The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1629

She looked a picture of regret, and Kenneth, peering out at the blizzard raging beyond the window, then back at her shivering form wracked with coughs, couldn't help but speak up, "Send her back first."

Seeing that Louisa remained silent, Betty had no choice but to run outside and relay the message to Serena.

"Ms. Serena, let's go."

"Betty, do me a favor." Serena lifted her tearful eyes, her plea heartfelt, "Pick up that branch on the ground and whip me harshly with it."

"What??" Betty was flabbergasted, "Ms. Serena, I couldn't possibly lash out at you."

She wouldn't dare, not even if she had the guts.

"I've done wrong. I deserve to be punished." Serena's voice rose as she continued and then shouted, "Mom, Dad, Bella, you all just watch from the house, letting Betty do the work!"

She turned to Betty again, "Whether or not I can return to the main house depends on you. The harder you hit, the better my chances."

"But this."

"Do it!" Serena commanded sharply, causing Betty to shudder and, with no choice left, pick up the branch.

The branch, over a meter long and almost as thick as a baton, looked like it would hurt a lot if used.

"Ms. Serena."

"Do it," Serena seemed resolute, eyes closed, waiting for whatever came next.

She figured a moment's shame was worth it if it meant earning her parents' forgiveness and returning to her status as the daughter of the Collins family.

"That's right; keep going," Serena endured the pain.

Betty, determined to help Serena return to the main house, steeled her heart and struck again. The sound of the branch falling was almost too much for Betty to bear.

With another powerful swing, Serena toppled forward into the snow, and the branch snapped in two.

Betty, terrified, dropped the broken branch and knelt to help Serena, shouting towards the main house, "Mr. and Mrs. Collins, please forgive Ms. Serena. She's always been delicate; how can she endure such punishment? Her wounds haven't even healed."

At that moment, Erik took the opportunity to plead from the living room, "Mr. and Mrs. Collins, I believe Ms. Serena truly understands her mistake. It's already quite extraordinary that she would kneel in the snow. Please give her another chance. Look, she can barely stand."