The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1999

"..."

Staring at the massive, fluffy pink Strawberry Bear, the deadness in Stella's eyes flickered ever so slightly.

When she didn't reach for it, the bear nudged the cotton candy closer.

It was clear the bear wasn't taking no for an answer.

A few seconds later.

Stella reached out and took the stick, twirling it softly between her fingers.

Peach-flavored.

Did Charlotte arrange this?

Stella stared at the cute, fluffy treat. Her lips pressed into a tight line, her eyes brimming with overwhelming sorrow.

She was always such a burden to everyone.

Charlotte was heavily pregnant and supposed to be resting, yet she was running around ragged just to take care of her.

And Roger...

Even though he hadn't shown his face at the apartment, she knew he spent every single night standing outside in the cold.

The more she thought about it, the harder it became to breathe.

It felt like a hundred-pound weight was crushing her chest.

Right then, a soft, fuzzy pink paw reached out. The Strawberry Bear tilted its giant head, looking at her sympathetically.

When she didn't react, the bear gently patted her on the head and opened its arms for a hug.

She remembered that the mascot actors at these parks were usually young women.

But this bear... was incredibly tall.

Relieved that she didn't have to face a real human, Stella's tension melted away. She leaned into the giant Strawberry Bear.

A second later, she wrapped her arms around the bear, resting her cheek against its soft, plush stomach.

The bear froze, terrified to move, simply letting her hold on.

After a long moment, it carefully raised a paw and gently patted her back.

In a viewing room a short distance away.

Charlotte stood by the window, a heavy expression on her face as she watched the girl and the bear.

"It's scorching outside today, and that suit is heavy. Roger is pushing himself to the limit," Anthony murmured, walking up behind her. He wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder and kissing her cheek. "Stella seems to be doing better. Let them have this."

She was going to slowly reintegrate Roger back into Stella's life.

Anthony clearly wasn't thrilled, but he kept his mouth shut.

Since they got married, they had never spent this much time apart.

"Are you mad?"

Charlotte wrapped her arms around his neck, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. "Want another kiss?"

Staring at the stunning, playful girl in his arms, Anthony's gaze darkened. He crashed his lips against hers, pouring all his pent-up longing into the kiss.

For once, Charlotte was perfectly compliant. Her breathing grew shallow as she whispered against his lips, "I missed you too."

Back in the amusement park.

The Strawberry Bear led Stella all over the grounds.

By the time they were done.

Stella was sitting on a bench, looking noticeably lighter.

The bear walked over with a massive sunflower balloon and tied the string around her wrist.