The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 2113

Early morning.

The group arrived at the airport bright and early.

Andrew held onto Shirley's hand pitifully, refusing to let go.

He had originally planned to stay and spend a few more days with his girlfriend.

But Shirley's academic schedule was brutal.

In a two-year program, as long as she completed all her credits, she could graduate early and return to Eldoria.

To get home sooner, Shirley had been studying day and night.

Staying in Apex would only serve as a distraction for her.

"This is for you."

Andrew pulled a delicate little box from his bag, handing it to Shirley with a shy expression.

"What's this?"

Shirley took it and gently popped it open, revealing a simple, elegant platinum bracelet nestled inside.

"I snuck out and bought it at the mall before we left last night. It's not a designer brand, but I bought it with money I earned myself."

His animation and drafting skills were quite solid, and he had taken on some freelance work recently, saving up a bit of cash.

"When I make more money, I'll buy you even better gifts."

"Thank you." Shirley gently brushed her fingers over the bracelet. Her eyes reddened with emotion as she looked up at him, her gaze shimmering. "Help me put it on."

"Okay."

Andrew smiled and nodded, fastening the bracelet around her wrist before pulling her into a tight hug, his voice growing thick. "I'll be waiting for you to come home."

"Mhm."

Shirley stroked his hair, answering softly, "Make sure you visit Grandma often, Andrew."

"I will."

Andrew's eyes grew moist as well, a tight ache wrapping around his chest. Terrified he'd start crying if he spoke another word, he forced himself to say goodbye. "I'm going. Get back safely."

"..."

Watching a visibly gloomy Andrew trudge into the cabin, Charlotte furrowed her brow. Her fingers mischievously poked Anthony's chest, her tone laced with amusement. "You should consider yourself lucky you snatched me up early. Otherwise, you'd be the one crying right now."

"Heh."

They still had a lifetime ahead of them...

"I do regret it, but only because I regret not marrying you sooner." Charlotte snuggled deeper into his embrace, wrapping her arms around his waist. She tilted her chin up to press a kiss to his jaw, a triumphant smirk blooming on her flawless face.

"When I met you at thirteen... if the law had allowed it, I would've married you right then."

"..."

Anthony lowered his dark eyes, looking down at the cunning girl in his arms, caught between laughing and crying. "You did that on purpose, didn't you?"

He leaned down, capturing her upturned lips.

"Isn't this how dating works?"

Charlotte lifted her hands to rest them on his shoulders, gently returning the kiss. "A little teasing keeps the spark alive."

"..."

Andrew had just managed to compose himself and was returning from grabbing a glass of water, only to be hit with this aggressive display of public affection.

"Damn it."

The young man muttered under his breath, turning sharply to walk the other way.