The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1809

What's the deal with Timothy?

Timothy was Romeo's buddy, and when he caught a glimpse of Sean chasing down Bella, he figured he'd lend a hand to his friend – nothing out of the ordinary there.

At the time, Timothy was clueless about Bella's true identity; he had no idea she was the precious daughter of the Collins clan, and little did he know that she was Sean's own sister. So, he didn't step in to stop the siblings from their disastrous misunderstanding.

And boy, did that misunderstanding blow up.

Now he wished he could just vanish into thin air.

If he was cocky before, he was now the epitome of awkwardness.

"It was my bad for stirring up a mess without getting the facts straight. My apologies," Sean admitted, wincing a bit from the embarrassment.

"I purposely kept it from you, wanted to surprise you," Arabella said with a sly grin.

There was no surprise, just a whole lot of shock.

Sean hadn't expected his sister to pair up with Romeo so quickly, and it left him feeling a bit hollow.

"This movie's a bust. Shall we get out of here?"

Arabella had barely taken a step forward when Sean and Romeo positioned themselves on either side of her. Steward felt like a third wheel but scrambled to keep pace with Sean.

Exiting the theater on the third floor of the mall, they were surrounded by high-end boutiques.

"Bella, how about I treat you to a little shopping spree?" Sean suggested, eyeing a jewelry store.

"What a ruckus! Get it together!" The manager emerged as the staff nearly came to blows, then his knees buckled upon recognizing Romeo and Sean. He steadied himself against a display case, "Mr. McMillian, Mr. Collins, forgive me for not realizing your esteemed presence. Shut the store for their exclusive service, now!"

"Do you have eyes only for me? Didn't you see my sister?" Sean pulled Arabella forward. "From now on, greet her first."

The manager hadn't expected Sean to bring his sister, and although he wasn't sure if she was a cousin or what, he saw the dollar signs in Sean's protective attitude – this sale was going to be a jackpot!

"Miss Collins is stunning, making even our jewels pale in comparison. Please, this way." he said, leading them inside while lavishing praise, "Miss Collins is truly lucky to have Mr. McMillian and Mr. Collins for company. It's the envy of many women."

The staff quickly presented their crowning jewels as the manager enthusiastically and respectfully introduced them, "These are our latest collections with auspicious meanings. This one represents smooth sailing, that one symbolizes happiness and bliss, and this one here is for peace and health."

Sean was so moved by the symbolism. He wanted to buy them all for his sister!