In Chapter 176 of \u201cWhen Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen,\u201d the emotional turmoil between Curtis and Adriana unfolds as they grapple with guilt and blame. Curtis, feeling responsible for Adriana\u2019s past pain, holds her tightly, desperately wishing he could have protected her. Despite Adriana\u2019s reassurances that she no longer hurts, Curtis is consumed by self-reproach, believing he failed to foresee the danger she faced. Their conversation reveals a shared understanding of their chaotic experiences, as Adriana admits her own mistakes related to Belinda\u2019s arrival.<\/p>\n
The chapter shifts focus as a sleek black Phantom arrives, bringing Michael and his family to the villa. Michael\u2019s presence stirs a mix of emotions, particularly jealousy from his wife, Juliet, who laments their family\u2019s past struggles compared to Curtis\u2019s seemingly easier life. Their son, Denton, feels torn between loyalty to his father and the reality of their new wealth, questioning whether he truly wants this life. The tension escalates as Belinda, a quiet observer, interrupts the family\u2019s arrival, leading to a confrontation between Curtis and Michael.<\/p>\n
As the encounter intensifies, Curtis\u2019s disdain for Michael is palpable. He rejects his father\u2019s claims of ownership over the villa and confronts him about abandoning the family years ago. The revelation that Michael chose to leave rather than fight for his family shocks Denton, who grapples with the truth of his father\u2019s past. The chapter closes with a heavy silence, leaving characters and readers alike to ponder the implications of Michael\u2019s departure and the secrets that have shaped their lives.<\/p>\n
**When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn**<\/p>\n
**Chapter 176: Blaming Himself**<\/p>\n
\u201cDoes it still hurt?\u201d Curtis\u2019s voice was barely above a whisper as he enveloped Adriana in his embrace, pulling her close against his chest. The warmth of her body provided a fleeting comfort, but it did little to alleviate the turmoil brewing within him.<\/p>\n
For days, he had wrestled with self-reproach, each passing hour a relentless reminder of his perceived failures. The guilt gnawed at him, a venomous creature that refused to let go, coiling tighter with every thought that crossed his mind.<\/p>\n
Adriana shook her head softly, her dark hair brushing against his cheek. \u201cNo. It doesn\u2019t hurt anymore,\u201d she reassured him, her voice steady, yet tinged with a hint of vulnerability.<\/p>\n
Curtis let out a shaky breath, resting his forehead against her shoulder. His voice emerged raspy, laden with remorse. \u201cI should\u2019ve protected you. I should\u2019ve seen the danger before it was too late.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adriana\u2019s response was immediate, her head shaking fervently. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t your fault,\u201d she insisted, her eyes reflecting a mixture of sadness and strength.<\/p>\n
She paused, her gaze drifting as if lost in the recesses of her memories. \u201cI was the one who messed up. I should\u2019ve seen it coming when Belinda showed up.\u201d The weight of her words hung in the air, a shared understanding of the chaos that had unfolded.<\/p>\n
Just as Curtis was about to respond, the sudden chime of the doorbell sliced through the heavy silence of the house, startling them both.<\/p>\n
Outside, a sleek black Phantom glided to a halt at the gate, its engine purring to a stop. Matthew\u2019s assistant stepped out, the polished exterior of the car reflecting the sunlight as he opened the door with a slight bow, ushering in a family of three.<\/p>\n
Michael, with his chin held high, surveyed the villa with a calm intensity. In his mind, he believed everything Curtis possessed had always belonged to him, a notion that simmered beneath the surface.<\/p>\n
Juliet\u2019s voice, filled with wonder, broke through Michael\u2019s thoughts. \u201cHoney, this place is amazing. Is it ours?\u201d Her eyes sparkled with a mixture of admiration and envy.<\/p>\n
Michael\u2019s laughter was dry, almost bitter. \u201cNo. This is one of the Lincolns\u2019 homes in Haldoria. It belongs to my son from my first marriage.\u201d The admission hung heavy in the air, a reminder of the life he had left behind.<\/p>\n
Juliet\u2019s expression shifted, jealousy seeping into her features. \u201cWhat a waste. If only this house were ours. Your first son has had it easy for years while our boy grew up with nothing.\u201d Her voice cracked as she fought back tears, the raw emotion spilling forth.<\/p>\n
Denton, sensing the tension, frowned and turned to his mother. \u201cMom, that\u2019s not right. Dad said he left the Lincolns on his own. You met him after that. If he hadn\u2019t left, you wouldn\u2019t even be together. So it\u2019s not my brother\u2019s fault.\u201d His tone was calm but firm, a protective instinct rising within him.<\/p>\n
Yet, inside, he felt adrift. Just like that, his life had transformed from simplicity to the complexities of a wealthy family he barely knew. Doubts clouded his mind\u2014did he even want this new reality? And would his brother accept him?<\/p>\n
No matter how Michael rationalized it, Denton couldn\u2019t shake the feeling that his father\u2019s departure from the Lincolns had deeper implications, secrets that lay buried beneath the surface.<\/p>\n
In the corner of the yard, Belinda sat hunched over, tracing circles in the dirt with a stick. Her legs were numb from sitting too long, but she jolted upright when she spotted the approaching family. Steadying herself against the wall, she asked hesitantly, \u201cWho are you looking for?\u201d<\/p>\n
Juliet flinched at the unexpected voice, her hand instinctively clutching her chest. Michael stiffened beside her, realizing they hadn\u2019t noticed the girl until now.<\/p>\n
Michael\u2019s brows knitted together in confusion. \u201cI\u2019m looking for Curtis. Who are you? The maid?\u201d His tone was dismissive, but there was a flicker of curiosity in his eyes.<\/p>\n
Belinda turned towards the doorway, where Curtis and Adriana had just emerged. \u201cCurtis, they\u2019re here for you,\u201d she said softly, her voice barely rising above a whisper.<\/p>\n
As Michael\u2019s gaze fell upon Curtis, the color drained from his face. The boy he had once dismissed now stood before him, taller, sharper, exuding a strength that filled the space between them. Michael found himself unable to meet Curtis\u2019s eyes, a wave of unease washing over him.<\/p>\n
Matthew\u2019s assistant stepped forward, a polite smile plastered on his face. \u201cMr. Lincoln, this is Mr. Michael. He\u2019s your father. Mr. Langford asked me to bring him and his family here to see you.\u201d The words hung in the air, heavy with implications.<\/p>\n
Curtis let out a sharp, cold laugh, the sound echoing with disdain. To him, Matthew resembled a child attempting to engage in a fight far beyond his capability. Did that fool truly believe that dragging back a runaway father and a half-brother would somehow elevate the Lincoln Group to the status of the Langford empire?<\/p>\n
\u201cGo tell your boss this,\u201d Curtis said, his voice slicing through the tension like a knife. \u201cIf he has to bring an illegitimate son into his company, that means he\u2019s weak. Just because he\u2019s pathetic doesn\u2019t mean the rest of us are.\u201d<\/p>\n
The assistant\u2019s demeanor shifted, his forced smile crumbling as he froze, eyes wide with shock. He swallowed hard, offering a quick nod before retreating back to the car, clearly rattled by Curtis\u2019s words.<\/p>\n
Adriana turned her gaze towards Michael and his family, her face paling in disbelief. His father? But Curtis had always believed his father was dead.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo you\u2019re Curtis,\u201d Michael said, attempting to sound casual, though his eyes betrayed his nervousness as they roamed over Curtis\u2019s form. \u201cYou\u2019ve grown up.\u201d He began to move towards the house, motioning for Juliet to follow.<\/p>\n
Curtis raised his arm, blocking Michael\u2019s path with a fierce determination. \u201cThis is property of the Lincolns. You can\u2019t just waltz in here like you own the place.\u201d<\/p>\n
Michael\u2019s expression twisted into one of disbelief. \u201cCurtis, I\u2019m your father. Everything you have is because of me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Juliet interjected sharply, her tone cutting through the air. \u201cYou can\u2019t just slam the door on your own dad!\u201d<\/p>\n
Curtis remained unmoved, his eyes locked onto Denton instead. So this was the kid\u2014the perfect brother, the one Harold had been so eager to bring into the fold.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Denton stammered, his voice low and filled with nervousness. \u201cWe shouldn\u2019t have just shown up. My dad\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n
Curtis interrupted him, his words heavy as lead. \u201cYears ago, the Lincolns were drowning in debt\u2014over ten billion, might I add. He didn\u2019t fight for this family. He ran. He signed away his inheritance and vanished from the face of the earth. He left my grandfather and me to pick up the pieces of what he destroyed. And now he has the nerve to show his face here?\u201d<\/p>\n
Denton\u2019s eyes widened in shock as he turned to Michael. \u201cDad\u2026 is that true?\u201d<\/p>\n
An icy silence enveloped them, the weight of the revelation hanging thick in the air. Adriana and Belinda exchanged glances, their faces etched with disbelief.<\/p>\n
So he hadn\u2019t died back then; he had chosen to run. The Lincolns, shrouded in shame, had spun a tale of his death to the world, concealing the truth behind a veil of lies.<\/p>\n
In the aftermath of the confrontation, the air thick with unspoken truths and unresolved emotions, Curtis stood at the precipice of his past, grappling with the weight of betrayal and the complexities of family. The revelation that Michael had chosen to abandon them rather than fight for his family ignited a fire within him, a fierce determination to reclaim his identity and redefine his narrative. No longer would he be the boy left in the shadows of a father\u2019s absence; he would emerge as a force to be reckoned with, unyielding in the face of adversity. Adriana, ever by his side, offered a silent promise of support, her unwavering belief in his strength becoming the anchor he needed amidst the storm of emotions swirling around them.<\/p>\n
As the dust settled, Curtis felt a shift within himself\u2014a gradual acceptance of the pain that had long held him captive. No longer would he allow the ghosts of his father\u2019s choices to dictate his future. With each heartbeat, he embraced the possibility of healing, not just for himself but for those entangled in the web of his family\u2019s legacy. The journey ahead would be fraught with challenges, but he was ready to face them head-on, armed with the knowledge that he was not alone. Together with Adriana, Denton, and even Belinda, they would forge a new path, one that honored their past while bravely stepping into the light of a future filled with hope and resilience.<\/p>\n
What to Expect in the Next Chapter?<\/p>\n
As the tension thickens in the Lincoln household, readers can anticipate an explosive confrontation that will unravel family secrets and challenge loyalties. With Curtis standing firm against his father\u2019s unexpected arrival, the dynamics within the family are poised to shift dramatically. Will Michael attempt to justify his long absence and the choices that led to his family\u2019s downfall? Or will Curtis\u2019s unwavering resentment and bitterness force Michael to confront the consequences of his actions head-on? The stakes are higher than ever as the past collides with the present, and the fragile bonds of kinship are tested.<\/p>\n
Moreover, Denton finds himself caught in a whirlwind of emotions, grappling with the revelations about his father\u2019s past and the implications for his own identity. As he navigates the complexities of being the \u2018perfect brother\u2019 in a family fraught with tension, readers will witness his internal struggle to reconcile his loyalty to his father with the harsh truths that surface. Will he stand by Michael, or will he align himself with Curtis, who has borne the brunt of their father\u2019s choices? The next chapter promises to delve deeper into these character arcs, setting the stage for pivotal decisions that could alter the course of their lives forever. Prepare for a gripping exploration of forgiveness, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of truth.<\/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 176 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-24087","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\/24087","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=24087"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24087\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24087"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24087"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24087"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}