The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1790

Sean finished his warning, and as he turned back to Arabella, his gaze softened into pure adoration, "Come on, let's head upstairs for some fruit."

Arabella nodded, following Sean closely.

The basement door locked behind them, and Serena lay submerged in the icy water, her fists clenched in humiliation as tears overflowed from her eyes.

In the living room.

Sean carefully peeled the skin off a grape, trying his best to be gentle, yet the surface of the fruit still ended up looking pitted and rough - not smooth at all.

He had never peeled fruit for himself before. Firstly, because he found it bothersome, and secondly, because the servants usually prepared the fruit, peeling it and presenting it ready to eat.

He hadn't even peeled the likes of lychees before.

"What a mess," Sean was dissatisfied with his peeled grape, and tossed it into the trash before attempting another.

Peeling grapes was proving to be much trickier than dealing with people. At the rate he was going, he could have taken down a few foes.

"Your sister is lucky to even get one grape peeled by you," Louisa was also peeling grapes for Arabella, her movements swift. In no time at all, she had a small pile of perfectly peeled grapes, smooth and shiny, which she placed onto Arabella's glass fruit plate. Without realizing it, she had already prepped a good seven or eight.

"When I'm not home, you must spoil Bella rotten with peeled fruit. Now that I'm back, can't you let me shine for once? You're overshadowing me. What's the point of me even trying?"

After his comment, Sean turned to Kenneth, "Dad, after dinner, can't you and mom take a stroll in the garden? Enjoy the scenery? Bond a little?"

"I was worried about keeping your sister waiting."

Before Louisa could finish, Kenneth interceded with a chuckle, "Right, right, Sean's got a point. We haven't taken a walk in ages. With the family visiting, let's all go for a walk after dinner. Get some fresh air."

"A few extra laps might help us stay in shape." Sean added, "We've got Bella's wedding reception to think about. It would be a real shame if you two showed up with a beer belly or out of shape."

Kenneth and Louisa agreed, realizing the importance of staying fit - not just for the distant wedding reception but also for the grand welcome-back party they wanted to throw for Bella during the holidays. A potbelly was not an option!