The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1984

"Let me massage them for you."

Anthony rolled up his sleeves and knelt on the floor, gently rubbing his wife's swollen feet. "There's fruit next to you."

Charlotte picked up a slice of seedless watermelon and offered it to her husband's lips.

Anthony glanced at her and took a bite.

A soft smile played on the girl's lips. She ate a few pieces of fruit before picking up her phone and dialing Stella's number.

If she remembered correctly, the timeline she and Roger had discussed was approaching.

Tomorrow night.

She needed to know how Stella was holding up.

"Charlotte." Stella answered almost immediately.

It was as if she had known the call was coming and had been waiting by the phone.

"How are you feeling after walking around with Roger today?" Charlotte asked directly.

"Good." In front of her best friend, Stella didn't bother hiding her emotions. "Dr. Gates said he'll take me out every weekend from now on."

Her voice fluttered with undeniable excitement.

"Is that so?"

Charlotte's lips curved into a warm smile. "After tomorrow, everything will settle down."

"Stella, do you trust me?"

"I do."

Stella didn't even hesitate.

In the past, she might have second-guessed everything.

But lately, Roger and the entire Gates family had given her so much reassurance and courage.

They were all waiting for her to take that final step.

"Get some rest tonight and don't overthink it." Charlotte fed Anthony another piece of watermelon, in incredibly high spirits. "After your talk tomorrow, come over for dinner."

"Helen just learned a few new recipes. You'll love them."

After hanging up, Charlotte leaned back into her husband's embrace, a faint smile lingering on her lips.

"Are you that happy?"

Anthony moved the basin away, returning to his wife's side to press a kiss against her cheek.

"I am."

Charlotte nodded, her expression as complex as the emotions swirling inside her, though the smile never faded. "Stella is finally stepping out of the shadows."

Her journey over the last few years had been agonizing.

There were times Charlotte feared her friend would be trapped in the past forever.

Who would have thought Roger would be the one to change everything?

Once the cookies were done, Stella returned to the living room.

She sat rigidly on the sofa, her face pale as she watched the clock tick down.

Less than an hour before Roger arrived.

Her palms were slick with sweat.

He had promised that no matter what happened, he would stay by her side.

Charlotte had promised that after today, everything would be okay.

Yes.

Everything would be fine. She believed them.

Just then—

A notification pinged from her phone, snapping her out of her daze.

Assuming it was Roger, Stella took a deep breath and quickly unlocked her screen.

But the moment she read the message, the hopeful smile on her face froze, shattering into a million pieces.

—

Good evening.

You had to face this sooner or later. Once the secret is out, you'll be free...