The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1601

Andrew was just as lost.

He lay there on the floor, the dull ache in his back keeping him awake and sharp. Maybe that was for the best, because it let him really take in the girl in his arms.

Her face was small and delicate, skin practically glowing. Her eyes were round and clear, bright enough that looking into them felt a little dangerous, like you could get pulled right in.

Shirley was naturally petite, her frame so slim that, even at a little over five feet, she seemed almost fragile. Holding her now, her waist felt impossibly tiny, as if the lightest squeeze might break her.

“I’m okay,” Andrew said, his brows knitted together as he gazed at her. There was a softness in his eyes, warm and deep, and his throat worked like he was holding something back. He looked at her like she was a secret he had to keep.

“You…” Shirley’s voice was shaky. Her legs felt weak, and her hands, still resting on his shoulders, grasped just a little tighter.

A moment later, she pulled herself free from his arms, stepping back in a hurry, her hands nervously smoothing down her clothes.

“The competition’s about to start. I— I should go,” Shirley blurted out, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. She didn’t dare look at Andrew again—she just turned and rushed out, her footsteps echoing down the hallway.

When she finally made it into the corridor, she stopped, out of breath, pressing a hand to her thumping heart. She patted her cold cheeks a couple times, as if that would settle the wild mess inside her.

Come on, Shirley. You and Andrew will only ever be friends. That’s it. Don’t let your mind drift off again.

Back in the lounge, Andrew slowly got to his feet. He touched his chest, feeling for that lingering warmth where she had been only moments before. A huge, goofy grin spread across his face. Shirley was so light, it was like holding a little bird. He really ought to make sure she ate more from now on.

“It’s not like she’s the only talented one,” said the girl with heavy makeup, her lips twisting. “Why pick her? You’re a physics major, aren’t you? You don’t know she’s good friends with Dr. Cole? And Dr. Cole’s tight with your department chair.”

With that, whispers started floating around, some subtle, some not so subtle, throwing shade on Dr. Cole, Mr. Lane, and, most of all, how Shirley got her spot in the competition.

Charlotte, in the midst of gaming on her phone, paused. She tipped up her cap with a finger, eyes dark and cold as ice as she shot a look at the girls doing the gossiping. A hint of a smirk touched her lips, but it was anything but warm.

Andrew heard the drama, too. He looked up right away, frowning. Was that… Pandora? What was she even doing here, of all places?

“Alright, enough,” Pandora finally said, grabbing her friend by the arm and fixing a frozen glare at the stage. Her voice was slow and dripping with attitude. “If she’s got connections, that’s a form of skill, isn’t it?”