Adriana questions Kenneth about Curtis Lincoln\u2019s wealth and the details of their marriage agreement, seeking reassurance that the house truly belongs to her. Kenneth explains that the agreement clarifies their responsibilities and that without it, Adriana would be entitled to an equal or greater share in a divorce. He also mentions that during the marriage, Adriana will have access to Curtis\u2019s properties and collections, and even if they divorce, Curtis is generous and likely won\u2019t refuse reasonable requests.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
After signing the agreement, Adriana receives a video call from Curtis, who asks if Kenneth explained everything clearly. The call reveals a softer, more approachable side of Curtis, who tells Adriana that he will return next week to officially register their marriage and that she will then meet his grandfather. He also shares that he has arranged for her to study abroad, bypassing usual admission procedures due to her impressive design work.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Adriana brings up the orphanage where she grew up, which is facing closure due to lack of funds, and tentatively asks Curtis for an advance on her allowance to help. Curtis declines the request but reassures her that the Lincoln Group\u2019s charity foundation will support the orphanage directly. This interaction leaves Adriana with mixed emotions as she contemplates the nature of respect and kindness, even without love.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
That night, Adriana struggles to sleep in the vast, empty villa, haunted by memories of Matthew. The next morning, Eva calls her to breakfast, and Adriana, feeling the loneliness of the large house, invites Eva to eat with her, finding a small comfort in the shared meal.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 28: What Respect Truly Feels Like<\/p>\n
Adriana cleared her throat softly, turning her gaze toward Kenneth. \u201cMr. Heath, does Mr. Lincoln really have so much money that he simply can\u2019t spend it all?\u201d she asked, a hint of disbelief in her voice.<\/p>\n
Kenneth responded with a courteous smile, aiming to ease her concerns. \u201cMs. Xander, this agreement primarily serves to clarify the responsibilities between you two. Beyond this, everything else will follow the usual terms of a standard marriage. If Mr. Lincoln were to wed without such an agreement, the bride would be entitled to an equal, if not greater, share in the event of a divorce.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adriana exhaled deeply, a mix of relief and anticipation bubbling within her. Truthfully, she was eager to sign already, worried that if she hesitated too long, this dream might slip away.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis house\u2026 it really belongs to me?\u201d she asked once more, still uncertain.<\/p>\n
Kenneth gave a firm nod in confirmation.<\/p>\n
Her eyes drifted toward Eva, who was bustling about in the kitchen, and Adriana\u2019s thoughts immediately shifted to the possibility of divorce. When that time inevitably came, she resolved to ask Curtis to let her keep Eva.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf there\u2019s nothing else you\u2019d like to add, you may proceed with signing,\u201d Kenneth instructed, guiding her toward the spacious walk-in closet and the adjoining jewelry room. \u201cDuring your marriage, everything here\u2014in Haldoria and Harborton\u2014including Mr. Lincoln\u2019s jewelry and private collections, will be at your disposal. He\u2019s quite generous. And if there\u2019s something you truly fancy, just ask for it when you divorce. Chances are, he won\u2019t refuse.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kenneth was already offering Adriana practical advice.<\/p>\n
She smiled awkwardly, not wanting to appear greedy. She really wasn\u2019t.<\/p>\n
After completing the tour, Kenneth waited patiently as Adriana reviewed the documents. Once she was satisfied, she signed the agreement, and Kenneth took his leave.<\/p>\n
Shortly thereafter, while Adriana was still wandering through the elegant villa, her phone buzzed with a video call from Curtis.<\/p>\n
\u201cDid Kenneth explain everything clearly?\u201d Curtis inquired, his background bathed in warm sunlight\u2014quite a contrast to the gray skies over Haldoria that day.<\/p>\n
\u201cMr. Lincoln\u2026\u201d Adriana\u2019s voice trembled slightly, still feeling a bit nervous seeing him.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen it\u2019s just us, you can call me Curtis,\u201d he said with a gentle smile that softened his usually stern demeanor.<\/p>\n
Adriana blinked in surprise. Today, his hair was casually tousled, lending him a more relaxed and approachable look. When he smiled, he appeared surprisingly youthful.<\/p>\n
Though he wasn\u2019t much older than her, successful men like Curtis often went out of their way to project maturity and control.<\/p>\n
\u201cC-Curtis,\u201d she stammered hesitantly. Using his first name felt strange, as if she were crossing an invisible boundary. \u201cIs there anything you need me to do?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll be back in Haldoria next week,\u201d he explained. \u201cWe\u2019ll officially register our marriage, then you\u2019ll come with me to Harborton to meet my grandfather. After that, you\u2019ll be free to return to the university and continue your studies abroad. As for anything else\u2026\u201d He paused thoughtfully. \u201cIf something comes up, I\u2019ll let you know.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adriana nodded quickly, eager to keep up.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve already arranged a spot for you to study overseas. Your future advisor was impressed by your design work and agreed to admit you without the usual procedures,\u201d Curtis added, revealing the unexpected opportunity he had secured.<\/p>\n
Adriana\u2019s eyes widened in surprise. She had hoped to earn that placement on her own merit.<\/p>\n
Still, she wasn\u2019t the type to be ungrateful. Curtis had done so much to help her, and she felt deeply thankful. \u201cThank you, Mr. Lincoln\u2026 I mean, Curtis.\u201d<\/p>\n
He smiled once more. \u201cYou\u2019ve just been discharged. Get some rest. Don\u2019t worry about anything else. My lawyers will handle the Rufus situation for you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adriana\u2019s thoughts drifted to the orphanage where she had grown up. She opened her mouth to speak but hesitated, unsure how to begin.<\/p>\n
Curtis, perceptive as ever, noticed her hesitation.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs there something else you want to say?\u201d he asked gently.<\/p>\n
After a moment of silence, she finally spoke. \u201cMr. Lincoln, the orphanage I grew up in is about to be demolished. Without funding to rebuild, it will have to close.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her eyes met his, steady and sincere. \u201cWould it be possible to receive one year\u2019s allowance in advance? I know it\u2019s a lot to ask\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
She was essentially requesting thirty million dollars. They weren\u2019t even officially married yet, and here she was, making such a bold appeal.<\/p>\n
Curtis\u2019s response was firm and immediate. \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adriana blinked, caught off guard by his refusal. After a brief pause, she lowered her gaze, disappointment clear in her expression. \u201cI\u2019m sorry\u2026\u201d she whispered.<\/p>\n
She understood how much she had asked for.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdriana, don\u2019t apologize. You haven\u2019t done anything wrong,\u201d Curtis said kindly, looking at her with genuine concern. \u201cLincoln Group\u2019s charity foundation will directly support the orphanage where you grew up. So there\u2019s no need for an advance on your allowance.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adriana remained motionless for a long moment, her mind swirling with conflicting emotions.<\/p>\n
That night, sleep eluded her. Perhaps the villa\u2019s vastness and unfamiliarity weighed on her.<\/p>\n
She lay staring at the ceiling, memories of all the moments she had shared with Matthew playing over and over in her mind.<\/p>\n
It dawned on her that even if someone didn\u2019t love you, they could still treat you with a basic level of respect.<\/p>\n
\u201cMrs. Lincoln, breakfast is ready. Would you like to come eat now?\u201d Eva\u2019s gentle voice called from outside the door.<\/p>\n
Startled, Adriana snapped out of her reverie. She glanced toward the window and realized the sun had already risen. She hadn\u2019t slept a single wink all night.<\/p>\n
Her head felt heavy and foggy as she rose from bed. After freshening up, she stepped out of her room.<\/p>\n
The house was enormous\u2014yet it was just her and Eva living here.<\/p>\n
The emptiness felt strange, almost surreal.<\/p>\n
\u201cMr. Lincoln said he\u2019ll be back next Friday,\u201d Eva said warmly, smiling.<\/p>\n
Adriana nodded quickly, then looked with surprise at the table, which was piled high with food.<\/p>\n
\u201cEva, this is far too much. I can\u2019t possibly eat all this by myself. Let\u2019s eat together,\u201d she said, a small smile breaking through her fatigue.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
This chapter tenderly explores the nuances of respect and the quiet strength found in unexpected kindness. Adriana\u2019s journey through uncertainty and vulnerability reveals a complex emotional landscape where love is not the only measure of worth\u2014respect and generosity can also offer solace and hope. The delicate balance between power and humility, as seen in Curtis\u2019s gestures and Adriana\u2019s cautious acceptance, underscores the evolving dynamics of their relationship, hinting at a future where understanding and support might grow in subtle, meaningful ways.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
As Adriana faces the vast emptiness of the villa and the weight of new responsibilities, the chapter closes on a note of tentative optimism. Despite the loneliness and the shadows of the past, small moments of warmth\u2014like Eva\u2019s presence and the shared breakfast\u2014offer a glimmer of comfort. The story gently reminds us that healing, respect, and connection often come in quiet forms, and sometimes, simply being seen and cared for is enough to begin rebuilding a fragile heart.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into Adriana\u2019s evolving relationship with Curtis, revealing more about the delicate balance between power, respect, and genuine care. As Adriana navigates the unfamiliar world of wealth and influence, her internal struggles will become more pronounced, highlighting the tension between her past and the new life she\u2019s stepping into. The quiet moments of vulnerability she experiences tonight hint at emotional challenges yet to come, where trust and understanding may be tested.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the looming presence of Curtis\u2019s family, especially the upcoming meeting with his grandfather, suggests that Adriana\u2019s journey will become even more complex. How will she assert herself in a world where appearances and expectations weigh heavily? And what unspoken dynamics lie beneath Curtis\u2019s composed exterior? Readers can anticipate a chapter rich with subtle conflicts and revelations, setting the stage for growth, difficult choices, and the fragile beginnings of a partnership that might redefine both their lives.<\/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 28 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-23939","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\/23939","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=23939"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23939\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23939"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23939"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23939"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}