The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1366

Chapter 1366

Half an hour later.

Serena heard the sound of a car outside and dashed out to see. Sure enough, her aunt and the rest of the family had returned.

Darren sat in his wheelchair, with Arabella pushing it forward, while Bard held Eunice's hand. Witnessing this scene, Serena suddenly felt like they were truly a family.

"Grandpa, Uncle Bard, Aunt Eunice, Bella. You're finally back!" Serena beamed, "I've been waiting for what felt like an eternity, and now you're here!"

"Why are you still up? It's late. You should be resting” Bard chided gently upon seeing her in a thin nightgown.

"Come inside. It's cold out here."

Serena had purposefully shed her thick, warm robe for the flimsy nightgown, all to gain a bit of sympathy from her family.

Seeing her plan had worked, she chuckled, "I'm fine. You all must be exhausted after such a long night. Bella, let me help you with something."

She wanted to make a good impression in front of her grandfather.

“No need,’ Arabella dismissed her offer, wheeling past without playing into Serena's act.

A flicker of disappointment crossed Serena's eyes.

"Let's head inside,’ Eunice said, patting her back.

Seizing the moment, Serena clung to her hand and caged, "Aunt Eunice, was Arlen's birthday bash fun? Tell me all about it! What happened?"

“It was alright’ Eunice chuckled. “There were a bunch of fun things, like a clown act"

“That sounds amazing!" Serena felt envious but also miffed that her aunt hadn't taken her along.

"But the performances were lackluster, at least in your sister's and my opinion, Eunice continued with a smile.

"I get it, Aunt Eunice. You and Uncle Bard should rest up, too, Serena replied with a gracious smile, though only she knew how upset and jealous she felt inside.

After a while, she approached her grandfather's room and knocked.

To her surprise, Arabella answered.

Serena's face showed her shock, “What are you doing in Grandpa's room? I need to speak with him."

The unspoken message was clear: Get out, now!

"He's about to sleep. Whatever it is can wait until tomorrow."

As Arabella started to close the door, Serena quickly reached out to stop it, "I just want to see him and say a few words. Are you going to stop me?"

"I told you, he needs his rest."