In Chapter 174 of \u201cWhen Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen,\u201d the emotional turmoil between Curtis and Adriana deepens as they navigate the aftermath of Belinda\u2019s betrayal. Adriana expresses gratitude towards Curtis for his trust, yet the tension is palpable as Curtis grapples with his feelings of anger and hurt. He struggles with the pain of losing trust in someone he once cared for, while Adriana tries to understand the situation from a compassionate perspective, particularly towards Belinda, who is still a child.<\/p>\n
As the chapter unfolds, a phone call from Michael, Curtis\u2019s estranged father, disrupts the fragile peace. Michael\u2019s bitterness and demands ignite a simmering rage within Curtis, revealing the complex dynamics of family loyalty and betrayal. Curtis\u2019s refusal to let Michael back into their lives highlights his determination to protect what little stability he has left, especially with Adriana by his side. The tension escalates as Curtis confronts Michael\u2019s manipulative nature, showcasing his resilience against past traumas.<\/p>\n
Adriana\u2019s emotional conflict becomes increasingly evident as she wrestles with her feelings towards Belinda and Cynthia, the latter being a figure from Curtis\u2019s past who represents both hope and betrayal. Despite her sympathy for Belinda, she acknowledges Curtis\u2019s point about self-betrayal, creating a rift in her own understanding of loyalty and forgiveness. Curtis\u2019s protective instincts are evident as he reassures Adriana, attempting to shield her from the chaos that Michael represents.<\/p>\n
The chapter culminates in a sense of uncertainty as both characters confront their pasts and the implications of their decisions. With Curtis putting his job on hold to care for Adriana, the stakes are high, and the unresolved issues surrounding Belinda and Michael loom large over their relationship. As they navigate these challenges together, the bond between Curtis and Adriana is tested, yet strengthened by their shared experiences and emotional vulnerabilities.<\/p>\n
**When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn**<\/p>\n
**Chapter 174: He Stayed**<\/p>\n
\u201cCurtis, thank you,\u201d Adriana murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, laden with emotion. \u201cThank you for trusting me.\u201d<\/p>\n
As she reclined back against the pillow, Curtis\u2019s hand brushed through her hair with a tenderness that belied the turmoil churning within him. \u201cThank me?\u201d he echoed, his tone dipping into a deeper register, carrying the weight of unspoken fears and doubts.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou really think we\u2019re still strangers?\u201d she pressed, her eyes wide as if searching for reassurance in his gaze.<\/p>\n
Adriana blinked rapidly, feeling a lump form in her throat, the tension tightening her chest. \u201cBelinda\u2019s just a kid,\u201d she continued, her voice faltering. \u201cMaybe this\u2019ll scare her straight. If she really ends up in prison, I\u2019ll feel terrible.\u201d<\/p>\n
Curtis\u2019s jaw clenched, the muscles taut as he fought against the rising tide of anger and hurt. \u201cWe\u2019ll deal with it later,\u201d he stated flatly, his tone leaving no room for argument.<\/p>\n
Yet beneath his stoic fa\u00e7ade, the truth gnawed at him. Belinda\u2019s betrayal stung like a sharp blade, cutting deeper than he wished to admit. Trust was a rare commodity for him, something he guarded fiercely. And Belinda had been one of the few he thought he could rely on. Watching her grow up had been bittersweet, and now, here she was, stabbing him where it hurt most.<\/p>\n
Adriana\u2019s delicate hand found his, her fingers trembling as they intertwined with his. Though she said nothing, he could feel her empathy wrapping around him like a warm blanket. She understood the weight of his pain.<\/p>\n
Suddenly, the stillness of the room shattered as the phone on the table vibrated violently against the wood surface, a sharp buzz that demanded attention.<\/p>\n
Curtis frowned, his eyes narrowing as he picked it up, glancing at the screen. An unknown number from Haldoria flashed back at him. Not many people had that line; it was reserved for family, for those who truly mattered.<\/p>\n
He answered, a single word escaping his lips, \u201cYeah?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCurtis.\u201d The voice on the other end was rough, tinged with bitterness. It was Michael. Just hearing it made Curtis\u2019s skin crawl, a visceral reaction that he couldn\u2019t suppress. \u201cYour grandfather said to call you. He told me I can\u2019t come back to the Lincolns unless you agree.\u201d<\/p>\n
A slow, simmering rage began to bubble within Curtis.<\/p>\n
His grip tightened around the phone, knuckles whitening. So that was the game. Harold had given his number to Michael, setting him up for this confrontation.<\/p>\n
Curtis could feel his temper rising, sharp and unyielding.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs that right?\u201d he replied, his voice flat as ice, devoid of warmth. \u201cThen you can forget it. Because as long as I\u2019m breathing, you\u2019re not coming back.\u201d<\/p>\n
Michael\u2019s tone hardened, a challenge lacing his words. \u201cI\u2019m calling out of respect, Curtis. I\u2019m still your father. Whether you like it or not, everything tied to the Lincolns belongs to me before it ever belongs to you.\u201d<\/p>\n
A sardonic smile curled on Curtis\u2019s lips, his laughter short and sharp, echoing through the tense air. \u201cWhen you walked away, the Lincolns were drowning in billions of debt. How about you pay that off first before you start talking about what\u2019s yours?\u201d<\/p>\n
Michael\u2019s voice snapped in fury, but Curtis cut him off, hanging up before he could finish.<\/p>\n
Adriana stared at him, eyes wide with surprise. \u201cWhat was that?\u201d she asked, her brow furrowing in concern.<\/p>\n
Curtis set the phone down, forcing his expression to return to calmness, though the storm inside him raged on. \u201cNothing. Just some scammer pretending to be my dad.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adriana let out a breath she didn\u2019t realize she was holding. \u201cSeriously? That\u2019s insane. They didn\u2019t even bother to check that your father\u2019s been dead for years.\u201d<\/p>\n
Curtis managed a faint smile, though he remained silent, the anger still simmering just beneath the surface. But as he looked at Adriana\u2014so fragile yet so vibrantly alive\u2014the heat of his rage dulled. Michael had always been a shadow, darkening everything he touched. Yet here, in this quiet room, with Adriana lying before him, the weight of that darkness felt a little lighter.<\/p>\n
Adriana spent three long days in the hospital, and finally, Curtis brought her home.<\/p>\n
He put his job on hold, shifting to remote work so he could keep a watchful eye over her.<\/p>\n
During those tense days, the police contacted Adriana regarding Belinda\u2019s case.<\/p>\n
Nothing was resolved. Adriana, the victim, didn\u2019t want to press charges. Curtis, who had filed the report, was resolute in his decision to see it through. And Belinda, the offender, remained stuck at the police station, refusing to leave.<\/p>\n
The situation felt like a three-way standoff, each party unwilling to budge.<\/p>\n
\u201cCurtis\u2026 can you just stop going after Belinda?\u201d Adriana\u2019s voice broke through the silence, soft and tentative, as she leaned against the study door, her head tilted slightly.<\/p>\n
Curtis closed his laptop, meeting her gaze with a steady intensity. \u201cBeing kind to someone who hurt you is the same as betraying yourself,\u201d he stated firmly, the conviction in his voice unwavering.<\/p>\n
Adriana froze, her eyes dropping to the floor, grappling with his words.<\/p>\n
He was right; she shouldn\u2019t feel pity for Belinda. Yet, a part of her still harbored sympathy for that troubled girl.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut the one who deserves my anger is Cynthia, not Belinda\u2026\u201d Adriana\u2019s voice fell to a whisper, trembling with the weight of her emotions.<\/p>\n
Cynthia was the woman who had once saved Curtis, a beacon of light in his dark past.<\/p>\n
Curtis could be harsh with Belinda, but when it came to Cynthia, he held back.<\/p>\n
Perhaps it was because he lacked proof of her betrayal. Adriana didn\u2019t dare to test that boundary, fearing the consequences.<\/p>\n
\u201cI understand,\u201d Curtis said, sensing her inner conflict. He ceased pressing her, rising from his seat and crossing the room to envelop her in his arms. \u201cTell me what you want to eat.\u201d<\/p>\n
He didn\u2019t want anyone meaningless coming between them, not now, not ever.<\/p>\n
Once Michael returned to the Lincolns, Curtis knew he would be swept back into the chaos.<\/p>\n
Michael had no ambition, no real talent to speak of. But he was greedy and petty, always scheming for his own gain, like a rat scurrying for scraps.<\/p>\n
\u201cCurtis\u2026 you\u2019ve seemed upset lately,\u201d Adriana observed, her voice quivering as she studied him with concern. She longed to ease his troubled heart but felt lost on how to begin.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t worry about it,\u201d Curtis replied, shaking his head slightly, attempting to dismiss her worries.<\/p>\n
Adriana nodded, her lips pressed tightly together, a silent agreement hanging in the air.<\/p>\n
Haldoria. Langford Group.<\/p>\n
Matthew had barely stepped into his office when his phone began ringing. It was Michael.<\/p>\n
He glanced at the screen, a smirk creeping onto his face. \u201cHey there.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHello, Mr. Langford. This is Michael,\u201d came the voice on the other end, laced with an undercurrent of desperation.<\/p>\n
Matthew had anticipated this call.<\/p>\n
Curtis had taken full control of the Lincoln Group, a fortress that even Harold couldn\u2019t breach. If Harold wanted Michael back, he would have to reconsider his strategy.<\/p>\n
And Curtis would never allow that man to step foot back into the Lincolns.<\/p>\n
Michael was running out of options, and Matthew was his last remaining card to play.<\/p>\n
\u201cMichael,\u201d Matthew replied, his calm grin betraying none of the tension he felt.<\/p>\n
Michael fell silent for a moment, the weight of the conversation hanging heavily between them. Finally, he spoke, his voice strained. \u201cMr. Langford, I\u2019m taking my kid to Haldoria tomorrow to tour the school. If you\u2019re free, we should meet.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the aftermath of the chaos that had engulfed them, Curtis and Adriana found a fragile peace in their shared understanding. The turmoil surrounding Belinda and the looming threat of Michael\u2019s return had strained their connection, yet through it all, they clung to one another. Curtis\u2019s fierce protectiveness and Adriana\u2019s empathetic heart formed a bond that transcended the darkness of their pasts. As they navigated the complexities of trust and betrayal, they discovered that healing was not merely a matter of time but a choice\u2014a choice to confront their fears and embrace the love that had blossomed between them. In the quiet moments spent together, they began to realize that their strength lay not just in facing their demons, but in leaning on each other when the weight of the world felt too heavy to bear alone.<\/p>\n
As Adriana slowly recovered, the shadows of their past began to recede, revealing the light of a future they could build together. Curtis, once consumed by anger and resentment, learned to channel his emotions into a fierce determination to protect what mattered most\u2014Adriana and their burgeoning relationship. The journey ahead would undoubtedly be fraught with challenges, not least of which was the inevitable confrontation with Michael, but they stood united, ready to face whatever came their way. With each passing day, they carved out a space where healing could take root, not just for themselves, but for those around them. In the delicate dance of love and resilience, they discovered that sometimes, the greatest healing comes from the connections we forge in the darkest of times.<\/p>\n
In the next chapter of \u201cWhen Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen,\u201d readers can expect the stakes to rise dramatically as Curtis grapples with the looming threat of Michael\u2019s return to Haldoria. With unresolved issues regarding Belinda and the simmering tension surrounding Michael\u2019s manipulative tactics, Curtis will find himself at a crossroads. The fragile peace he has built with Adriana could be shattered as old wounds resurface and new betrayals come to light. As Curtis navigates this treacherous terrain, he must confront not only his own demons but also the complexities of familial loyalty and the price of trust.<\/p>\n
Moreover, the dynamics between Curtis, Adriana, and the returning Michael promise to intensify. Adriana\u2019s conflicting feelings towards Belinda and Cynthia will weigh heavily on her, potentially leading her to make decisions that could alter the course of their relationship. Will she stand by Curtis\u2019s side, or will her compassion for Belinda cloud her judgment? As tensions mount, the emotional undercurrents will pull the characters in unexpected directions, testing their resolve and forcing them to confront the darker aspects of their pasts. Readers should brace themselves for a chapter filled with heart-wrenching choices, explosive confrontations, and the ever-present question of whether time can truly heal the wounds that refuse to mend.<\/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 174 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-24085","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\/24085","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=24085"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24085\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24085"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24085"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24085"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}