The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1889

Serena could no longer hold back the torrent of emotions, her eyes fluttered open and were immediately filled with tears.

"Serena." Martin's heart lifted at the sight of her awakening, but the tears brimming in her eyes pierced his heart with empathy. He quickly grabbed a tissue and gently wiped her tears away. "What's wrong? Don't be afraid, you're safe here with me. No one can hurt you now."

A lump formed in Serena's throat, and she couldn't keep the floodgates closed any longer as her emotions surged forward.

Martin tenderly leaned down and wrapped his arms around her. "You've just been snatched back from death's door. You shouldn't get worked up, I understand, I know you must be feeling terrible."

He stroked her hair soothingly. "It's okay now, it's all in the past. Have a little cry, let it all out, and then let's try to stop, okay?"

As he spoke, Martin gently dabbed the tears from her cheeks. "I can't stand to see you cry."

The doctors and the servants in the room fell into a hushed silence.

They had never seen Martin treat a girl with such tender care before.

This girl, whom they were seeing for the first time, appeared quite ordinary with her bruised forehead and chin.

They couldn't fathom what the master saw in her, to care so deeply.

"Martin." For the first time, Serena clung to Martin's neck with all her might, crying bitterly, her voice hoarse with sorrow. "They really don't want me anymore. They treated me like a criminal. They really don't care about me anymore."

Martin felt a tightness in his chest and a sting in his nose, moved with compassion as he comforted her, "Easy now, don't strain yourself, you're still on an IV, and there's a needle in the back of your hand, not to mention your injuries haven't healed yet. I understand how you feel. I know this must be incredibly hard for you."

"I've lost everything, my family, and their affection."

"But you still have me. I've promised that no matter what happens, I'll always be by your side. Even if everyone else is gone, you still have me."

Hearing these words made Serena cry even harder.

There was a time when she had treated him like a spare tire, summoning him at her whim, never truly valuing him as a real boyfriend, never offering him the respect he deserved.