Adriana returns home to find Matthew waiting quietly on the couch. She confronts him about the study abroad spot she had worked hard to earn and which he promised to secure for her. Despite her repeated reminders, Matthew has already given the opportunity to Natasha\u2019s cousin, dismissing Adriana\u2019s feelings and the significance of the chance to her. Adriana, desperate and hurt, pleads with him to help her keep the spot, but Matthew offers only pity and material compensation, which she angrily rejects. The opportunity means everything to her, and losing it feels like a devastating betrayal, especially after all she has endured.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Their argument escalates, revealing deep emotional wounds. Adriana\u2019s past struggles with depression and trauma make this loss particularly painful, and Matthew\u2019s initial attempts to comfort her seem hollow. Though he promises to talk to Natasha and retrieve the spot, Adriana remains distant and bitter, feeling that Matthew\u2019s care is conditional and insufficient. She clings to the hope that this chance will change her life, but Matthew\u2019s actions suggest he values his relationship with Natasha more than Adriana\u2019s dreams and wellbeing.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Later, Matthew faces his own conflict as he hesitates before visiting Natasha, torn between the two women. Natasha manipulates him with tales of past suffering and vulnerability, making him feel guilty and protective. Their conversation reveals Matthew\u2019s struggle to balance his promises and loyalties, ultimately leading him to prioritize Natasha\u2019s desires. He decides to let Adriana lose the study abroad opportunity, rationalizing that he will compensate her in other ways, though Adriana remains unaware of this decision.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Adriana waits anxiously through the night for Matthew\u2019s call, desperate for reassurance. When he finally contacts her, he coldly tells her to give up the spot to Cheryl and offers vague promises to make amends. His tone implies that he sees this as a favor rather than a fulfillment of a promise. Overwhelmed with pain and betrayal, Adriana realizes how little she means to Matthew, understanding that her hopes and efforts are easily sacrificed to maintain Natasha\u2019s happiness.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
14 How Little My Life Means to Him<\/p>\n
When Adriana returned to the apartment, she found Matthew already there, sprawled casually on the couch, waiting for her in silence.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t you think you\u2019ve gone too far this time?\u201d he asked quietly, his eyes scanning the room as if searching for an answer. \u201cYou even moved out. Is this your way of protesting now?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adriana took a hesitant step closer, her voice rough and strained. \u201cYou\u2019re going to give that study abroad spot back, right? I told you about it six months ago. You knew how much it meant to me. You promised.\u201d<\/p>\n
She sank down in front of him, locking eyes with him, her body taut with tension and desperation.<\/p>\n
She had reminded him countless times, yet every single instance, he dismissed it as if it were trivial.<\/p>\n
Matthew faltered for a moment. A flicker of guilt crossed his face, but his pride wouldn\u2019t let him admit he\u2019d been wrong. \u201cIt\u2019s just a study abroad program,\u201d he muttered under his breath.<\/p>\n
The truth was, he did remember\u2014she had been talking about it for months. But when Natasha mentioned her cousin wanting the spot yesterday, it completely slipped his mind.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis matters to me, Matthew,\u201d Adriana\u2019s voice trembled. \u201cI\u2019ve never begged you for anything before. Please\u2026 just this once, help me.\u201d<\/p>\n
He could call her weak or useless if he wanted. It no longer mattered.<\/p>\n
All she needed was this one chance to change her life.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll take care of you if you can\u2019t go,\u201d Matthew said flatly. \u201cAnything you want, I\u2019ll give it to you.\u201d He was reluctant to break his promise to Natasha\u2014he\u2019d already made the phone call.<\/p>\n
Adriana stared at him, then suddenly stood up, her voice breaking as she shouted, \u201cI don\u2019t want that! I don\u2019t want your pity or your gifts. I\u2019m not some pet you keep around to throw scraps at when you feel guilty!\u201d<\/p>\n
Her chest rose and fell rapidly as she backed away, her eyes fierce. \u201cI want this opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n
She would rather fight and claw her way forward than live trapped and silent forever.<\/p>\n
But she was just an orphan, born with nothing. Everything she had fought for could be lost in an instant.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s why this chance mattered so much. Why she needed him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI earned it. I worked hard. My grades put me at the top. How could you just hand it away like it was nothing?\u201d Her voice cracked under the weight of her frustration and pain.<\/p>\n
She couldn\u2019t turn to Curtis\u2014he had told her not to go abroad yet.<\/p>\n
All she wanted was this one year. Just one shot to learn from Devan Harrett.<\/p>\n
So Matthew was her only hope.<\/p>\n
And somehow, he had become the very person to shatter that hope. He stole it from her.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s why she was so furious with him.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy would you do this to me, Matthew\u2026\u201d she whispered, voice breaking.<\/p>\n
We were together for four years. Doesn\u2019t that mean anything to him?<\/p>\n
Adriana had already been battling depression, and this blow hit her like a tidal wave. Her body went numb, her fingers digging into her palms so tightly that blood began to seep through.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdriana, stop,\u201d Matthew said quickly, panic rising in his voice.<\/p>\n
He pulled her into a hug, trying to soothe her. \u201cI\u2019ll talk to Natasha, okay? I\u2019ll tell her cousin to give the spot back. Just breathe. Deep breaths\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
When Adriana was discharged from the hospital, she needed six months of therapy. The therapist had warned Matthew repeatedly not to trigger her.<\/p>\n
At first, he had been cautious and patient.<\/p>\n
But over time, Adriana grew so quiet, so compliant, that he forgot about the trauma and invisible scars she carried.<\/p>\n
Clinging to his shirt like she was drowning, Adriana sobbed so hard she struggled to breathe.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll get it for you,\u201d Matthew promised again, trying to calm her.<\/p>\n
Her sobs gradually softened, but her face remained pale and distant. She let out a dry, bitter laugh.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s going to get it for me?<\/p>\n
That spot was mine from the beginning. He took it from me and handed it over to Natasha\u2019s cousin. And now he wants credit for trying to give it back?<\/p>\n
\u201cMatthew\u2026 this isn\u2019t just some random thing to me,\u201d Adriana said, her voice low but steady. \u201cIt means everything.\u201d<\/p>\n
This opportunity meant everything to her.<\/p>\n
And Matthew knew it. He knew Adriana wouldn\u2019t survive being crushed like this again.<\/p>\n
She had battled self-harm and suicidal thoughts four years ago. If something like this pushed her over the edge now, it could break her completely.<\/p>\n
He knew all of this. He always had.<\/p>\n
But he didn\u2019t care.<\/p>\n
Just like that time not long ago when he dragged her into that room with Rufus and Mia, fully aware they were there, all just to keep Natasha happy. Like her life didn\u2019t matter at all.<\/p>\n
\u201cGet some rest,\u201d Matthew said softly, though his mind was already elsewhere. That exchange spot was nearly secured, and he needed to talk to Natasha.<\/p>\n
Adriana leaned against the wall, utterly drained.<\/p>\n
All she could do now was wait. Wait for Matthew to decide.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Matthew pulled up outside the Joneses\u2019 villa but hesitated before stepping out of the car. I promised Natasha I\u2019d help Cheryl get into that program. I already told her the spot was hers earlier today. If I back out now\u2026<\/p>\n
Natasha would definitely start suspecting something between Adriana and me.<\/p>\n
Leaning back in his seat, he rubbed his forehead. On one side was Adriana. On the other was Natasha.<\/p>\n
And he was stuck right in the middle.<\/p>\n
Adriana was easier to handle. She rarely fought back.<\/p>\n
Maybe I can give her something else instead. Buy her something or give her more attention to make up for it. But the way she broke down today\u2026 it unsettled me.<\/p>\n
After a long pause, he finally dialed Natasha.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey\u2026 you still up?\u201d<\/p>\n
Inside the house, Natasha stood near the window, quietly watching his car outside.<\/p>\n
She frowned, then softened her tone, feigning sleepiness. \u201cMm\u2026 barely. I\u2019m super tired.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNatasha\u2014\u201d Matthew began.<\/p>\n
But she cut him off deliberately. \u201cMatthew\u2026 I\u2019m scared. I just had a terrible dream. I saw William hitting me again\u2026 You know, during those four years I was in Moweland, I thought about you every single day\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMatthew, you know I only married William because I had to. We were too young back then. You didn\u2019t have the power to protect me yet, and I had no choice but to do what my family wanted. That wasn\u2019t the life I wanted.\u201d Her voice cracked as tears started to fall.<\/p>\n
She was skilled at this\u2014always knew how to twist the story.<\/p>\n
She made it sound like Matthew had let her down. Like he hadn\u2019t done enough back then. At the time, he had just taken over Langford Group and had little control.<\/p>\n
She painted herself as the victim, saying William Pena abused her, that her family forced her into it, and that she had suffered for years.<\/p>\n
Matthew\u2019s grip tightened around the phone. His voice came out low. \u201cI\u2019m sorry\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
He blamed himself for not protecting her, for letting her get trapped in that marriage, and for everything she endured while she was away.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not scared anymore,\u201d Natasha said softly through tears. \u201cNow that I\u2019m back, knowing you waited for me\u2026 it means the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
Matthew\u2019s chest tightened painfully. I can\u2019t tell her about Adriana or the program.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnyway, what made you call so late?\u201d Natasha asked, sniffling.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing important. I just wanted to check on you. I was worried you\u2019d have a bad dream.\u201d His tone was gentle.<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks\u2026\u201d she replied sweetly. \u201cWill you come to the beach with me tomorrow?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n
After hanging up, Matthew leaned forward, rubbing his face with both hands. He just couldn\u2019t say no to her. In the end, he decided to let Adriana take the fall, thinking he would make it up to her somehow. He would find a way to compensate her, no matter what it took.<\/p>\n
Back at the apartment, Adriana stayed awake all night, sitting on the couch, staring into the darkness, waiting for Matthew\u2019s call.<\/p>\n
But it never came.<\/p>\n
Not until ten the next morning.<\/p>\n
When the phone finally rang, she scrambled to answer, her voice rough and barely above a whisper. \u201cMatthew\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAdriana,\u201d he said calmly. \u201cI\u2019m sorry. Just let Cheryl have the spot. Tell me what you want. I\u2019ll make it up to you.\u201d<\/p>\n
He sounded as if he was doing her a favor\u2014as if he were tossing her a reward from above.<\/p>\n
Adriana froze, then began to tremble uncontrollably.<\/p>\n
In the end, Matthew still decided I was the one who had to lose. All just to keep Natasha smiling.<\/p>\n
Now I understand. This is how little my life means to him\u2014not even enough to compete with a single smile from Natasha.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Adriana\u2019s heartbreak is a quiet, crushing weight that settles deep within her, embodying the painful realization that her dreams and struggles are so easily dismissed by the one she trusted most. Her fight is not just for a study abroad spot, but for recognition, for the value of her efforts and existence in Matthew\u2019s eyes. The emotional chasm between them widens as Matthew\u2019s actions reveal the painful truth: despite years together, her hopes are expendable when weighed against the convenience of another\u2019s happiness.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
This chapter lays bare the devastating cost of neglect and the fragility of promises when pride and fear govern decisions. Adriana\u2019s silent endurance and Matthew\u2019s conflicted remorse underscore a tragic imbalance\u2014where love is entangled with control and sacrifice becomes a one-sided burden. The lingering ache of betrayal and unspoken pain leaves a poignant question hanging in the air: how much does one life truly matter when weighed against the fragile threads of loyalty and obligation?<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Next chapter promises to delve deeper into the fragile and tense dynamics between Adriana and Matthew, as the consequences of his choice begin to unfold. Adriana\u2019s quiet suffering and Matthew\u2019s conflicted loyalties will create an emotional battleground where trust is tested and hearts are pushed to their limits. Readers can expect to witness the raw vulnerability of Adriana as she grapples with the crushing weight of betrayal, while Matthew\u2019s internal struggle between guilt and pride threatens to unravel everything they once held dear.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Natasha\u2019s presence looms like a shadow over their lives, her own pain and manipulation adding layers of complexity to the already strained relationships. The next chapter will likely explore how these intertwined emotions and secrets begin to surface, forcing each character to confront uncomfortable truths. As Adriana fights to reclaim her dignity and Matthew wrestles with his choices, the story will build toward a powerful confrontation that could change their futures forever. The tension is palpable, and the question remains: how much more can they endure before everything shatters?<\/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 14 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-23925","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\/23925","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=23925"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23925\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23925"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23925"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23925"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}