The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1560

“So eager, huh?”

Kenneth smiled at Emily, a teasing spark in his eyes.

“Yeah,” she answered, meeting his gaze. There was no hesitation or shyness. “I’m done staring at your photos and videos. For the next ten years, I want to actually be with you.”

Hearing that, Kenneth’s chest tightened. Something deep inside him trembled.

“No.”

Emily’s smile vanished. Her eyes widened with surprise and a hint of panic. “No? Why not?”

Kenneth’s tone softened. “Because I don’t just want the next ten years. I want every decade after that. All of them. I want us together, always.”

Those ten years had been her regret. He felt that too.

Emily’s cheeks turned pink, her skin going from pale to red as she pressed her forehead to his shoulder and spoke quietly. “Back then, when I wanted to join the industry, my mom fought with me all the time.”

Kenneth’s attention sharpened. He knew she’d chosen that career for him, but he didn’t know the details.

Emily’s voice dropped even lower but in the silent living room, every word landed clear. “My mom told me, after all these years, if it was gonna happen between us, it would have happened already.” She sighed. “She said I was just wasting my time. That it would go nowhere.”

Kenneth swallowed. His voice was rough, softer than before. “Weren’t you scared she’d be right? That everything would end up just... empty?”

Emily nodded. She looked serious, almost fierce in her honesty. “I was scared. But I couldn’t help it. I only wanted you.”

He just stared, shock mixing with a happiness so big he didn’t know what to do with it. He felt unsteady, completely lost for words.

Emily’s cheeks were bright red now but she managed a shy little smile. “So, are you coming over here to hug me, or should I go to you?”

As soon as the words were out, Kenneth dropped whatever he was holding, hurrying straight toward her. He wrapped her up in his arms and held her like he might never let go.

“You’re really back? This isn’t a joke?”

“I am.” Emily hugged him around the waist, then lifted her head and gently bit his shoulder, teasing him. “I remember everything, even how you used to tease me.”

Kenneth frowned in mock protest, his voice soft and raspy. “You can forget that part if you want.”