The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1753

The Gates Estate.

With only two days left until the wedding, the whole place was bursting with excitement. Red lanterns and fancy carpets covered almost every inch of the house. The color was so bold it almost hurt to look at.

Charlotte was sunk into the sofa, chin propped on a soft pillow, her whole body slouched and drained of energy.

“Charlotte, have some apple,” Robert offered as he walked over, his smile warm.

“Thanks, Grandpa.” She reached for the apple, took a bite, and her pretty brows scrunched up just a little.

It tasted kind of sour. Not nearly as sweet as the apples from Imperial Heights.

“Lottie, drink some milk.” Nora set a glass beside her, gently smoothing Charlotte's hair. Her voice was soft. “What’s wrong? Not feeling happy today?”

Charlotte shook her head, but she couldn’t have looked more obvious if she’d tattooed “I miss Anthony” on her forehead.

“You’ll see Anthony the day after tomorrow.” Nora stroked her cheek, trying to soothe her. “Your grandpa says no seeing each other before the wedding. The rules.”

“Your brothers will be home tonight. You’ll have people to hang out with.”

“Just hold on, okay?”

Charlotte pouted, not really agreeing or refusing. Her dark eyes wandered restlessly across the room.

The groom can’t come see the bride... but can the bride go find the groom?

It was already evening when Donald, Roger, and Kenneth all made it back home.

The photo showed a toddler, maybe two years old. He was chubby, teary-eyed, wearing nothing but a pair of old-fashioned split pants. There was a wet stain spreading on the white bedsheet underneath him.

“Do you think Emily is still awake?” Charlotte shifted comfortably, her lazy smile growing sly. “Something tells me she’d love to see this!”

“Lottie…” Kenneth shot forward, aiming for the phone to snatch it away.

He and Emily were official now, a real couple, but things were still new and delicate. There was no way he could let this photo ruin everything he’d worked for in her eyes.

“You want the phone?” Charlotte wasn’t bothered at all. She set her phone on the table in front of her, swinging her legs, eyes narrowing for dramatic effect. Her words came out slow and challenging. “Go on. Try it.”

“I…” Kenneth froze, staring at the phone just out of reach, then back at Charlotte’s determined look. Suddenly, he didn’t feel so brave.