The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 2008

Roger? Was she dreaming about him again?

"You're safe now," Roger whispered, his thumb wiping the tears from her cheeks. He kissed her forehead, his voice breaking. "It's all over. I've got you."

"Roger..." Unable to separate the nightmare from reality, Stella shattered. The man she desperately loved was right in front of her, and every ounce of restraint she had built up instantly crumbled.

"I'm right here." Roger framed her face with his hands, leaning in until their noses touched. He shared his warmth, his steady breathing, anchoring her to the present. "I'm not going anywhere. I'll stay right here with you."

Stella's hands gripped the fabric of his shirt in a white-knuckle hold. Tears streamed down her face as she sobbed his name over and over again, completely undone.

"I've got you." Roger gently laid her back against the pillows, hovering over her with his forehead resting against hers. "My sweet girl. You're safe."

Stella stared up at him through a blur of tears, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck. Exhausted by her own panic, she finally surrendered, crying herself to sleep against his chest.

Hours passed, and the room grew deathly quiet. Roger stayed exactly where he was, staring down at the exhausted girl in his arms. Her eyelashes were still damp with tears. He frowned, gently rubbing her back. "Sleep," he whispered into the dark.

Out in the hallway, Charlotte leaned against the wall in her pajamas, a satisfied smile on her lips as the frantic sobs faded into silence. Stella's world used to revolve entirely around her. Now, Roger had finally fought his way in. He was exactly what she needed.

"Satisfied?" Anthony wrapped an arm around his wife's waist, chuckling softly. "Time for bed, Mrs. Mom-to-be."

"Yeah," Charlotte murmured, leaning comfortably against him with a small pout. "Carry me. I'm too tired."

Anthony smirked, sweeping her up into his arms effortlessly and carrying her back to the master bedroom.

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