The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1859

"Ophelia, you're an absolute catch as well," Hans said with a light chuckle. "You're bound to find someone who really gets you, to share the road ahead."

Sean stood to the side, looking visibly down.

Why didn't he get a compliment?

Doesn't he have any redeeming qualities?

Just as he was about to ask Ophelia, Clark spoke up, "We've been nattering on for ages, let's not hog your time with Bella. Hans, Chasel, Sean, let's make tracks."

Sean hadn't exchanged a single word with Ophelia before she took Arabella's hand and said, "Then show me around, will you?"

Arabella's lips curled into a smile. "Sure thing."

The two walked off, Ophelia's hand in Arabella's, and Sean's chance for a chat vanished into thin air.

"Ophelia is just too adorable. Who'd have thought she'd find so many compliments for me? I'm very pleased," Clark said with clear mischief in his tone, and then he took a bite of a pastry. "But why does it taste less sweet than it did when Ophelia handed it to me?"

Sean fought the urge to punch him.

"We all got praise, except for Sean..." Chasel said, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he looked at Sean. "Oh, Sean, what does it say about your charm when a sharp-tongued young lady can't muster a single word of flattery for you?"

Sean clenched his fists even tighter.

"Alright, let's lay off Sean," Hans interjected, giving Sean a sliver of comfort. At least Hans was on his side!

Just as Sean was about to express his gratitude and mention their earlier teasing, he heard Hans add, "Sean really isn't in the same league as that girl."

Sean: ?

The laughter from Chasel and Clark was uncontrollable, the proverbial hammer from Hans striking Sean the hardest blow.