In Chapter 132 titled \u201cNo Hard Feelings,\u201d the story centers around Adriana and Curtis, who share a moment of intimacy as they navigate the complexities of their relationship. Adriana displays a calm demeanor despite Curtis\u2019s grandfather\u2019s disapproval of her. She understands his perspective, acknowledging that Curtis\u2019s charm attracts many admirers, but she shows no anger toward his grandfather\u2019s judgment. Their conversation leads to a deeper connection, with Curtis expressing his frustration about his grandfather\u2019s gossip-driven views, while Adriana offers support, hoping for positive news about her potential pregnancy to ease tensions.<\/p>\n
As they sit together, Curtis\u2019s affectionate gesture of pulling Adriana onto his lap signifies a comforting bond, though it makes her question the boundaries of their relationship. The chapter captures the emotional weight of their situation, especially as Adriana expresses her anxiety about the upcoming appointment that could confirm her pregnancy. Curtis\u2019s playful response lightens the mood, showcasing their chemistry amidst the underlying tension of family expectations and societal pressures.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the narrative shifts to Irene and Gary at the Silverwave Hotel, where their clandestine relationship faces its own challenges. Irene, feeling drained from her day, commands Gary to massage her legs, revealing the dynamic of their relationship\u2014one that is both intimate and fraught with unspoken issues. Gary grapples with his feelings of resentment towards Curtis, who is tied to painful memories of his sister\u2019s death. Irene urges him to release his grudges, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding, which adds depth to their interaction.<\/p>\n
The chapter also explores the theme of family and legacy through Gary\u2019s contemplation of fatherhood and his family\u2019s expectations. Despite his desire for a child, Irene remains steadfast in her decision to prioritize her career and independence, fearing the loss of her identity. Their conversation reflects the tension between personal aspirations and societal norms, revealing the complexity of their relationship. Ultimately, both couples\u2014Adriana and Curtis, and Irene and Gary\u2014navigate the emotional landscapes of love, responsibility, and the desire for freedom, each facing their own dilemmas with no hard feelings.<\/p>\n
**Chapter 132: No Hard Feelings**<\/p>\n
Adriana sat there, her demeanor radiating an air of innocence; there was no trace of anger on her face.<\/p>\n
Curtis, ever observant, leaned in, his brow furrowing slightly. \u201cDid my grandpa swing by and get under your skin?\u201d he prodded gently, his gaze fixed on her with a mixture of concern and curiosity.<\/p>\n
With a soft shake of her head, Adriana replied, \u201cNo, it\u2019s alright. I understand why he feels the way he does. After all, with someone like you, there are bound to be countless girls who would love to be in your orbit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Curtis fell silent, contemplating her words. Instead of responding, he pulled her closer, guiding her down onto the couch beside him. He wrapped his arms around her, drawing her onto his lap in a gesture that felt both comforting and intimate.<\/p>\n
Adriana felt a flush creep up to her ears. Was this crossing a line? It felt a bit too close for comfort, but if Curtis, her sugar daddy, wanted to hold her like this, who was she to resist?<\/p>\n
\u201cMy family has faced a lot over the years,\u201d Curtis began, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. \u201cMy grandpa\u2026 he has a strong dislike for women who approach our family with hidden intentions. While I can see where he\u2019s coming from, it doesn\u2019t excuse him for blindly believing every piece of gossip he hears,\u201d he continued, a hint of frustration creeping into his tone. He knew deep down that his grandfather had overstepped with Adriana. \u201cBut don\u2019t worry\u2014I\u2019ll take care of him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adriana frowned slightly, shaking her head. \u201cBut he\u2019s your grandfather, Curtis. Confronting him would put you in an awkward position.\u201d<\/p>\n
She could sense the weight of the situation pressing down on him. It wouldn\u2019t be easy for him to continually argue with someone who was supposed to be a pillar of his family.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a follow-up appointment next week. If they confirm that I\u2019m really pregnant, it might ease the conversation when you talk to him,\u201d Adriana said, her voice hopeful yet tinged with anxiety. She desperately wanted the results to be positive, not just for her sake, but for Curtis as well.<\/p>\n
With a gentle touch, Curtis placed his hand on her belly, a soft smile breaking through his earlier concern. \u201cI\u2019ve been putting in a lot of effort around here. Our little one better contribute too, right?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adriana couldn\u2019t help but chuckle at his playful tone. \u201cYeah, let\u2019s hope they\u2019re a little overachiever!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2014<\/p>\n
At the Silverwave Hotel, Irene returned to her room, her high heels discarded carelessly by the door as she flopped onto her bed.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m absolutely drained!\u201d she exclaimed, her voice echoing slightly in the spacious room.<\/p>\n
Just then, a man emerged from the bathroom, his hair still damp from a recent shower. The buzz cut he sported added an extra edge to his already tough demeanor.<\/p>\n
\u201cGary, come over here and give my legs a good massage,\u201d Irene commanded, rolling onto her back, her legs stretching out invitingly for him to knead.<\/p>\n
Gary felt a wave of helplessness wash over him. They had been involved for so long that it felt as if they were practically married. Yet, Irene insisted on keeping their relationship a secret, claiming it made things \u201cmore thrilling.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYour nephew\u2019s wife is pregnant. Finally, your sister\u2019s family is getting another generation,\u201d Irene remarked, her tone weary as she tried to lighten the mood.<\/p>\n
For a brief moment, Gary\u2019s expression tightened, a frown flickering across his face. He fell silent, the weight of her words hanging heavily in the air.<\/p>\n
People often joked that nephews tended to resemble their uncles, and in truth, Gary bore a striking resemblance to Curtis.<\/p>\n
Noticing the silence enveloping him, Irene turned her head slightly. \u201cHow long are you planning to hold a grudge against him? You can\u2019t place all the blame on him for what happened to your sister; he was just a kid back then. You can\u2019t pin your sister\u2019s death on him; he didn\u2019t want to lose his mother either,\u201d she said, her voice firm yet compassionate.<\/p>\n
Gary continued to massage Irene\u2019s legs, pressing a little too hard in his frustration.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey!\u201d Irene yelped, kicking him lightly. \u201cAre you taking out your anger on me now?\u201d<\/p>\n
In a swift motion, Gary seized her ankle, pulling her towards him and pinning her down beneath him.<\/p>\n
The pressure he exuded, a result of his eight years in the military, made Irene swallow hard.<\/p>\n
God, he was undeniably attractive.<\/p>\n
Irene had always been drawn to good-looking men. Had Gary not possessed such striking features, she might have moved on long ago. Yet here she was, still entangled with him in their secretive affair.<\/p>\n
\u201cGary, did you manage to get that paternity test I asked for?\u201d Irene inquired, lifting her hand to cup his chin gently.<\/p>\n
Gary\u2019s mind wandered back to the first time their paths crossed; a friend had invited him to a bar, and he had just graduated from military school, stepping straight into service. It was rare for him to have time off, and meeting Irene, who had boldly flirted with him, felt like stepping into a whole new world of seduction.<\/p>\n
She never lingered long with anyone\u2014flirting, having her fun, and then moving on. Yet somehow, he had found himself captivated, while she remained adamant about keeping things unofficial.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe we should consider having a child too,\u201d Gary suggested, his voice low and hoarse.<\/p>\n
Irene, however, was resolute in her choice to remain child-free. Her career in showbiz kept her busy, and now that she was nearing forty, the thought of pregnancy loomed as a high-risk endeavor.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not some girl in her twenties anymore. If you want a child, you should seek out someone younger,\u201d she replied, playfully kicking at him once more.<\/p>\n
Gary fell silent for a moment, contemplating her words, before leaning in to kiss her, holding her chin firmly.<\/p>\n
Irene sensed a shift in his mood immediately. \u201cLet me guess\u2014your dad is pressuring you about marriage and starting a family?\u201d<\/p>\n
At thirty-five, Gary was no longer a young man, even if he was three years her junior.<\/p>\n
After his sister\u2019s tragic passing, Samuel Harrison had no other heirs, leaving Gary as the sole descendant\u2026<\/p>\n
Much like the Lincolns, where Curtis, too, stood as the only heir.<\/p>\n
Both families were now intensely focused on the idea of grandchildren.<\/p>\n
Adriana\u2019s pregnancy with Curtis\u2019s child meant she held a significant link to the Lincoln legacy.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s becoming serious,\u201d Gary admitted, his hands still moving as he playfully tugged at Irene\u2019s clothes.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t give you a baby,\u201d Irene stated firmly, her resolve unwavering.<\/p>\n
A woman had to prioritize her own life.<\/p>\n
Once she became a mother, she feared she would lose her sense of self.<\/p>\n
She cherished her current lifestyle\u2014simple and free. Gary was into her, and for now, that was enough. But the moment he wasn\u2019t? She would simply walk away. No complications, no attachments, no hard feelings.<\/p>\n
In the delicate balance of relationships, both Adriana and Irene find themselves at pivotal crossroads, where love, legacy, and personal choices intertwine. Adriana\u2019s tender moment with Curtis highlights the emotional depth of their connection, revealing her understanding of family dynamics and the weight of impending parenthood. As she navigates the uncertainty of her pregnancy, there\u2019s a sense of hope mingled with anxiety, underscoring her desire to forge a future intertwined with Curtis. His protective nature and commitment to facing familial challenges together bring a comforting warmth, yet the undercurrent of tension remains palpable. Their journey reflects the complexities of love, where vulnerability meets the yearning for acceptance, propelling them toward a shared destiny that feels both daunting and exhilarating.<\/p>\n
Conversely, Irene\u2019s encounter with Gary presents a stark contrast, embodying the struggle between personal ambition and societal expectations. Her refusal to conform to traditional roles, especially in light of the pressures surrounding family and motherhood, speaks to a broader narrative of autonomy and self-identity. Despite the allure of their passionate affair, Irene\u2019s steadfast commitment to her independence serves as a reminder of the sacrifices she is unwilling to make. As Gary grapples with his own familial obligations, the tension between their desires creates a poignant reflection on the nature of relationships\u2014where love can be both liberating and confining. In the end, both women stand at the precipice of significant choices, each embodying the duality of love and freedom, and the paths they choose will ultimately define not just their futures, but the legacies they wish to leave behind.<\/p>\n
**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**<\/p>\n
As the tension between Adriana and Curtis deepens, readers can anticipate a pivotal moment in their relationship. With the impending results of Adriana\u2019s pregnancy test looming, the emotional stakes are higher than ever. Will the news bring them closer together, or will it serve as a catalyst for conflict, especially with Curtis\u2019s grandfather\u2019s disapproval still hanging in the air? The delicate balance between familial expectations and personal desires will be tested, and the choices they make could alter the course of their lives forever.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the dynamics between Irene and Gary are set to shift dramatically. As Gary grapples with his feelings about fatherhood and the weight of his family\u2019s legacy, Irene\u2019s steadfast refusal to consider children poses a significant challenge. Will Gary\u2019s desire for a family push him away from Irene, or will it ignite a passion that forces her to reconsider her own choices? The chapter promises to delve deeper into their complicated affair, exploring themes of love, ambition, and the fear of losing one\u2019s identity. With both couples at a crossroads, the next chapter is poised to deliver unexpected twists that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.<\/p>\n
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella\u2019s storytelling style is immersive and addictive\u2014perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.<\/p>\n
When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn 132 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-24043","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\/24043","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=24043"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24043\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24043"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24043"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24043"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}