The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 2024

At the mention of his grand plan, a smirk tugged at Roger's lips.

Not going to say?

Was he actually planning to propose right out of the gate?

"I'll tell you when the time is right." Roger glanced at her pregnant belly and softened his tone. "Get some rest. Leave the rest to me."

"Fine."

Seeing how confident he was, Charlotte didn't press the issue.

Before Roger came into the picture, she had been Stella's only anchor in this world.

From now on...

Her brother would be the one holding up the sky for her.

Back at the apartment, the daytime noise had faded, leaving behind a heavy silence.

Once things quieted down, it was hard not to let one's mind wander.

For patients with depressive tendencies, keeping those dark thoughts at bay was an agonizing battle.

Stella stood by the window, staring out at the dreary, overcast sky. It felt like a massive chunk of her heart was missing, desperate for something to fill the void.

Just then, strong arms wrapped around her from behind.

"What are you looking at?" Roger held her close, naturally taking her hand and affectionately resting his cheek against hers. "Are you hungry?"

"A little."

Stella wasn't entirely used to this level of intimacy, but she didn't push him away.

"Help me cook. After we eat, we'll go over your video lectures. I haven't finished summarizing the study materials I prepped for you."

Video lectures?

Hearing those words, a chord struck in Stella's heart.

The thing she was missing most right now was her education.

"Okay."

Stella nodded, letting the man lead her into the kitchen.

She was supposed to be helping, but aside from handing him plates and carrying dishes to the table, he refused to let her lift a finger.

After dinner, the two of them sat at the low coffee table.

The young woman held her pen, diligently listening as Roger tutored her.

He broke down every theory and tiny detail with stunning clarity.

He was honestly just as good, if not better, than her actual college professors.

As Stella listened, her gaze involuntarily drifted to the man's strikingly handsome face.

He had sharp, chiseled features, and the gold-rimmed glasses only amplified his refined, aristocratic aura.

If he didn't keep her exhausted, her mind would start wandering to dark places.

Once they got through this critical period, she would be perfectly fine.

Roger set the plate down, walked over quietly, slipped the pen out of her hand, and scooped her up into his arms.

On the way to the bedroom, Stella briefly woke up. She looked at him groggily, the initial panic in her eyes instantly fading into helpless murmurs. "Roger?"

"It's me."

Roger laid her down on the bed, brushing a stray hair from her cheek. His eyes were overflowing with devotion. "Don't be afraid. Go to sleep."

She relaxed.

Stella leaned in, nuzzling her face against his hand. Confirming he was real, she closed her eyes in total peace.

After tucking her in, the man walked over to the closet.

He accurately pulled out Stella's identification papers.

She was less than ten days away from turning twenty.

Twenty.

The legal age for the register office.

Perfect.