The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1550

“Don’t worry, Norma,” Charlotte said, cozying up to Anthony. A soft smile brightened her delicate features, and there was something totally sure of herself in her voice. “Kenneth would never have the guts to mess with Emily.”

“Oh? Why’s that?” Norma studied Charlotte, eyes lingering with growing fondness, her gaze turning warm without even realizing it.

Charlotte barely lifted her eyelids, shooting Anthony the quickest side-eye as her lips quirked. “In the Gates family, men don’t have a bit of status here,” she said, drawing out her reply.

Norma blinked, surprised. “No status at all?”

Her gaze drifted over to Anthony, full of meaning and maybe a dash of amusement.

“Don’t even bother,” Lavinia chimed in, looping her arm through Charlotte’s and giving Anthony a look that said it all. “He’s no exception,” she said, not bothering to hide her bluntness.

Norma just stared. She had nothing to say to that.

...

Upstairs, things felt heavier.

“Kenneth, this is Emily’s room,” the maid said, leading him up. She lingered just a moment too long before heading off, sneaking a last look over her shoulder.

“Thanks,” Kenneth mumbled, weighed down by a hundred thoughts. He stood in front of the door, just breathing, collecting himself before he finally pushed it open.

Inside, Emily was curled up on the edge of her bed, wearing a soft pink pajama set. Her hair tumbled over her shoulders and she looked so quiet, almost fragile. Her face was pale and her eyes were red from crying, and the sight of her hit Kenneth hard, right in the heart.

He felt like he could barely breathe.

“Emily,” he managed, forcing a small smile, trying to keep his voice steady. “When did you wake up?”

“Just now.” Emily didn’t take her eyes off him for even a second.

“Are you wondering how I got in?” Kenneth crossed over and sat next to her, carefully smoothing her messy hair. His voice was low and rough, “I talked to Norma. She agreed to let us be together.”

She wasn’t afraid.

But he was.

Terrified, really.

If it were possible, he’d give her half his life without a second thought.

“Emily, I promise, I’ll get you through this. You have to believe me.” Kenneth kept whispering, almost to himself. Tears tracked down his cheeks, and his words came out raw around the edges.

Emily caught that quiet, desperate murmur in his voice. “Emily, I love you. I can’t lose you.” Her chest tightened.

She reached up, took his face in her hands, and kissed him, gentle and warm. “Kenneth, will you marry me?”