The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1704

Confronted with the skepticism in Romeo's increasingly wary gaze, Timothy scrambled for an explanation, "No, no. The girl I’m into is a racer with the Light Fleet! I told you ages ago, I fell for that girl who's a professional racer. Your fiancée isn’t a pro, right?"

Though not entirely truthful, as the girl he liked was even more impressive than any professional racer.

"Besides, I went to the race for the girl I like, never expecting her to be a no-show. It was your fiancée who ended up competing, and by sheer chance, I found myself speaking up for her."

Romeo's eyes was a blend of doubt and insight, looking as though he was trying to sift truth from lies.

"It wasn't really just happenstance,” Timothy admitted, “Defending your fiancée was also my attempt to impress the girl I adore, to maybe get her take a shine to me."

"You mentioned that girl is very compassionate," Romeo suddenly said.

"Yeah, yeah, that's right. She's a regular in taking care of stray cats and dogs." Timothy invented.

At that moment, he felt a relief. It was good that he had never told Romeo about the girl's compassionate act of saving a kid from a cage. Otherwise, explaining it would be a nightmare.

"You said that girl is slim, tall, beautiful, and has class, and crucially, looks younger than you," Romeo observed him closely.

"Right, there are a few on the Light Fleet who look younger than I do. You can't assume I’m interested just because your fiancée fits that description, can you?" Timothy, though feeling a twinge of guilt, refused to admit anything.

Romeo's doubts alleviated, but he still inquired further, "You also said she agreed to have coffee with you. ‘No time like present’?"

"Yeah, that's true, but she had something come up last minute. I can't be too pushy, or I’d risk scaring her off, right?" Timothy spun his tale with pretend honesty. "Your fiancée offered me coffee because I helped her out twice. The contexts are totally different."

"You surely don't have any inappropriate thoughts about my fiancée?"

"I thought we were meeting at three? Why are you guys here so early?" Derrick thought he would be the first to arrive, but there they were, chatting outside the café. He checked his watch—it was only 2:50.

Romeo being early was one thing, but since when did Timothy stick to a schedule?

Moreover, they were both braving the chill.

Such brotherly unity.

"I heard you're meeting the girl you fancy for coffee today? Where is it happening? Romeo and I thought we might swing by and see." Derrick teased Timothy, throwing a impish look in Romeo’s way, ignorant of the awkward conversation that had just occurred.

Timothy didn't expect the topic he had just managed to avert making a swift return. He laughed awkwardly and said, "She had a last-minute thing. I had plans to ‘wow’ you both."