The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1629

“Whales fall to the sea, stars to the deepest valley, the wind hides in the mountain forest, and I come home to you.” Charlotte’s smile lingered at the corner of her lips, her eyes shining with something bright and impossible to name.

“I promise you, we’ll always be together.” Sensing the change in Charlotte’s mood, Anthony gently added, “Before now and after. Nothing, not even death, could tear us apart.”

Charlotte listened, her heart racing. She waited, then whispered, “What else?”

Anthony blinked, a little thrown off. Those were all the sweet lines he prepared for tonight. Was that not enough?

“Say you want to marry me,” Charlotte pressed, clutching the ring tightly. She bit her bottom lip, her voice rising just a bit. “Say it!”

Anthony reached for her hand. “Marry me, Lottie.”

“I will.” The answer was out before he could breathe. Charlotte stretched out her hand, as impatient as a kid at sunrise. “Hurry, put it on.”

Everyone nearby went completely silent.

Anthony’s relief was written all over his face. He tried to hide how unsteady he felt and slid the ring onto Charlotte’s finger with care. His voice was low and soft as he leaned in, “This ring has a beautiful name…”

Charlotte let her gaze fall to her hand, studying the ring. The diamond sparkled between two delicate curves of white gold, looking exactly like a crown being lifted high. The design was bold but graceful, fit for a queen.

“It’s called Crown for Love.” Anthony lingered on one knee, his tone gentle, “Early congratulations, my queen.”

“Congratulations to you, too.” Charlotte looked straight at him, threading her fingers through his and squeezing tight.

Then Anthony touched her neck, drawing her close, his lips finding hers in a kiss so gentle that everything seemed to pause.

The older relatives, ever proper, awkwardly looked away, pretending not to see.

“We’ve got a ride. No need to worry about us.” Kenneth took advantage of the moment, stuffing a few more pieces of grilled meat into his mouth before his manager could reappear. He wiped his lips, voice muffled, “Seriously, don’t mind us.”

Anthony turned, catching a glimpse of Charlotte and grinning helplessly. Then he faced Andrew, Shirley, and the rest. “Split up and get into the cars,” his voice quiet but firm.

“On it, Anthony.” Andrew started guiding the others toward the cars. “Stella, you—”

Stella looked up, startled, her gaze colliding with Roger’s across the headlights.

“I’m with Shirley,” Stella said quickly, her face offering no clue to what she was thinking. She walked over to Shirley and together they climbed into Kenneth’s car.

Roger’s features tightened, something shifting in his eyes, but he kept it neutral. With a cool nod, he jingled his car keys. “I just remembered I need to stop by the hospital. It’s not on the way, so I’ll head off now.”

And with that, the night closed in, the sound of the waves mixing with quiet laughter and the last sizzle of the barbecue.