The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella)

Chapter 1852

Evening had fallen.

Arabella had barely finished her dinner when a message from Ophelia popped up on her phone. It read, [Heading out now. I'll be at

Reflections Villa in 20 minutes.]

With a swift thumbs-up emoji reply, Arabella looked up and announced to her parents, "Mom, Dad, a friend of mine will be stopping

by for a visit soon."

"A friend? " Kenneth and Louisa were pleasantly surprised and excited to hear that their darling daughter had invited someone

over. It wasn't an everyday occurrence.

"What does your friend prefer to eat and drink? I'll have it prepared right away," Louisa said, her own hunger forgotten amidst the

surprise. Arabella hadn't had friends over since she moved back hsix months ago, so this friend must be quite special to her.

"She's not picky, anything can be fine. There's no need to fuss," Arabella reassured her parents, standing up from the table, "You

Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt

guys enjoy your meal. I'm going to wait for her by the entrance."

"It's chilly outside, put on an extra layer!" Louisa called out after her daughter. Once Arabella had left, Louisa turned to Kenneth,

trying hard to contain her joy. "Our daughter's finally inviting friends over. This is wonderful. What do you suppose young girls like

to eat and drink these days?"

"If she's friends with Bella, then I'd wager they have similar tastes and interests," Kenneth speculated, glancing at the half-eaten

plate of food in front of his wife. "You can finish up your food. I'll have the staff prepare sfruit and snacks. Bella's gone to

welcher, so her friend must be close."

Louisa couldn't sit still to eat, rising from her chair. "I'll go tell the boys to cdownstairs. When their sister's friend arrives, they

should at least say hello, have a brief conversation. This is Bella's first tbringing someone over; we need to make a good

impression and show swarmth!"

The staff were left puzzled, unsure if they should clear the table or wait, as the couple had left their meal halfway through, clearly

too preoccupied to eat.

Arabella stood at the entrance of Reflections Villa, quickly replying to a message from Romeo. Soon, the glare of headlights

approached.

A sleek black sports car, its engine purring, pulled up in front of her.

"Hey, sweetheart," Ophelia said, greeting Arabella with her radiant smile, her hair rolled into a chic bun, which added a playful

charm to her appearance.

Her beauty was like a plum blossom thriving in the snow; subtle yet breathtaking, never clamoring for attention yet impossible to

overlook.

"How long have you been waiting? Aren't you cold?" Ophelia asked as she stepped out of the car and gently rubbed Arabella's rosy

cheeks. "I shouldn't tell you about my arrival time. You're nearly frozen. And look at your little red nose!"

Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm

Pulling out a dozen gifts from the trunk, Ophelia struggled to carry them all.

Arabella quickly moved to help, teasing with a light smile, "What are you, Santa Claus with your bag of presents?"

"I've got to make an impression as your friend," Ophelia chuckled, realizing their combined efforts weren't enough. She had

intended to call over a security guard for help, but as she looked up, she froze in surprise.

Following Ophelia's gaze, Arabella saw her parents and brothers emerging from the house to greet them, the reception grander

than she'd anticipated.

"What's going on?" Ophelia was bewildered, having only planned a casual visit.

"You must be Bella's friend. I'm Bella's mother. It's a pleasure to have you," Louisa greeted with an elegant and warm smile. She

intended to shake hands, but seeing Ophelia's arms laden with gifts, she quickly interjected, "Dear, you shouldn't have brought

these gifts. Coming over is gift enough. Here, boys, help out!"