In \u201cWhen Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen,\u201d the tension escalates as Curtis and Adriana prepare to attend a family dinner at the Lincoln Estate. Curtis is anxious about Adriana facing potential humiliation, urging her not to go. However, Adriana decides to attend, feeling the weight of her role as Curtis\u2019s wife. As they arrive, the atmosphere is charged with scrutiny from the extended Lincoln family, and Adriana feels overwhelmed by their judgment and the harsh dialect that surrounds her.<\/p>\n
As they enter the hall, an aunt\u2019s dismissive comment about Curtis holding Adriana\u2019s hand highlights the pressure she faces to navigate this social environment alone. Despite Curtis\u2019s determination to support her, the family\u2019s disdain is palpable, especially after Matthew publicly labeled Adriana as his mistress. This label has altered Harold\u2019s perception of Adriana, making her feel even more isolated and unwelcome among the powerful family members.<\/p>\n
The introduction to Jeremy, a family elder, intensifies Adriana\u2019s anxiety. His scrutinizing gaze and authoritative demeanor make her feel small and unworthy. However, when he learns her age, a flicker of recognition crosses his face, suggesting a deeper connection to her past. Despite his initial disdain, Jeremy\u2019s reaction hints at a complex history that could shift the dynamics of Adriana\u2019s acceptance within the family.<\/p>\n
As the dinner progresses, Harold assigns Adriana the task of serving tea to the elders, a symbolic test of her obedience within the family. The pressure mounts as she struggles to maintain her composure while holding the hot cups, reflecting the expectations placed upon her. Curtis\u2019s protective instincts emerge when he intervenes, unable to watch Adriana suffer, which provokes further disdain from the family. His defiance against their traditions underscores his commitment to Adriana, challenging the outdated norms of the Lincoln family.<\/p>\n
Ultimately, the evening serves as a crucible for Adriana, testing her resilience and sense of self-worth amidst the harsh judgments of the Lincolns. Curtis\u2019s fierce defense of her highlights the love that exists between them, even as they navigate the complexities of family expectations and societal pressures. The chapter encapsulates themes of identity, belonging, and the struggle for acceptance in a world steeped in tradition and prejudice.<\/p>\n
**When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn**<\/p>\n
**The Family Dinner Test**<\/p>\n
Curtis felt a tight knot of anxiety in his stomach at the thought of Adriana facing such humiliation. \u201cYou really don\u2019t have to go to this family dinner,\u201d he urged, his voice laced with concern.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut Mr. Lincoln,\u201d Tom Fuller, their driver, interjected nervously, \u201cif Ms. Xander doesn\u2019t attend, the Lincolns won\u2019t recognize her as your wife.\u201d His eyes darted between Curtis and Adriana, trying to convey the seriousness of the situation.<\/p>\n
After a moment of deliberation, Adriana squared her shoulders and made her decision. She would attend the dinner. After all, she was Curtis\u2019s highly paid wife, and if she couldn\u2019t navigate this social minefield, then perhaps the role of a high-society wife was far too simplistic for her.<\/p>\n
\u201cCurtis is back,\u201d someone announced as they approached the Lincoln Estate, where relatives from the sprawling Lincoln clan were already gathering, their eyes gleaming with anticipation. They were eager to scrutinize every detail and make Adriana\u2019s evening as difficult as possible.<\/p>\n
As they stepped into the courtyard, the air was thick with the Harborton dialect, their voices rising and falling in a chaotic symphony that left Adriana feeling lost and isolated. Despite her inability to decipher their words, she could sense the undercurrents of ridicule in their laughter, sharp and biting.<\/p>\n
Curtis held her hand firmly as they entered the old-fashioned courtyard, leading her toward the main hall.<\/p>\n
\u201cCurtis, now that you\u2019re inside, why are you still holding her hand? She has to walk that path herself,\u201d an aunt from the extended family interjected, her tone dismissive as she waved him off, urging him to take his place inside while Adriana ventured in alone.<\/p>\n
But Curtis was resolute, ignoring her entirely. He walked straight into the hall, hand in hand with Adriana, a silent act of defiance.<\/p>\n
Before their marriage, he had spoken to Harold about Adriana. He knew she was timid, but he believed she could withstand the pressure. Harold had agreed to the union, but now, his behavior suggested a shift. It was clear that someone had been whispering poisonous words into his ear.<\/p>\n
Ever since Matthew had publicly declared that Adriana was his mistress, Harold\u2019s perception of her had soured drastically. A man of tradition, Harold could not accept that a woman who had been someone else\u2019s mistress could ever be worthy of respect in his eyes.<\/p>\n
Adriana felt the weight of that disdain as she entered the hall. She had suspected this would happen; Matthew\u2019s statement had clearly done its damage.<\/p>\n
\u201cCurtis, Jeremy is here too,\u201d Harold announced, gesturing toward Jeremy Barton, Danielle\u2019s grandfather, who sat nearby, his demeanor as imposing as his stature.<\/p>\n
Feeling a wave of anxiety wash over her, Adriana instinctively moved closer to Curtis, her gaze cast downward, too intimidated to meet anyone\u2019s eyes. These were the heads of old, powerful families, and she was acutely aware that someone of her status would hardly register on their radar.<\/p>\n
\u201cJeremy, this is my wife, Adriana,\u201d Curtis introduced her with deliberate emphasis, his voice steady yet firm.<\/p>\n
Jeremy\u2019s expression darkened slightly as he set down his teacup, his gaze fixing on Adriana with an intensity that made her heart race. She kept her head lowered, but she could feel his scrutiny piercing through her.<\/p>\n
He had always held a disdain for Adriana, believing she was unworthy of Curtis, his most promising grandson-in-law. Yet, as he looked at her now, something in his demeanor shifted, a flicker of surprise crossing his features.<\/p>\n
\u201cLift your head,\u201d he commanded, his voice hoarse but authoritative.<\/p>\n
With a deep breath, she obeyed, meeting his gaze.<\/p>\n
Despite his age, Jeremy\u2019s physical presence was still formidable, his frame robust and imposing.<\/p>\n
\u201cH-how old are you?\u201d he asked, visibly taken aback, stepping closer as if he needed to scrutinize her further.<\/p>\n
\u201cTwenty-three,\u201d Adriana replied, her voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in her stomach.<\/p>\n
Jeremy\u2019s shock deepened, and she could see the gears turning in his mind. The age matched\u2026<\/p>\n
\u201cJeremy, is something wrong?\u201d Curtis inquired quietly, his brow furrowing as he noticed the change in Jeremy\u2019s expression.<\/p>\n
Jeremy shook his head, brushing it off. \u201cNothing. It\u2019s just\u2026 This girl reminds me of someone from long ago\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
He didn\u2019t press further or make any sudden movements; instead, he settled back into his seat, his expression subtly unsettled.<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you feeling alright?\u201d Harold asked, concern edging into his voice.<\/p>\n
Jeremy waved him off dismissively. \u201cJust old age. My eyes must be playing tricks on me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2026<\/p>\n
Recognizing that Jeremy was not truly unwell, Harold seized the moment to speak again. \u201cAdriana, since you\u2019re married to Curtis, you are now a member of the Lincolns for the duration of your marriage.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adriana nodded, though a flicker of uncertainty crossed her mind.<\/p>\n
\u201cGo serve tea to the elders,\u201d Harold instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument.<\/p>\n
As a servant approached with delicate cups for her to hold, Adriana felt the weight of expectation settle heavily on her shoulders. The tiny cups were filled with steaming hot tea, the aroma wafting up to her, filling her senses.<\/p>\n
As the cups grew too hot to hold comfortably, she gritted her teeth and endured, determined to keep them steady without spilling a drop or dropping a cup.<\/p>\n
She knew this was the Lincolns\u2019 so-called obedience test, a rite of passage she had to navigate.<\/p>\n
\u201cHarold, please have some tea,\u201d Adriana offered, her voice steady as she extended the cup toward him.<\/p>\n
But Harold merely waved her off, signaling her to continue holding it, a clear indication of his disdain.<\/p>\n
\u201cGrandpa, don\u2019t drink boiling water; it\u2019s bad for your health,\u201d Curtis interjected, his expression darkening. He stepped forward, snatched the cup from Adriana\u2019s hands, and slammed it down on the table with a force that echoed in the room.<\/p>\n
Adriana could endure the heat, but Curtis could not stand to see her suffer.<\/p>\n
Harold\u2019s irritation was palpable. \u201cYou won\u2019t even let her suffer a little?\u201d he chided, a hint of disbelief in his voice.<\/p>\n
Adriana shook her head nervously at Curtis, her eyes pleading with him to understand that she was fine, just a little burned by the cup.<\/p>\n
Curtis\u2019s gaze fell to her reddened fingers, and his anger flared anew.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, Curtis,\u201d chimed in the uncles nearby, their voices dripping with sarcasm, \u201cwhen your wife serves tea to your grandpa, the tea must be at the right temperature\u2014it\u2019s the Lincolns\u2019 rule.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can\u2019t spoil your wife too much, or she\u2019ll be hard to control later,\u201d another relative added, their laughter ringing hollow.<\/p>\n
\u201cI married her to give her a good life, not to make her suffer,\u201d Curtis retorted, his glare sweeping over the room, silencing the jeers. \u201cThe Lincolns are a prominent family. Back in the day, when times were tough and food was scarce, these tests were used to measure a woman\u2019s loyalty. But now, everyone\u2019s living well. If word gets out about this, people will laugh at us.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the dimly lit hall, Adriana stood at the precipice of her own emotional reckoning. The weight of the Lincolns\u2019 scrutiny bore down on her, yet amidst the disdain and derision, she felt a flicker of resilience igniting within her. Curtis\u2019s unwavering support, his refusal to let her endure humiliation alone, breathed life into her spirit. As he defended her against the barbs of his family, she began to recognize that she was more than just a pawn in their game; she was a woman with her own worth, deserving of respect and dignity. The oppressive atmosphere of the dinner transformed into a battleground where she would no longer be silent, but rather assert her place within this family, even if it meant challenging the very traditions that sought to belittle her.<\/p>\n
Curtis\u2019s defiance against the Lincolns\u2019 archaic expectations marked a pivotal moment in their relationship, bridging the gap between mere obligation and genuine partnership. As Adriana lifted her chin and met the gazes of her critics, she felt a surge of empowerment coursing through her veins. No longer just the timid woman they had dismissed, she was ready to carve out her own identity within this high-society world. In that moment, surrounded by the echoes of laughter and judgment, Adriana understood that healing was not merely a passive process dictated by time; it was an active choice to stand firm in her truth. With Curtis by her side, she felt equipped to face whatever challenges lay ahead, emboldened by the love that had begun to flourish amidst the chaos.<\/p>\n
**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**<\/p>\n
In the upcoming chapter, tensions will escalate as Adriana grapples with her newfound identity within the Lincoln family. The family dinner, which initially felt like a battleground, will transform into a crucible where Adriana must confront not only the scornful stares of her in-laws but also her own insecurities. As whispers of her past continue to echo through the halls, she will face a critical choice: to rise above the judgments and assert her place as Curtis\u2019s wife or succumb to the weight of their disdain. The stakes will be higher than ever as she navigates the treacherous waters of family loyalty and societal expectations.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Curtis\u2019s protective instincts will clash with the traditional values upheld by the Lincoln clan. His defiance against their archaic customs will lead to unexpected consequences, testing the very foundations of their marriage. As Adriana strives to prove her worth, she will uncover secrets that could alter her perception of the family she has married into. Will she find the strength to stand her ground, or will the relentless pressure from the Lincolns push her to question her place in Curtis\u2019s life? Prepare for a chapter filled with emotional turmoil, pivotal revelations, and a deepening exploration of love and resilience amidst the unforgiving scrutiny of high society.<\/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 61 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-23973","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\/23973","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=23973"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23973\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23973"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23973"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23973"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}