True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 389

Chapter 389 Lucas Shields Arabella in Crowd

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“I was just bored at home, so I came down to check out the fair. I never expected to run into you guys here,” Lucas said, his expression one of pleasant surprise. “It’s just a little unexpected to see you at a place like this, that’s all.”

“Why shouldn’t we be here?” Arabella shot back playfully.

“No, that’s not what I meant,” Lucas replied with an easy smile. “It just feels a little unusual, in a good way.”

“It actually is my first time,” Edward admitted.

“My brother wasn’t well enough before, so he never got the chance. We’re here to have some fun tonight,” Arabella explained, glancing at Lucas. “Are you here to just walk around too?”

“Pretty much, just taking in the scene,” Lucas answered, his gaze drifting away slightly.

Truthfully, he had followed Arabella after overhearing her evening plans, a fact he couldn’t admit for fear of upsetting her. The thought of her meeting someone at night had made him uneasy, compelling him to come and see for himself. Seeing it was only Edward had put his mind at ease, so he played it off as a chance encounter.

“Why don’t you join us then? It’s more fun with a group,” Edward offered warmly.

Lucas agreed readily. “That sounds great!”

Knowing Arabella was with Edward had settled his nerves, and the prospect of hanging out together made him genuinely happy.

The trio drifted along with the lively crowd, pausing at various stalls, watching street performers, sampling different foods, and soaking up the vibrant, festive atmosphere.

Suddenly, the crowd ahead surged, causing a ripple of movement and a few shouts.

Out of nowhere, someone seemed to get jostled and stumbled sideways, lurching straight toward Arabella.

“Watch out!” Lucas instinctively stepped in front of her, shielding her and taking the brunt of the collision.

It was a solid bump, and Lucas grunted softly on impact,

“Are you okay?” Arabella asked quickly, steadying herself.

“I’m fine. What about you?” Lucas looked at her with concern.

Arabella shook her head, “I’m alright.”

“Good,” Lucas said, his relief evident.

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to–I got pushed,” the person who’d stumbled apologized hurriedly.

Lucas glanced at them. “What’s going on up ahead?”

“I’m not sure. Someone just shoved past me,” they explained.

“Alright, no harm done. It’s really packed here; everyone just needs to be careful,” Lucas said, not making a fuss. In such a dense crowd, accidents happened.

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Chapter 389 Lucas Shields Arabella in Crowd

The person thanked him and melted back into the flow of people.

Lucas turned back to Arabella. “Should we go see what the commotion is about?”

Arabella agreed, curiosity piqued.

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“Arabella, it sounds pretty noisy up there. You don’t think it’s some kind of fight, do you?” Edward asked, a note of concern in his voice.

Arabella shook her head. “Probably not. My guess is it’s some game or contest drawing a crowd.”

Hearing that, Edward nodded. “Alright, let’s go check it out.”

As they moved forward, Edward stayed notably closer to Arabella, wanting to avoid another close call.

“Lucas, thanks for looking out for Arabella back there,” Edward said gratefully.

“Don’t mention it. We’re friends–of course I’d help,” Lucas replied with a casual smile, brushing it off.

Arabella glanced at him. “Still, thank you.”

“Really, it was nothing,” Lucas insisted lightly. “I’m sure you’d do the same for me.”

“Absolutely.” Arabella nodded without hesitation.

“Then I’ll hold you to that,” Lucas said, an undercurrent of quiet pleasure in his tone.

Arabella raised an eyebrow slightly. Why did she suddenly feel like she couldn’t quite read his expression?

Edward’s own expression softened into something more thoughtful as he gave Arabella a long, considering look.

Meeting his gaze, Arabella looked puzzled. “What is it, Edward?“,

“Nothing. Let’s keep moving,” Edward said calmly, guiding her forward while maintaining his protective proximity.

Arabella gave Edward a curious glance but assumed he was just being extra cautious after the earlier scare, so she didn’t dwell on it.

“Oh, it’s one of those ring toss games!” Lucas exclaimed as they reached a particularly crowded booth. He turned to Arabella, his eyes bright. “Come on, let’s get a closer look. Something’s definitely happening.”

At the booth, a player was completely focused, hurling plastic rings toward a grid of pegs on a large vertical board, aiming for the highest–scoring zone,

Arabella quickly scanned the prize board mounted to the side, her eyes landing on the item corresponding to the top score.

“That giant stuffed bear is huge, no wonder it requires the hardest shot,” Arabella remarked, before turning her attention back to the concentrated player.

A small crowd had gathered, buzzing with speculation about whether the person would finally win the oversized teddy bear that stood nearly as tall as a child.

“You know, you could always settle for a different prize. The lower–point ones are much easier to get,” the booth operator suggested, not unkindly.

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Chapter 389 Lucas Shields Arabella in Crowd

But the player just shook their head stubbornly. “I want that one.”

“Suit yourself,” the operator said with a shrug, stepping back.

“They’ve gone through like twenty rings already and haven’t gotten it. I’d have quit by now,” one onlooker muttered.

“Ah, it’s all in good fun. If you win, great. If not, it’s just a game,” another chimed in.

Listening to the chatter around them, Arabella watched the game with keen interest.

“Edward, do you think they’ll get it?” Arabella asked.

Edward shook his head. “It doesn’t look promising.”

“Yeah, I agree. Their technique is off–they’re just throwing haphazardly without any consistent form,” Arabella analyzed.

Lucas looked intrigued. “You know about ring toss technique?”

“A little.” Arabella shrugged modestly.

A competitive glint appeared in Lucas‘ eyes. “I’m not too bad at it myself. How about a little friendly competition?”

A playful grin spread across Arabella’s face. “You’re on.”