The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1442

Chapter 1442

When the servant called for the doctor, Belinda hurried over, only to find Serena sitting on the armchair in her bedroom, her eyes red and swollen.

Belinda couldn't help but ask, "Serena, what happened to you, my dear?"

“Grandma.” Serena burst into tears as soon as she saw Belinda, her voice quivering with distress.

“Did you fall? How did you get hurt like this?" Belinda gently rolled up Serena's sleeve, revealing bruises.

The family doctor knew at first glance that these weren't injuries from a fall but from a beating. She was shocked; she couldn't believe that someone dared to hurt Serena, to such an extent.

This was too much and the bruises looked severe. Should she tell Belinda the truth?

"What are you staring at? I'm in so much pain, please just help me apply some ointment.” Serena wept, trying to control her sobs, “I fell. It was my own clumsiness, Grandma. Don't worry. it'll heal in a few days."

Hearing Serena's words, the doctor didn't dare to pry further and silently treated Serena's wounds, thinking it was better not to stir the pot. If Serena didn't want to talk, it wasn't her place to force the issue.

“How did you get hurt so badly? Did some of these happen when you were tossing and turning in your sleep last night?" Belinda was deeply concerned when she saw the bruises on Serena's back.

Serena didn't dare to confirm or deny, and just tearfully whispered, “It hurts, Grandma"

"Doctor, please be gentle.” All Belinda could do was watch anxiously.

Serena, seeing her grandmother's concern, thought to herself that if her pain could elicit such sympathy, perhaps it could even strengthen their bond.

Meanwhile, Bard came home from work and immediately headed for the study to find Eunice.

“Eunice, I heard there was some friction between you and Serena this morning. Was it because of what happened last night?"

"Mom and Dad haven't suspected her, and I understand. As grandparents, they can't just suspect their own granddaughter of being malicious without cause. Especially when they've watched her grow up, believing they know her character, understanding who she is. So we wouldn't suddenly doubt her just on someone else's say-so, let alone cast her out."

Even if a pet cat scratches the owner, she'd think it was an accident. Who would believe that the cat has ill intentions, plotting to harm its owner?

Even if one’s own pet cat scratches its owner repeatedly, to the point of drawing blood, she might just think it's misbehaving, not knowing any better.

At worst, she might scold it or give it a smack to teach it a lesson, but who would throw it out of the house, abandoning it?

That was the dilemma Eunice was facing.

Serena had been part of the family for far too long. Her identity had been unknown, and the emotions and time invested in her couldn't be negated by a couple of mistakes.

Eighteen years was a long time. Even if it was a tree planted in the yard, wanting to uproot it all at once would make one feel heart-wrenching and difficult to let go.