandoned by those who were supposed to love her.<\/p>\n
Maybe they never wanted her from the start.<\/p>\n
After ending the call, Adriana headed toward the university\u2019s academic building, the weight of her thoughts pressing down on her with every step. She had an appointment with her advisor to complete the paperwork for her study abroad program\u2014a crucial step toward a future she desperately wanted.<\/p>\n
Stepping into the advisor\u2019s office, she greeted him with a polite smile. \u201cHello. I\u2019m here to submit my application.\u201d<\/p>\n
The advisor shifted uncomfortably, avoiding her gaze. \u201cAdriana\u2026 I understand your situation. Coming from the orphanage, and with the high costs of studying overseas, you really need to be practical\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n
Her heart dropped. Something wasn\u2019t right. \u201cI\u2019ll cover my own expenses,\u201d she interrupted firmly. \u201cYou told me I was top of the class. This spot was supposed to be mine.\u201d<\/p>\n
He adjusted his glasses nervously, hesitating before speaking. \u201cTechnically, yes. But the committee considered more than just grades. Your family background and social skills came up during discussions\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Adriana\u2019s eyes began to sting with unshed tears. \u201cNone of that was ever part of the criteria. You said today was just for paperwork. Has something changed? Please, just be honest with me.\u201d<\/p>\n
She fought to keep her emotions in check, but her breathing grew uneven.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d the advisor sighed heavily. \u201cIt\u2019s not my decision. The spot has been given to Cheryl.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tears spilled down her cheeks, hot and bitter.<\/p>\n
She had worked so tirelessly for this chance. It was supposed to be hers. Why had someone else taken it away?<\/p>\n
\u201cBut why? Study abroad placements are based on academic performance\u2026\u201d she whispered, voice cracking. \u201cCheryl\u2019s grades don\u2019t even come close to mine.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAdriana, you know how things work at Haldoria. It\u2019s all about politics and connections,\u201d he said, handing her a tissue. \u201cDon\u2019t give up. You can still apply for graduate school here. Other opportunities will come.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, they won\u2019t,\u201d she replied softly, forcing a fragile smile. \u201cThese spots and top professors only appear every few years. You know that.\u201d<\/p>\n
This was her one real chance to make a name for herself abroad. And now it was slipping through her fingers.<\/p>\n
The advisor exhaled deeply. \u201cRemember Rufus? The guy who bullied you in freshman year and then got sent overseas? Cheryl Poe is his cousin. They\u2019re connected. You understand what that means, right? The final decision isn\u2019t official yet, but there\u2019s no way you\u2019ll win against them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Though he didn\u2019t say it outright, the implication was clear\u2014Cheryl had the right backing.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo be honest, this whole arrangement was pushed by Matthew from Langford Group. He personally contacted the dean.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adriana froze, her body trembling with shock and disbelief.<\/p>\n
Matthew had gone directly to the dean, just to hand over her study abroad spot to Natasha\u2019s cousin.<\/p>\n
Her hands shook as she pulled out her phone, a storm of anger and heartbreak crashing over her.<\/p>\n
She stumbled out of the office, barely aware of her surroundings. Her legs felt weak, and she had to lean against the wall to steady herself. Biting her lip, she forced herself to stay upright and dialed Matthew\u2019s number.<\/p>\n
He knew how much this meant to her.<\/p>\n
Four years together. She had told him countless times how important this opportunity was, how studying in Pastalia had always been her dream. She had even shared how much she admired Professor Harrett, who was only accepting students for one more year.<\/p>\n
And now, it was all gone.<\/p>\n
Matthew answered with a cold, clipped tone. \u201cSo now you remember how to reach me? Feeling brave, huh? Where are you? I\u2019m coming to get you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adriana\u2019s whole body shook, tears welling in her eyes. \u201cWhy?\u201d she sobbed, voice breaking. \u201cWhy would you do this to me, Matthew? I\u2019ve never owed you anything! You and your sister owe me! What right do you have to take something that was mine, just to make Natasha happy?\u201d<\/p>\n
Her knees gave way, and she collapsed onto the stairwell, overwhelmed by uncontrollable sobs.<\/p>\n
This was her one shot at a better life\u2014the only real chance someone like her, an orphan with nothing, could grasp.<\/p>\n
And Matthew had destroyed it without a second thought.<\/p>\n
The silence stretched between them before Matthew finally spoke again, irritation clear in his voice. \u201cYou\u2019re talking about that overseas thing? Natasha\u2019s cousin wanted the spot, so I talked to the school. If you can\u2019t go this year, just try again next year. What\u2019s the big deal?\u201d<\/p>\n
He didn\u2019t like how defiant Adriana was being. It was as if he was losing control over her.<\/p>\n
Adriana sat on the floor, clutching her head as quiet sobs shook her body.<\/p>\n
How could he be so heartless?<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was all I had left\u2026\u201d she whispered, barely audible. \u201cPlease, Matthew. Please give it back. I\u2019m begging you.\u201d She had never begged him before. \u201cThis is Professor Harrett\u2019s last year accepting students. There won\u2019t be another chance. Please. Just this once. Let me have it back.\u201d<\/p>\n
Just this once.<\/p>\n
That was all she asked for.<\/p>\n
After a long pause, Matthew finally said, \u201cFine. I\u2019ll talk to them again. Be at the apartment by 8:00 p.m. I want to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Then he hung up.<\/p>\n
Adriana quickly wiped her tears, trying to pull herself together. She hurried down the stairs, her heart pounding fiercely.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s going to fix this\u2026 right?<\/p>\n
As long as I do what he wants, as long as I don\u2019t step out of line, he\u2019ll keep his promise.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Adriana\u2019s world felt like it was crumbling, yet beneath the weight of betrayal and shattered dreams, a fragile thread of hope remained. Despite the cold realities she faced\u2014unpaid wages, lost opportunities, and the painful reminder of abandonment\u2014her spirit clung to the possibility that Matthew might somehow restore what was taken from her. The chapter captures the raw vulnerability of a young woman fighting against the odds, navigating a world where power and connections often overshadow merit and hard work.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The emotional turmoil Adriana endures reflects the broader themes of resilience and the harsh truths about fairness and control. Her desperate plea and Matthew\u2019s reluctant promise highlight the complex dynamics of their relationship, where hope is entangled with dependence and sacrifice. As she braces for what comes next, the chapter leaves us with a poignant sense of longing and uncertainty, underscoring the difficult path Adriana must walk to reclaim her dreams.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Next chapter promises to delve deeper into the fragile and tense dynamic between Adriana and Matthew, as she grapples with the painful realization that those she once trusted may not have her best interests at heart. The emotional turmoil she experiences now will likely intensify, forcing her to confront difficult choices about how much she is willing to sacrifice to reclaim her dreams. The promise Matthew made hangs in the balance, and readers will be eager to see whether he truly intends to make amends or if his motives conceal something more complicated.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Adriana\u2019s struggle to secure her future amidst the harsh realities of politics and favoritism at Haldoria University will continue to evoke sympathy and frustration. The next chapter may reveal more about the cost of her ambitions and the lengths she will go to protect what little hope remains. As the shadows of betrayal and manipulation grow, questions arise: can Adriana find the strength to stand firm, or will the pressures around her break her resolve? The unfolding events will undoubtedly test her resilience and the true nature of those around her.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
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\u2019s breathtaking cold.<\/p>\n
When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn 13 When Time Tried to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[67],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23924","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-the-comeback-queens-crown-novel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23924","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23924"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23924\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23924"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23924"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23924"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}