\u00a0<\/p>\n
In Chapter 58 of \u201cWhen Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen,\u201d Adriana grapples with feelings of anxiety and guilt as she confronts her husband, Curtis. Their conversation reveals a rift in their relationship, sparked by a rumor about an impending divorce. Curtis expresses frustration at Adriana\u2019s willingness to believe another person\u2019s words over his, demanding her trust without question. Adriana feels the weight of his expectations and the complexities of their marriage, which is shrouded in uncertainty and doubt.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
As they arrive at the orphanage, the atmosphere shifts from tension to warmth. The joyful sounds of children playing evoke memories for Adriana, who hasn\u2019t visited in four years. The reunion with Lydia, the caretaker, is emotional, filled with gratitude and relief as they discuss the orphanage\u2019s struggles and recent improvements. Adriana introduces Curtis to Lydia, who is surprised and delighted to meet the man supporting Adriana, further complicating Adriana\u2019s feelings about their marriage.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Curtis\u2019s open declaration of their relationship in front of Lydia raises Adriana\u2019s concerns. She questions the necessity of such a public acknowledgment, especially since their marriage is meant to be a secret within Curtis\u2019s business world. The revelation of their union leaves Lydia shocked and concerned, prompting Adriana to feel guilty for not sharing the news sooner. The conversation highlights the weight of expectations and the importance of trust, as Lydia expresses her hope that Curtis will care for Adriana.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
As the chapter progresses, Curtis\u2019s surprising decision to stay for dinner at the orphanage adds another layer of complexity to their relationship. Adriana is astonished by his willingness to engage with her past and the children she cares for. Lydia\u2019s probing question about Curtis\u2019s seriousness towards Adriana reflects the underlying tension and uncertainty in their marriage. Adriana is left to navigate her feelings amidst the warmth of the orphanage and the reality of her situation with Curtis, who continues to act convincingly as her husband despite the fa\u00e7ade they both know it to be.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
**Chapter 58: Orphanage Visit**<\/p>\n
Adriana\u2019s heart raced as she stole a glance at Curtis, a mixture of anxiety and guilt swirling within her. \u201cI\u2019m really sorry,\u201d she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no need to apologize to me. I\u2019m not the one you should be making amends with,\u201d Curtis replied, his brow furrowed in irritation.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe said that in less than two weeks, you\u2019d be filing for divorce,\u201d Adriana\u2019s voice dropped as she spoke, her eyes fixated on the floor, unable to meet his gaze.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs that so? So, what? Did I marry you just for appearances?\u201d Curtis\u2019s frustration was palpable as he rubbed his temples, trying to ward off the headache forming at the base of his skull. \u201cDo you genuinely believe any of her nonsense? Who\u2019s your husband here? Me or her?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adriana took a deep breath, the weight of his words sinking in. \u201cShe just sounded so confident,\u201d she admitted, her voice trembling slightly.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo you\u2019re willing to take her word over mine just because she spoke with conviction?\u201d Curtis let out a sharp, humorless laugh, the irritation evident in his tone. \u201cNext time, please, for the love of everything, just tell me immediately.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adriana nodded, her compliance evident, though a part of her still felt the sting of doubt.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd let me make this clear: if there\u2019s anyone you find yourself disliking, you don\u2019t have to put up with them or show them any courtesy\u2014my grandfather included,\u201d Curtis added, his tone shifting to one of calm authority.<\/p>\n
She looked at him, a flicker of curiosity dancing in her eyes.<\/p>\n
But wasn\u2019t this entire charade of a marriage for Harold\u2019s sake? How could she ever bring herself to disrespect him, even if he was difficult?<\/p>\n
\u201cIf there\u2019s ever a problem with my grandfather, he\u2019ll come to me first, not you. I\u2019ll handle it. All I need from you is your trust. No questions asked,\u201d Curtis stated firmly, his gaze steady.<\/p>\n
Adriana nodded again, feeling a mix of relief and unease.<\/p>\n
As their car rolled to a stop in front of the old orphanage, the familiar sounds of laughter and playful shouts filled the air. Children were scattered across the yard, some shooting hoops while others chased each other in a game of tag.<\/p>\n
Most of these children had been left behind due to disabilities or health issues, their futures uncertain, reliant on the orphanage for shelter and care.<\/p>\n
Some of the older kids had already crossed the threshold of eighteen, yet Lydia couldn\u2019t bear the thought of sending them away. The orphanage had become more than just a place; it was their home.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdriana\u2019s back!\u201d Mary, who worked in the kitchen, exclaimed with uncontained excitement upon spotting her.<\/p>\n
Moments later, Lydia emerged, flanked by several staff members, her face lighting up with joy.<\/p>\n
\u201cLydia,\u201d Adriana called out, her voice thick with emotion, the realization hitting her like a wave\u2014four long years had passed since she last set foot here, and not once had she returned.<\/p>\n
In those years, her connection had been limited to phone calls and the occasional money transfer. Matthew had been adamant about not visiting the orphanage with her, and the travel expenses from Haldoria to Francisca County had been too steep for her to manage.<\/p>\n
\u201cLydia, how have things been here?\u201d Adriana asked, enveloping her in a warm embrace.<\/p>\n
Lydia smiled, her hand gently patting Adriana\u2019s back. \u201cWe\u2019re managing alright. The renovation approval finally came through. There was a moment when we thought we\u2019d have to shut down due to lack of funding, but the Lincoln Group\u2019s charity foundation stepped in.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her voice quivered with emotion, a mixture of relief and gratitude washing over them both.<\/p>\n
Adriana turned to Curtis, her heart swelling with appreciation. \u201cLydia, this is Mr. Lincoln, the CEO of Lincoln Group.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lydia\u2019s eyes widened in surprise, genuine joy illuminating her face. \u201cThank you so much for your support\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Curtis stepped forward, extending his hand for a shake. \u201cNo, thank you for taking such good care of Adriana all these years.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lydia blinked, momentarily taken aback, stealing a glance at Adriana.<\/p>\n
An unsettling feeling gripped Adriana\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n
Weren\u2019t they supposed to keep their marriage under wraps? Did Curtis really have to make such a declaration here, in front of everyone?<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m Adriana\u2019s husband. Curtis Lincoln,\u201d he introduced himself with unwavering confidence.<\/p>\n
Adriana\u2019s mouth fell open slightly, her mind racing. Why did he feel the need to announce their relationship so openly?<\/p>\n
If this marriage was merely a fa\u00e7ade within his company, why disclose it to Lydia and the others?<\/p>\n
What would she say when the inevitable divorce came?<\/p>\n
\u201cHusband? Adriana, you\u2019re married? Why didn\u2019t you tell me?\u201d Lydia\u2019s voice was filled with surprise, concern lacing her words. She knew Adriana wasn\u2019t the type to keep such significant news to herself. Was there more to this story?<\/p>\n
Feeling a wave of guilt wash over her, Adriana murmured, \u201cLydia\u2026 it\u2019s just that Curtis and I are still figuring things out. I wanted to wait until things were more certain before saying anything, in case it didn\u2019t work out.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMarriage is no small matter, dear. I didn\u2019t even get you anything,\u201d Lydia said, her tone brimming with concern.<\/p>\n
\u201cLydia, please, you really don\u2019t have to get anything,\u201d Adriana reassured her quickly.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no rush,\u201d Curtis interjected smoothly. \u201cAdriana and I have just received our marriage certificate. When we eventually hold the wedding, you will definitely be there, as family.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lydia\u2019s eyes glistened with unshed tears, a smile breaking through her worry. \u201cCurtis, you\u2019d better take good care of Adriana. She\u2019s been through so much.\u201d<\/p>\n
Curtis nodded, taking Adriana\u2019s hand in his, a gesture that sent a jolt of electricity through her. Despite the fact that their relationship was a mere fa\u00e7ade, his actions felt almost too convincing. How could they possibly navigate the complexities of a wedding when their foundation was built on pretense?<\/p>\n
\u201cCome on in and sit down,\u201d Lydia beckoned, her voice warm and inviting.<\/p>\n
After spending some time with the children, Curtis surprisingly accepted Lydia\u2019s invitation to stay for dinner.<\/p>\n
Adriana couldn\u2019t help but feel a sense of astonishment; she hadn\u2019t anticipated him staying this long.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdriana, tell me honestly. You and Curtis\u2026 given his background, is he truly serious about you?\u201d Lydia asked, her voice tinged with nervousness as soon as Curtis stepped out of the room.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
In the warmth of the orphanage, Adriana found herself grappling with the weight of her choices and the unexpected depth of her connection with Curtis. The visit had stirred a whirlwind of emotions, leaving her torn between the remnants of her past and the uncertain future that lay ahead. As she watched Curtis interact with Lydia and the children, a flicker of hope ignited within her. Perhaps this fa\u00e7ade of a marriage could evolve into something real, something that transcended the initial constraints of their agreement. Yet, the lingering doubts still haunted her; could she truly trust him, and could they build a life together when the foundation felt so shaky?<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
As the evening unfolded, Adriana began to realize that healing was not a linear journey but rather a series of moments that challenged her perceptions and fears. Curtis\u2019s unexpected willingness to embrace her world, to stand by her side in front of those who mattered most, began to chip away at her reservations. The laughter of the children and the warmth of Lydia\u2019s concern wrapped around her like a comforting blanket, urging her to let go of the past and embrace the possibilities of the present. In that moment, she understood that while time had tried to heal her, it was the connections she nurtured and the love she allowed herself to feel that would ultimately guide her toward a brighter future.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
In the next chapter, readers can expect to delve deeper into the complexities of Adriana and Curtis\u2019s relationship as they navigate the intricacies of their fa\u00e7ade of a marriage. The tension that has been building between them will reach a critical point, forcing Adriana to confront her feelings about Curtis and the reality of their situation. As they spend more time at the orphanage, the bond between them may begin to shift, with unexpected moments of vulnerability revealing layers of their personalities that they have kept hidden. Will Adriana find herself drawn to Curtis in ways she never anticipated, or will her doubts continue to overshadow any potential connection?<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Moreover, the dynamics with Lydia and the children at the orphanage will play a pivotal role in shaping Adriana\u2019s decisions. As Lydia\u2019s probing questions linger in the air, Adriana will grapple with her emotions, torn between the life she once envisioned and the uncertain path ahead. The warmth and love present in the orphanage may challenge her to reconsider what family means and what sacrifices she is willing to make for those she cares about. As the chapter unfolds, readers will be left on the edge of their seats, eager to discover whether Adriana will embrace the possibility of a genuine relationship with Curtis or retreat back into her protective shell, fearing the repercussions of her choices.<\/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 58 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-23970","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\/23970","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=23970"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23970\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23970"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23970"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23970"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}