The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1593

The competition was just around the corner.

Even though Shirley knew she was only here to make up the numbers, that didn’t stop her from giving it everything she had. She practically moved into the lab, working from morning till the middle of the night, her dedication enough to leave anyone in awe.

“Charlotte told me to give you something. Let’s meet at The Cabinda University at two this afternoon.”

Andrew wanted to see her but couldn’t think of a good reason. After thinking it over, he settled for dropping Charlotte’s name as his excuse.

“Huh?”

Shirley answered the phone, sounding lost. “I just talked to Charlotte. She didn’t mention anything about giving me stuff.”

“How should I know?”

Andrew barely looked up, grabbing more things from the shelf and tossing them into the cart. His voice came out gruff. “Just be there.”

He hung up. Then he kept filling the cart until it was overflowing, every snack inside something Shirley loved.

Andrew didn’t notice Parrish trailing him through the aisles. Parrish walked with his hands in his pockets, his gaze flicking from Andrew’s red face to the pile of snacks. The small, knowing grin said it all. “Since when did you start pretending not to care when you clearly do?”

Andrew rolled his eyes. “If I didn’t use Charlotte as an excuse, she’d never agree to meet up.”

“Oh, I see,” Parrish said, dragging out the words, his smile growing. “Andrew, why not just admit you like her? Go for it.”

Andrew froze, his cheeks going hot. “What are you talking about?”

Parrish shot him another grin, looking for all the world like he was dying for some juicy gossip. “Shirley. Come on. I’ve known you for years. It’s obvious.”

“I’m not letting anyone mess with her,” Andrew said, eyes down and hands playing with a bag of chips. His voice was steady and fierce. “Not even my mom.”

Shirley had been through enough already. He wasn’t going to let anyone hurt her now.

***

Later that afternoon, Shirley showed up at The Cabinda University, panting, dark circles under her eyes from too many long nights in the lab.

“Are those… snacks?” she asked, eyes wide when she saw the three bursting bags waiting for her. “You seriously bought everything I love.”

Andrew looked away and rubbed his nose, feeling awkward. He shoved the bags into her arms. “I bought way too much and can’t finish it all. Take some.”

“Can’t finish it?” Shirley looked through the pile, grinning so wide her eyes nearly disappeared. “You being nice to me all of a sudden—what’s going on? You need a favor?”