The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1663

Cabinda University

Physics Lab

It was almost midnight when Shirley finally finished her project. She sent it off to Mr. Lane, then dropped her head onto the desk, falling asleep right there.

When she woke up, her mind was foggy, her muscles stiff from the awkward nap.

“You okay, Shirley?” One of her classmates poked her head in, looking worried as soon as she saw Shirley’s pale face. “You can’t keep pushing yourself like this.”

Shirley managed a tired half-smile, trying to shake off the exhaustion. “I’m fine. Did you bring the group assignment?”

“Yeah, right here.” The classmate quickly opened her bag and handed over the folder, as if it was something fragile. “Mr. Lane’s topic is way too tough. We all talked it over, but no one could crack it. So…”

“I’ll take care of it.” Shirley nodded, flipping through the papers. “Once I’ve got a draft together, I’ll let everyone know.”

“Oh, thank you, Shirley.” Relief washed over her classmate’s face.

It was practically a law of the physics department: impossible problems went to Shirley. She always found a way. Even Mr. Lane didn’t bother nitpicking her work. No wonder everyone hoped to team up with her for group assignments.

Before leaving, the classmate glanced at her one more time. “But seriously… are you sure you’re okay?” Genuine worry lingered in her voice.

Shirley forced a little laugh. “Just a cold. I’ll survive.”

No parents, no one to fuss over her when she was sick — that was how she grew up. Eventually, she learned to pretend nothing was wrong, no matter how bad it got. It had just become who she was.

Once her classmate left, Shirley dug around in a bag Andrew had brought her, found some cold medicine, and swallowed it. Warmth bloomed in her stomach, and gradually her head felt clearer, but in that clarity, Andrew’s face kept floating through her mind. She couldn’t shake it.

Her phone rang, snapping her out of her thoughts.

“Mr. Lane?” Shirley answered, instantly sitting up straighter.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify