The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 96

Back in the classroom, Charlotte handed Andrew two bottles of water she’d picked up at the school store.

“Returning yours.”

Andrew had one foot propped on his chair, chewing the end of his pen, completely tangled up in his math worksheet. When Charlotte suddenly offered him the water, he froze. Was she really returning the water?

“It’s just a bottle of…” Andrew started to brush it off, but the second he met Charlotte’s eyes, he lost his nerve. He quickly changed his tone. “My treat. Just consider it a friendly gesture.”

Parrish reached over and took one of the bottles, grinning. “Thanks, Charlotte!” He wasn’t about to refuse a gift, especially from the girl herself. Andrew realized too late that he’d missed his chance and grabbed the other bottle, his cool expression slipping into something a little awkward. Why did it feel like he and Parrish were both just giving in to Charlotte without a fight?

“No problem,” Charlotte replied quietly. She went back to her seat, pulled her windbreaker over to use as a pillow, and turned her back to the guys, settling in for a nap.

“Still zoning out?” Parrish nudged Andrew, noticing he was just staring at the water bottle.

“Your brother said if you come in last place again in this month’s exams, he’s going to break your legs.”

Andrew wasn’t actually a bad student. He’d gotten into Vanguard High on his own, but as soon as he arrived, he just stopped trying and never got back on track.

He glanced at Charlotte, already fast asleep, and smirked. “I’m not going to be last.” Without Charlotte in the class, he might have been a little worried, but with her around, he figured he’d be safe from the bottom.

Parrish eyed Charlotte, thoughtful. “What if she’s only bad at physics and crushes every other subject?”

Andrew fell silent, unsure. That didn’t seem likely.

…

When the evening study session ended, Charlotte picked up her bag and headed out the door. Andrew jumped up and hurried after her.

“Charlotte, where do you live? Is it on my way? Want to walk together?”

Charlotte glanced at his name badge, a tiny hint of a smile at the corner of her mouth. “Not for now,” she answered coolly, shooting him down without a second thought.

Andrew stopped in his tracks, scratching his head. “What did she mean by that?” He replayed the words in his mind. Not for now?

Parrish shrugged, just as lost. “No idea. But honestly, I like how direct she is.”

“Yeah, but what’s the point if you like her? You think she’d go for you?” Andrew kicked him lightly. “Keep dreaming.”

“And she’d go for you?” Parrish threw on his cap, leaning in with a teasing grin. “Charlotte’s not someone just anyone could handle.”

Andrew felt a lump in his throat. He grabbed his backpack and threw it at Parrish. “Get out of here!”

Parrish laughed and sprinted off, disappearing down the hallway.

Andrew stood there, replaying the look Charlotte had given him. It sent a chill down his spine.

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