The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1898

"Stella," a strange man's voice sounded through the receiver. "Hello, I'm Roger's assistant."

Roger?

She really hoped he wasn't calling to cash in on that dinner treat already.

She hadn't even finished fully studying his presentation yet.

"Is there something you need?" Stella bit her lower lip, asking softly.

"It's like this," the assistant began. "After the lecture last time, you left something behind at Roger's office. He happens to have some free time today and wanted to know if you could come pick it up."

Left something behind at the lecture?

It had to be her fountain pen.

That pen was the very first one Charlotte had ever given her; it meant the world to her.

"Could you possibly have someone send it over to me?"

Stella frowned, murmuring her request.

"I'm afraid not," the assistant said, a smile evident in his voice. "Roger got caught in the rain yesterday and isn't feeling well today. He really can't deliver it to you."

"And... he gave strict orders that none of us are allowed to touch your things. So, I can't bring it to you either."

Caught in the rain?

Not feeling well?

Recalling what happened yesterday, Stella's frown deepened. "Is it serious?" she asked gently.

"Well..."

The assistant hesitated, trailing off, but the implication was clear.

"I understand." Stella let out a soft sigh. "Please send me the address. Thank you."

"Will do."

Mission accomplished, the assistant beamed and turned to Roger, who was lounging on the sofa. "Roger, Stella is on her way," he announced excitedly.

Roger rested his head against his hand, his expression gloomy.

She had agreed way too quickly. It didn't seem like her at all.

An hour later.

Led by the assistant, Stella arrived at the forensic medical examiner's office.

Spotting the medication resting nearby, Stella poured a glass of water and handed it to him.

After swallowing the pills, Roger grimaced, his voice turning raspy. "Do you have any candy?"

Stella paused, then pulled a piece of candy from her bag. She unwrapped it for him and gently held it up to his lips.

As she tried to pull her hand back, he suddenly grabbed her wrist.

Stella instinctively tried to struggle, but his grip was too strong.

Caught off balance, she tumbled heavily against Roger's chest.

He was burning up with a high fever, his body radiating an intense heat that made Stella tremble.

"Why are you always hiding from me?" Roger locked his arms around her, his deep, penetrating gaze fixed entirely on her as he spoke in a husky whisper. "Do you hate me?"

Stella felt her own body temperature skyrocketing. Her heart hammered frantically against her ribs at his words.

She knew with absolute certainty that if this continued, things were going to spiral completely out of control.

After a few seconds of tense silence.

Stella looked up, bravely meeting Roger's gaze. She parted her lips and asked in a barely audible whisper, "Roger, do you have feelings for me?"