The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1903

"Oh, right."

Just as she was about to leave, Charlotte pulled a fountain pen from her pocket and placed it on the desk. "He returned this to you," she said softly.

Stella picked up the pen, the cool metal seeping into her skin. Her eyes dimmed as she whispered, "Thank you."

"You didn't catch a cold, did you?"

Charlotte raised an eyebrow, deliberately bringing up yesterday's events.

"I'm fine."

Stella shook her head, though her mind instantly flashed back to the memory of Roger holding the umbrella, pulling her flush against his chest to shield her from the storm.

"I heard he got pretty sick. Charlotte, please tell him I'm sorry, and thank him for me."

"Will do."

Charlotte stepped forward, affectionately pinching Stella's cheek before pulling her into a gentle hug. "Remember, no matter what happens, I'm always here for you," she said warmly.

"I know."

A wave of comforting warmth washed over Stella's fragile heart, bringing a slight gloss to her eyes. "Charlotte, I don't think I'm completely healed yet."

Even after so much therapy, she still couldn't bear to be truly intimate with a man.

Especially when he had held her—her chest had seized up, and an inexplicable, suffocating terror had gripped her.

She just hadn't dared to show it.

"It's okay. We have time. We'll take it slow, and you'll get better."

The trauma Stella had endured was beyond what most people could comprehend.

It had taken a monumental effort just to get her physical health back on track.

Truly moving past her history would require time.

Others might not understand, but Charlotte did.

"Just rest up and don't overthink things." Charlotte stroked her hair, her voice soothing. "Let's grab dinner together next week."

After next week, her freshman year would officially be over.

"Okay."

Stella stared back with red-rimmed eyes, nodding obediently.

She didn't trust anyone else in the world, but she trusted Charlotte implicitly.

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