The Mocked Miss’s Hidden Crowns novel Chapter 1345

When Cedric spoke, Newell leaned back in his chair, his smile tired and a little hopeless. “Let her know, and then what?”

“We compete for her, fair and square!” Cedric shot back, his brow knit in determination.

It was obvious, from the way Nine had risked everything to get the antidote for Newell on the Isle of Veil, that she did care about him, at least a little. Maybe, if the playing field was even, Newell wouldn’t necessarily lose.

Listening to Cedric’s ideas spiral further out, Newell turned away, his lips curling into a weak, almost mocking smile. “Have you ever even been in love?”

Cedric looked lost for a beat, scratching the back of his head. “Nope. Never.”

Newell’s smile faded, cold and flat. “Then don’t say things like that again. Especially not in front of Charlotte.”

“Newell…” Cedric frowned, his worry clear.

“There’s only one way Charlotte could ever love me.” Newell’s gaze drifted to the window, eyes following the distant line where the mountains met the sea. His voice turned rough, quieter. “If I’d been the one who saved her from that place when she was fifteen. If I’d been the person she could call her salvation.”

Cedric was struck silent for a long time before he finally managed to ask, his voice barely above a whisper, “Newell, are you really giving up?”

Newell forced a casual smile. “Being her teacher isn’t so bad. At least she’ll always remember me.”

He could still see her, talk to her, be a part of her life. That was enough.

Love isn’t about owning someone. He just wished he could have met her at the right time, in the right place. Fate hadn’t allowed it, and he could live with that.

“You’ll find someone, Newell. Someone who’s meant for you,” Cedric said, not really sure how to help.

Newell just smiled quietly, saying nothing. Cedric noticed the lack of response and fell silent, his thoughts heavy.

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