The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1664

After dinner, Andrew walked Shirley back to The Cabinda University. The whole way there, Shirley kept an obvious distance between them. She barely spoke, just quietly staring ahead, her vibe much cooler than usual.

“What’s going on?” As they got close to the campus, Andrew finally stopped and gently took her hand. He looked at her, totally mystified. “Why won’t you talk to me?”

“I’m fine,” Shirley said, shaking her head and pulling her hand away. Her face was pale, her voice tired. “You still have class this afternoon. You should head back.”

“What happened?” Andrew could feel it, something was wrong. He stepped in a bit closer, searching her face for answers, concern etched in his features. “Shirley, since we met up today, you’ve barely said a word to me.”

Just yesterday, it felt like things were finally getting better between them. He was sure Shirley was slowly warming up, getting closer. Now, overnight, she was colder than ever. She felt even more distant than when he first told her how he felt.

He hesitated. Finally, Andrew asked, “Did someone talk to you?”

Shirley’s head snapped up, her eyes flickering. That tiny movement said everything.

“My mom?” Andrew guessed, his voice dropping, eyes darkening. “She came to see you, didn’t she?”

The color drained from Shirley’s face. He hit the nail on the head.

“What did she say to you?” Andrew’s tone sharpened. He was struggling to keep his emotions in check.

Shirley’s eyes watered. She barely managed to get her words out, her voice rough and shaky. “Andrew, let’s just stop here. Otherwise, we won’t even be able to stay friends.”

He couldn’t even imagine how helpless Shirley must have felt, sitting across from his mother and hearing who knows what.

Dorothy ran a hand through her hair, her face utterly unapologetic. Her voice was cold, emotionless. “I told her to know her place and give up. She shouldn’t be delusional about you.”

“She never chased after me.” Andrew stepped forward, fists clenched. His words came out sharp, every syllable shaking. “I’m the one who likes her. I’m the one who can’t let her go. It’s my choice, not hers.”

Dorothy blinked, caught off guard by his answer.

“Stay away from her,” Andrew said, the message clear in every word. He gave his mother a look she had never seen before, deadly serious. “I mean it, Mom. I love Shirley. She’s the only one for me, now and always. Even if you can’t accept it, you’ll have to deal with it. If you mess with her again, don’t blame me for what happens.”