The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1710

Shirley stayed quiet, her thoughts caught up somewhere else. Andrew lowered his head, gently swinging her fingers between his own. His voice was soft, teasing. “Don’t want to hang out with me a little longer?”

He hesitated, then tried again. “Or… do you regret being with me?” That question seemed to rattle him, his brows knit tight with worry. His tone sharpened, just a little. “I mean it. You agreed to be my girlfriend, Shirley. No takesies-backsies. I’m not letting you dump me.”

Dump him? Shirley’s ears instantly warmed. She fought back a laugh, lifting her chin to meet his eyes. “No, it’s not that. It’s just…”

“Just what?” Andrew pressed, refusing to let it go.

“We don’t have to make a public show of us dating.” She looked at him, her gaze calm and honest. “Andrew, I don’t want everyone’s attention on me. I’d rather we just enjoy this quietly, just us. That’s enough for me.”

Maybe she was being cautious, but with Andrew’s status, who knew what drama could come from everyone finding out.

Andrew nodded right away, understanding exactly what she meant. “Alright. Whatever you want, I’ll follow your lead.”

“Good.” A faint smile curled at Shirley’s lips. “I’m heading into school, then.”

“I’ll pick you up after class,” Andrew added, hurrying to speak before she could refuse. “I’ll wait somewhere out of the way for you. Does that work?”

Shirley’s smile deepened. She slipped her hand from his and glanced at her backpack. “Hand that over?”

“Oh.” Andrew passed her the bag with obvious reluctance, then ran a quick, awkward hand through his hair. “So… are you really leaving without a hug?”

Shirley hesitated, eyes going wide as color rushed to her cheeks. Her voice was barely there. “We just got together. Already…?”

It felt way too soon, almost embarrassing.

“It’s just a hug.” Andrew grinned, but his hands fidgeted. “Besides, Charlotte and Anthony have moved way faster than us. They were practically living together before they even made things official.”

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