The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1666

"Come on, we can't miss out on the barbecue!" Ophelia sent off a quick message before pressing on, "You still haven't spilled the beans about you and that Romeo. Have you guys held hands yet? Any kissy-kissy?"

"What's it to you?"

"You're blushing." Ophelia teased with an excited chuckle, "So that's a yes? Things are moving along nicely, huh? He must be quite the catch."

Otherwise, how could he ever hope to steal the heart of our very own Arabella?

"He's alright," Arabella admitted with a hint of warmth in her voice.

She wasn’t aware that a gentle smile graced her lips whenever she spoke of Romeo.

Ophelia beamed like a doting elder, being too thrilled to play it cool, "When do I get to meet this charmer who's stolen our Bella's heart?"

"Soon. In a day or two."

Ophelia couldn't contain her excitement, "Well, I just can't wait to see who's managed to climb to the top of our Bella's favorites list."

That's when Arabella remembered she had forgotten to tell Romeo about staying at Ophelia's place.

Just as she pulled out her phone, Ophelia leaned in with curiosity, "Let me see what cute nickname you've given him."

"What nickname?"

She'd always just saved him as Romeo.

"Why not something like 'Hubby', 'Sweetheart', or 'My Better Half'?"

"Having his name there is enough."

To Arabella, Romeo used to be just a long string of unfamiliar digits.

She dialed his number, but the call went unanswered and eventually disconnected.

"If he's in the country, he's probably still asleep. It's almost one in the morning here, so it should be close to eight there."

"I know, I know, nice to meet you. Bella and I haven't caught up in ages, and I wouldn't want her traveling alone so late. I'd offer to escort her, but I've hurt my foot, so I was hoping you would give his blessing for her to stay over. I promise to take good care of her."

So that was why she called?

Romeo's gaze shifted tenderly toward Arabella, as if he was reading her thoughts, "Then I'm grateful to Ms. Almond for looking after her."

"No trouble at all, I'm happy to have her. You two chat away; I'm off to grab a bite." Ophelia left them to their privacy.

"Get some sleep soon."

Arabella was about to end the call when Romeo spoke up, "It's getting colder over there; make sure you bundle up at night, don't catch a cold."

"I will."

"If the blankets aren't enough, ask Ms. Almond for more. Keep the heating on, and don't stay up too late. Get some rest."