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.”

Anthony just grinned, bringing her hand to his lips for a playful kiss. “Should I let you get your revenge, then?”

Charlotte rolled her eyes and punched him lightly in the chest. “You’re impossible. Stop pretending like you didn’t enjoy it.”

She tried to look away, her words barely a whisper. “Anthony, just open the door.”

He didn’t argue—just opened the door with one hand, tugging her out with the other.

The campus was busy, students scattered everywhere. The gleaming car had already attracted dozens of eyes, people pausing to gawk. When Anthony and Charlotte stepped out, the chatter stopped. Students craned their necks, barely believing what they saw.

Charlotte. And the mysterious fiancé everyone couldn’t stop talking about.