The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1662

Arabella's car had barely rolled to a stop in front of a charming villa when her phone buzzed with a call from Romeo.

"What are you up to?" he asked.

"Just visiting a friend. She hurt her ankle."

"Which friend? Do I know her?"

"A good friend. You haven't met her."

Arabella looked up and saw Ophelia hobbling towards her with the aid of a crutch. Probably having spotted her arrival on the security camera, she couldn't wait to greet her.

"I'll introduce you two next time."

Romeo's heart warmed at his fiancée's words. "Alright, just don't stay out too late. Hit me up when you get back to the hotel."

"Sure thing, bye." Hanging up, Arabella saw Ophelia approaching her, who looked as if she wished to fly. As soon as they were just a few paces apart, Ophelia discarded her crutch to embrace her.

"It's been too long," Ophelia beamed with a radiant smile.

Usually, her eyes held a frosty reserve, making her seem untouchable, but when she smiled, the frost in her eyes melted right away, and her breathtaking beauty was revealed.

"Abandoning the crutch?" Arabella chuckled. "Is it that serious? And here you said it was nothing."

"I'll be fine in a few days," Ophelia said cheerfully, with her eyes fixed on Arabella. "You must be starving. I had some delicious dishes prepared. Come on, you're going to love them."

"You and Arabella together?" Kelly exclaimed, both surprised and incredulous. "What are you eating? It looks delicious."

"I'm still wrapped up over here, and you guys are having a midnight snack? Last time I visited, you didn't prepare anything near as nice," another friend with long hair teased.

"Yeah, I didn't get this treatment either," added another, her short hair bobbing as she feigned offense.

"Today, Bella did me a solid, so this is her victory banquet! Even though you're not here, there's nothing to stop us from raising our glasses and toasting to the good times. Cheers, everyone!"

Kelly, who was in her bedroom, picked up a glass of water from her bedside table. "To Bella, the best of us," she lifted her glass and declared.

The rest of the girls joined in with whatever they had on hand—juice, soda, bottled water—and they all shared a lively toast, their laughter spilling through the screens.