The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1536

“Lottie, you really didn’t have to go out of your way for Emily, not when you’re pregnant.” Norma sat down beside Charlotte, her eyes full of warmth. There was just something about Charlotte that felt easy, like they already knew each other. “Don’t pay any attention to what Dorothy said.” Norma gave a little sigh, shaking her head.

Dorothy was always stirring the pot, mixing truth and rumor for her own entertainment. Norma never thought much of her anyway.

And Kenneth… Norma didn’t know him well, but she’d done her homework when he first showed up. He was handsome, well-educated, every bit a Gates—top of the class, charming, on paper just about perfect. The only issue? He never liked her daughter back.

“Really, it’s nothing.” Charlotte looked up and gave Norma a soft smile.

They exchanged a few more polite words, but Norma was already half-distracted, worrying about Emily upstairs. She excused herself and headed for the stairs. Halfway there, she stopped and turned.

“Charlotte.” She paused, brow furrowed with concern. “Will the memory loss hurt Emily physically if she skips the antidote?”

Charlotte hesitated, then said quietly, “No.”

Norma closed her eyes in relief before heading out.

“What are you thinking about?” Anthony asked as he noticed Charlotte gazing at the door where Norma had just left. He gently took a napkin and wiped Charlotte’s fingertips.

“It’s nothing.” Charlotte smiled, turning her attention back to him. But then she muttered, just loud enough for Anthony to catch, “If I can’t figure out the antidote soon, Kenneth’s going to end up single.”

Upstairs, Emily leaned against her pillows with a tired sigh. She had just swallowed her medicine, the bitterness clinging to her tongue. Remembering the candy in her pocket, she popped one in her mouth. Sweet, juicy lychee spread over her taste buds, and suddenly, as clear as day, she pictured her fiancé.

Right then, the door creaked open. Norma walked in, holding a bowl of rice porridge and looking at Emily with all the love in the world.

“Why not?” she asked, her voice barely more than a whisper, the memory of Kenneth’s gentle care making her chest ache.

Norma squeezed her hand, her words gentle but earnest. “You two just aren’t a good match. Honey, you had feelings for him for ten years. And in all that time, he never liked you back. Maybe his change of heart now is just because he was touched by your devotion.”

Ten years… All that love for so long.

“Being moved isn’t the same as love,” Norma continued, sadness shining in her eyes. “I thought your father loved me once too. That’s why I married him. But in the end…” Her voice faded.

She looked at Emily with newfound intensity. “I just don’t want you repeating my mistakes.”