The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1186

“We’re getting engaged. We want you to be there.”

Charlotte’s voice rang out, light and clear. The words had barely landed before both men knocked over their wine glasses, wide-eyed in shock.

Anthony was the first to recover. A slow, genuine smile tugged at his lips, the shock melting into something close to delight. She remembered what they’d talked about before coming here. Charlotte was finally willing to give him a place in her life.

“Yeah, we’re planning to get engaged first,” Anthony said, gently taking Charlotte’s hand. He turned to Newell, his tone respectful. “You mean a lot to Lottie. We hope you can make it.”

Newell just stared, frozen in place, as if the news couldn’t quite sink in.

Engaged? That meant marriage was next. Dating, engagement, marriage, kids… It was all so normal, so inevitable.

“Are you sure about this?” Newell asked, grabbing a napkin to wipe his damp hand, his gaze fixed on Charlotte.

Charlotte finished her cake in calm, unhurried bites, then reached for another slice like she wasn’t quite satisfied. “Since I’m destined to marry him anyway,” she said quietly, “I don’t see the point in waiting.”

Anthony felt his heart skip. Newell, too, was caught off-guard by her words. She was “destined to marry him.” The forced smile on Newell’s lips faded into something sadder. “DM’s been busy lately. I’ll try.”

“Try?” Charlotte stood, shooting him a cold look. “Figure it out.”

She turned and walked away, only to double back for another slice of cream cake before leaving again.

“I need to talk to Newell for a minute,” Anthony said, rubbing her head gently. “Go wait for me outside. I won’t be long.”

Charlotte paused for a second, then nodded and slipped out.

He was lucky. He knew it.

As the two of them left, the last trace of a smile disappeared from Newell’s face.

***

In the car, Charlotte was lounging comfortably, cake in hand and a fork poised for her next bite. There was only a tiny piece left of her third mini cake.

She’d developed a serious sweet tooth lately.

“Is it really that good?” Anthony teased, pulling her onto his lap and circling his arms around her waist. He leaned in to lick the cream from her lips and grinned. “Yeah… it’s definitely sweet.”