In this chapter, Eva shares a dramatic story about Mr. Lincoln, Ms. Reese, and her mother living in Moweland for several years. Despite Mr. Harold eventually accepting their relationship if Mr. Curtis returned home, tragedy struck when Ms. Reese\u2019s mother mysteriously drowned herself in a river. This event deeply affected Mr. Curtis, who came back alone with the child. Eva explains that the woman suffered from postpartum depression and feared losing Mr. Lincoln\u2019s love as she aged, leading her to take her own life to remain forever in his heart. This haunting past sets the stage for the current tensions.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Adriana listens with fascination, realizing that she is seen as a stand-in for Curtis\u2019s first love, which explains why some of Curtis\u2019s friends think she fits his type. This revelation unsettles Adriana, as she grapples with the idea of being a substitute rather than truly accepted for herself. Their conversation is interrupted by the arrival of Belinda Reese, Mr. Lincoln\u2019s spoiled and sharp-tongued daughter, who immediately displays hostility toward Adriana, questioning her worthiness and mocking her background.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Belinda\u2019s pointed interrogation about Adriana\u2019s personal details and her dismissive attitude reveal her jealousy and protectiveness over Curtis. She makes it clear that she does not accept Adriana and believes Curtis should marry someone from a more suitable background, like Danielle Barton, a prominent figure from an old-money family with a complicated history with Curtis. This confrontation highlights the social and familial challenges Adriana faces as she prepares to marry Curtis.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The chapter ends with Belinda emphasizing Danielle\u2019s significance and Curtis\u2019s past engagement to her, hinting at the deeper complications Adriana will have to navigate. The tension between Adriana and Belinda, combined with the shadow of Curtis\u2019s previous relationships and family expectations, sets up a complex emotional and social conflict for the characters moving forward.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 30: The Stand-In Wife<\/p>\n
420 Free Colna<\/p>\n
\u201cMr. Lincoln went off to study in Moweland, taking Ms. Reese and her mother along with him. The three of them lived there for several years. Eventually, Mr. Harold reached his limit and told Mr. Curtis that he would accept the relationship if he returned home. But, strangely, while they were still in Moweland, the woman jumped into a river and was never found. Mr. Curtis came back alone, bringing the child with him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Eva recounted the story with the flair of a novelist, weaving suspense and unexpected turns into every sentence.<\/p>\n
This wasn\u2019t just any love story\u2014it was something extraordinary.<\/p>\n
Adriana listened intently, completely captivated. \u201cWhy would she take her own life? Didn\u2019t Mr. Harold already give his blessing?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople say she suffered postpartum depression after giving birth to Ms. Reese. On top of that, she believed she was growing too old for Mr. Lincoln and felt undeserving of his love. She was convinced that once her beauty faded, he would stop loving her. The thought of losing his love was unbearable, so she chose to die during the very year he loved her most.\u201d<\/p>\n
By doing so, she ensured she would live forever in Curtis\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n
No one could ever replace her.<\/p>\n
Adriana slowly nodded as she nibbled on her pastry. That was a bold, calculated move.<\/p>\n
The woman had been clever, indeed.<\/p>\n
Yet trading her life for eternal love seemed like an extreme price to pay.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter that, Mr. Harold became obsessed with getting Mr. Curtis married,\u201d Eva added, stealing a few glances at Adriana as she spoke. \u201cI don\u2019t know if you\u2019ve heard the rumors, but apparently, your appearance\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Adriana blinked, cutting her off. \u201cDon\u2019t tell me I look like his old tutor?\u201d<\/p>\n
A stand-in for his first love? Really?<\/p>\n
No wonder, back at the club where she first met Curtis, one of his friends had said she was exactly his type.<\/p>\n
So, it was because of his first love. Adriana had become her substitute.<\/p>\n
\u2014<\/p>\n
Just as their gossip reached a fever pitch, the front door clicked open. A young woman, around eighteen or nineteen, entered, her long ponytail bouncing with each step. She wore a ballet practice outfit, simple yet elegant.<\/p>\n
Her face was bare of makeup, but her posture and the effortless confidence she radiated screamed of a privileged upbringing.<\/p>\n
She carefully placed her shoes on the rack and, sounding tired, said, \u201cEva, bring me some water.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, Ms. Reese is back,\u201d Eva said brightly, quickly rising to pour a glass.<\/p>\n
Adriana\u2019s heart fluttered with nervousness. How was she supposed to face Belinda Reese\u2014the pampered little princess Curtis had clearly spoiled with both a soft heart and an open wallet?<\/p>\n
Belinda took the glass and gulped it down before finally noticing Adriana standing by the dining table. \u201cWho\u2019s she?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMs. Reese, this is Mr. Lincoln\u2019s future wife. They\u2019ll be registering their marriage in a few days, and she\u2019ll be the lady of the house,\u201d Eva explained quickly.<\/p>\n
Belinda\u2019s expression darkened immediately, her hostility clear as day.<\/p>\n
She scrutinized Adriana carefully before bluntly saying, \u201cShe only looks a little like my mom. What makes her worthy of Curtis?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adriana felt a pang of awkwardness. Her instincts had been right\u2014this young woman was spoiled and sharp-tongued.<\/p>\n
\u201cMs. Reese\u2026\u201d Eva began softly, clearly uncomfortable.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s your name?\u201d Belinda asked, stepping forward and sitting down across from Adriana.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m Adriana Xander,\u201d Adriana replied politely.<\/p>\n
\u201cAge?\u201d Belinda demanded, as if interrogating a suspect.<\/p>\n
\u201cTwenty-three,\u201d Adriana answered evenly.<\/p>\n
\u201cHeight, weight, and measurements?\u201d Belinda shot out the questions rapidly.<\/p>\n
Adriana blinked, caught off guard. \u201cIsn\u2019t that a bit personal?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTsk. Curtis paid for you, didn\u2019t he? If you\u2019ve been bought, do you really get to have \u2018privacy\u2019?\u201d Belinda scoffed, laughing mockingly. She made it clear she didn\u2019t see Adriana as someone worthy of respect.<\/p>\n
Adriana took a deep breath. Suddenly, breakfast didn\u2019t taste so good anymore.<\/p>\n
Seeing no response, Belinda pressed on. \u201cI\u2019m Belinda Reese. I\u2019m nineteen. Just one more year and I\u2019ll be of marriageable age.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adriana wasn\u2019t sure what Belinda was implying.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf Curtis has to get married, he should at least marry someone from a matching background. What do you have to offer?\u201d Belinda said, clearly trying to provoke her.<\/p>\n
Adriana fell silent. She didn\u2019t want to engage.<\/p>\n
She wasn\u2019t sure how Curtis would react if he found out.<\/p>\n
If he was anything like Matthew\u2014always siding with his family\u2014this wouldn\u2019t end well for her.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was Curtis\u2019s decision,\u201d Adriana replied politely.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll never accept you. You\u2019re not good enough for Curtis,\u201d Belinda said with a roll of her eyes, clearly seeing Adriana as nothing more than a leech\u2014a woman who sold her body for money.<\/p>\n
She was shameless!<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, tell me, what kind of woman do you think is worthy of Curtis?\u201d Adriana asked, curious despite herself.<\/p>\n
Belinda thought for a moment. \u201cSomeone like Danielle.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adriana raised an eyebrow, amused. First, the tragic first love, and now a woman named Danielle? Curtis had more hidden history than she\u2019d expected.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, Danielle is from the Barton family, an old-money family in Harborton. The Bartons and the Lincolns have a long history. She and Mr. Lincoln were once engaged, but he called it off. He never liked her,\u201d Eva quickly explained.<\/p>\n
Adriana made a mental note of this juicy gossip.<\/p>\n
Clearly, marrying into a family like that wouldn\u2019t be as simple as signing a contract. That money she was promised for this marriage might not be so easy to earn after all.<\/p>\n
\u201cCurtis only called off the engagement back then because of my mom. Now that my mom\u2019s gone, Danielle\u2019s the only one he\u2019ll ever accept,\u201d Belinda huffed, slapping her hand on the table as she stood. \u201cOh, and in case you didn\u2019t know, Danielle\u2019s the most famous architectural designer in all of Harborton.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
This chapter delicately unravels the complex web of love, loss, and lingering shadows from the past that shape Curtis\u2019s world and the people around him. Adriana, caught between the echoes of a tragic first love and the sharp scrutiny of Curtis\u2019s daughter, finds herself navigating a path fraught with expectations and unspoken judgments. The weight of history, the pain of sacrifice, and the harsh realities of social standing all converge to challenge her sense of belonging and worth in this new chapter of her life.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Yet beneath the tension and uncertainty lies a quiet resilience in Adriana, a determination to claim her place despite the obstacles. The emotional undercurrents reveal the fragility of human connections and the enduring impact of love\u2019s many forms\u2014whether remembered, replaced, or resisted. As Adriana faces the cold gaze of Belinda and the legacy of Curtis\u2019s past, the story poignantly captures the struggle to be seen and accepted on one\u2019s own terms, hinting at a journey of self-discovery and courage yet to unfold.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The next chapter promises to deepen the emotional tension as Adriana navigates the complex dynamics with Belinda Reese, whose sharp hostility and pointed remarks threaten to unsettle the fragile balance Adriana has been trying to maintain. With Belinda openly challenging Adriana\u2019s worth and place beside Curtis, readers can expect a stirring confrontation that will test Adriana\u2019s resilience and self-worth. The undercurrents of jealousy and rivalry are palpable, hinting at the emotional battles yet to come.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Moreover, the revelation about Danielle and her connection to Curtis introduces a new layer of intrigue. As Adriana learns more about this influential figure from Curtis\u2019s past, questions arise about how this history will impact the impending marriage and Adriana\u2019s role within the family. The stakes are rising, and the path to happiness seems fraught with obstacles both from the past and present. Readers will be eager to discover how Adriana will respond to these challenges and whether she can carve out a place for herself in Curtis\u2019s complicated world.<\/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 30 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-23941","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\/23941","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=23941"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23941\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23941"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23941"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23941"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}