The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 188

Chapter 188 

She was at the back of the crowd, a face of innocent beauty with features so lovely they stood out, a mix of gentle grace and cool allure that made her inexplicably stunning. 

He couldn’t help but aim his camera at her, sneakily snapping a few photos. 

Yolanda was sitting in the sixth row of the audience, sneakily checking her phone. It was half past nine in the morning, and Zachary still hadn’t shown up, nor had he messaged her. 

Instead, it was Attlee who spotted a familiar old friend and went up to shake hands, all aglow, saying, “Leo Bright, what brings you here?” 

“Attlee, your daughter came in second; congrats.” Leo Bright said with a grin, holding Attlee’s hand, “My daughter only came fifth.” 

“Oh, come on, it’s not about the ranking; it’s about participating, and Yoli just got lucky, that’s all.” Attlee responded with polite chit–chat. 

“Forget about my good–for–nothing kid; she’s had twelve years of piano, and she only gets fifth place. Not like your Yoli, such a prodigy, easily bagging second place.” 

Olga whispered to Yolanda beside her, “Where’s Zachary? Why hasn’t he shown up yet?” 

Yolanda had called Zachary last night, but he said he would see if he had time today. 

In the morning, Yolanda messaged him again; he said he was a bit busy and would see her later, and it was unclear whether he would come at all. 

“It’s all his mother’s fault! She must be meddling in the background; Zachary was a good boy, so dedicated to you.” Olga got irritated just thinking about it: “Wait until you’re famous; that’ll make her regret!” 

“Mom, don’t worry, I believe Zachary will come.” 

“Send him another message; the award ceremony is about to start soon! He needs to see your shining moment!” 

“Okay.” Yolanda, a little embarrassed, sent Zachary a picture of the scene. 

[Zachary, I saved you a seat; if you’re busy and can’t make it, it’s okay.] 

She even sent a kissing emoji. 

On the other side, Zachary had already reached the theater entrance but hadn’t gotten out of the car. He received Yolanda’s message but didn’t reply right away; his gaze was fixed forward, lost in thought. 

“Has Zachary not replied yet?” 

“Send him a few more messages; don’t be so brief. Be more enthusiastic; ask him if he’s busy first, then talk about the ceremony! Or send a few more affectionate emojis and say some sweet nothings to coax him over. Boys love it when girls act cute.” 

“Ten minutes have passed and he hasn’t replied yet? Is your phone on silent? Is the signal here bad? Check your phone again. Why don’t you go outside and call him?” 

Yolanda, already frustrated, couldn’t stand her mother’s nagging anymore and got up, saying, “I’m going to the restroom.”