The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1820

Even in death, Martin was determined to bring Serena home.

Serena's biological father had been captured, her mother had passed away, and her adoptive parents had severed all ties with her.

She was left with no one but him to rely upon.

Even if all he could reclaim was her lifeless body, even if he could never walk her down the aisle, he was resolved to take his beloved back home, to ensure her soul could find peace.

"Thank you," Martin's voice choked up, "Thank you, Mrs. Collins, thank you everyone."

He knew he no longer had the right to be part of the Collins family.

But still, he was deeply grateful for their decision.

When Serena was brought before him, Martin could hardly believe his eyes.

The once dignified and beautiful heiress, with her poise and grace, now appeared disheveled, battered, and hanging by a thread.

His heart felt as if it were being crushed by a weight of thousands of tons, too heavy to breathe.

His Serena, the moonlight of his heart, now looked so miserable.

Not only did she have wounds on her forehead, but her face, limbs, and clothes were all stained with blood.

When the servants handed Serena over to him, he couldn't believe it, holding her gingerly in his arms, afraid to cause her the slightest pain.

He had held her before, but the person in his arms now was frighteningly light, much lighter than before, her body limp and without any strength, her skin scorchingly hot.

Tears uncontrollably streamed down his face, his heart torn asunder.

His Serena, whom he hadn't seen in days, had become this.