In Chapter 125 of “When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen,” Harold arrives in Haldoria under the pretense of handling family business, but he is primarily concerned about the possibility of Adriana being pregnant. His anxiety is palpable as he grapples with the idea that she might be expecting a child, a thought he struggles to voice. Nicole bluntly suggests that Adriana is faking the pregnancy to manipulate Harold, which angers him and highlights his disdain for public discussions about personal matters.
Matthew, trying to ease the tension, mentions that Adriana could not be pregnant since she was with him for four years without any issues. However, this only serves to deepen Harold’s frustration as he contemplates the implications of Adriana’s situation. He feels trapped between his desire to protect his family’s reputation and the unsettling reality of Adriana’s potential deceit. Nicole’s comments about Adriana’s past abortions further infuriate Harold, solidifying his determination to confront her.
As the chapter progresses, Matthew reveals his ulterior motives, seeking to expedite the divorce between Adriana and Curtis, Harold’s heir. His manipulative tactics become clear as he plans to bring the orphanage director into the situation, believing this will force Adriana to comply with their demands. The tension builds as Harold insists on taking action, emphasizing his unwillingness to let Adriana remain part of the Lincoln family if she is indeed unfaithful.
Meanwhile, Adriana starts her day feeling lethargic and disoriented. When Darren unexpectedly visits her, he tries to persuade her to go out for a walk, but she is suspicious of his intentions. Despite her reluctance and firm stance, she ultimately allows him into her room, showcasing her internal conflict and vulnerability. The chapter ends on a tense note, with Adriana’s decision to let Darren in marking a potential turning point in her struggle for autonomy amidst the manipulation surrounding her.
**When Time Tried to Heal Me But I Refused to Listen by Kael Niro Senn**
**Chapter 125: The Setup**
“Mr. Harold, what brings you to Haldoria all of a sudden?” Matthew inquired with a polite smile, his curiosity piqued.
“Just some family business to handle,” Harold replied, his tone cautious and guarded. The truth, which lingered unspoken on his lips, was that he had come primarily to ascertain whether Adriana was expecting a child. The idea gnawed at him, but he preferred to keep that particular thought buried.
Nicole, ever blunt, interjected without a hint of subtlety, “Adriana sure knows how to act. Mr. Matthew, you know her best—she’s obviously faking a pregnancy to fool Mr. Harold.”
At her words, Harold’s expression darkened, a storm brewing behind his eyes. He despised it when personal matters were thrust into the public eye, and Nicole seemed utterly oblivious to the gravity of her words.
If she weren’t a Barton, he would never even entertain the thought of such a shallow, thoughtless girl becoming part of his family.
“Mr. Harold, I mean no offense,” Matthew said, stealing a glance at him through the rearview mirror, “but Adriana can’t be pregnant. She was with me for four years.”
Harold’s demeanor turned stony, a wall of ice building around him. Sensing the tension, Matthew quickly added, “Of course, that’s not the point.”
He then directed a meaningful look at Nicole, hoping she would grasp the implication.
Nicole caught on immediately. “Mr. Harold, she was with Mr. Matthew for four years without ever getting pregnant. She’s only been with Curtis for a few days—it’s impossible. She’s just pretending.”
Harold’s expression grew colder, his patience wearing thin. “She refuses to cooperate. What am I supposed to do, drag her to the hospital?”
“Actually, it’s easy to get her to behave,” Matthew said casually, as if the matter were trivial. “She’s timid. The orphanage director, Margaret Hensley, is basically her foster mother. She listens to her more than anyone else.”
In truth, Matthew’s intentions were far from altruistic; he wanted to manipulate the situation to hasten the divorce between Curtis and Adriana.
It wasn’t entirely his fault—he simply couldn’t bear the thought of Adriana remaining entangled with Curtis any longer.
The Lincolns were not a family she should ever become involved with.
Although Curtis might be Harold’s heir, the dark undercurrents of that family’s business were far more sinister than anything the Langfords could conjure.
As the car rolled to a stop outside the hotel, Matthew exited first and opened the door for Harold, who stepped out with a grim expression, leaning heavily on his cane.
While Matthew pressed the elevator button, Nicole leaned closer to Harold, her voice a conspiratorial whisper. “Mr. Harold, I heard that Adriana had a few abortions during her time with Matthew. Her body is already damaged, and she was on birth control for years. There’s no way she could get pregnant now. She’s just trying to climb higher and won’t let go of Curtis.”
Harold’s face darkened further, a storm brewing within him.
A woman without self-respect or shame—he would never allow her to remain within the Lincolns. “Go to the orphanage and bring the director here. I want her to personally take Adriana for an exam!”
Nicole’s lips curled into a satisfied smirk. This time, Adriana wouldn’t be able to evade the situation.
After Harold entered the elevator, Matthew pulled out his phone and dialed Darren. “Is Adriana with you?”
“How’d you know?” Darren chuckled, the sound light and teasing. “You’re not planning to interfere, are you?”
“Tomorrow, I’ll take Mr. Harold and the orphanage director to the hotel to find Adriana. You should drop by and stir up a little misunderstanding,” Matthew suggested, his tone laced with calculated intent. He needed Harold to believe that Adriana was unfaithful—only then would he be determined to sever her ties for good.
“That’s pretty ruthless,” Darren replied, amusement evident in his voice. “I’m not really that type of guy.”
“I’ll give you an extra ten percent on the East Suburb project,” Matthew offered flatly, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Darren’s grin widened. “Now that’s more like it.”
The following morning, Adriana awoke late, the clock reading 10:30 AM when she finally stirred. A heavy sleepiness had enveloped her in recent days, leaving her feeling sluggish and disoriented.
Still groggy, she opened her Pastalia language app, listening to her lessons while she washed up, the familiar sounds providing a comforting backdrop to her morning routine.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang, interrupting her thoughts. Assuming it was room service, she called out, “Who is it?”
“It’s me.” Darren’s voice drifted in from the other side, casual yet somehow insistent.
Adriana opened the door and found him standing there, dressed sharply, sunglasses perched on his nose, looking every bit the peacock eager to show off its plumage.
Her lips twitched slightly at the sight. “Mr. Maldonado, what can I do for you?”
“The weather’s great. Want to go out for a walk?” he suggested smoothly, his tone suggesting ulterior motives.
Adriana regarded him with suspicion, her instincts on high alert. “I’m not feeling well. I’d rather stay in.”
As she attempted to close the door, Darren deftly placed a hand against it, his smile unwavering. “Let me come in for a minute. I just want a glass of water.”
“If you’re thirsty, the front desk can help,” she replied calmly, her resolve firm. “I’m out of water anyway.”
“Come on, just let me sit for a bit. We can talk,” he pressed, trying to step inside.
Adriana quickly pushed him back, her eyes narrowing as she assessed him.
He was taken aback. For someone who appeared so soft and delicate, she possessed a surprising strength.
Given how he had spoken to her the previous day, she felt entirely justified in her refusal.
“Seriously? After all the help I gave you, you’re really making me stand out here to talk? What if someone sees us?” he protested, casting a glance down the hall as if the mere thought of being seen with her was scandalous.
Adriana hesitated, the tension hanging in the air thick and palpable. With a resigned sigh, she opened the door wider, allowing him entry.
Darren raised an eyebrow, his expression one of triumph. It wasn’t entirely his fault—if anyone was to blame, it was Adriana for letting her defenses down.
In the tangled web of emotions and intentions, the chapter culminates in a clash of loyalty and betrayal that leaves Adriana at a crossroads. Harold’s protective instincts clash with the manipulative schemes of those around him, revealing the harsh reality of familial expectations and societal judgments. As Adriana grapples with the weight of her past choices and the looming specter of her potential future, she finds herself caught between the desires of others and her own yearning for autonomy. The stakes have never been higher as the façade of her life threatens to unravel, and she must confront the truth of her circumstances, no matter how painful it may be.
As the chapter closes, Adriana’s internal struggle becomes palpable, echoing the larger themes of self-respect and the fight against external pressures. The arrival of Darren, with his disingenuous charm and ulterior motives, serves as a catalyst for her awakening. In this moment of vulnerability, Adriana’s strength emerges, hinting at her capacity for resilience amidst chaos. The emotional arc reaches a pivotal moment as she begins to realize that the only way forward is to reclaim her narrative, to stand firm against manipulation, and to seek the truth that lies buried beneath the layers of deceit. The journey ahead promises to be fraught with challenges, but it is a journey she must undertake if she is to find healing and reclaim her identity.
**What to Expect in the ?**
As the tension escalates, readers can expect the stakes to rise dramatically in the next chapter. With Harold’s determination to confront Adriana about her supposed pregnancy and Matthew’s manipulative schemes to drive a wedge between her and Curtis, the stage is set for a confrontation that could unravel everything Adriana has worked to protect. The arrival of the orphanage director, Margaret Hensley, promises to add another layer of complexity to the situation, as her influence over Adriana could either provide a lifeline or seal her fate. Will Adriana be able to navigate these treacherous waters, or will the mounting pressure force her into a corner she cannot escape?
Moreover, the dynamics between Adriana and Darren are bound to take a turn. With Darren’s persistence and ulterior motives lurking beneath his charming facade, readers will be on the edge of their seats, wondering if Adriana will finally see through his ploys or if she will unwittingly walk into a trap. As secrets threaten to spill and alliances shift, the emotional intensity will reach new heights. Expect revelations that could change the course of Adriana’s life forever, leaving readers eager to discover how she will confront the challenges ahead and whether she will find the strength to reclaim her agency amidst the chaos.
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’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.