The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1898

So many dinner parties necessitate a couple's waltz.

She couldn't dance, was she supposed to just stand there and watch her date invite another girl to dance right in front of her?

If she couldn't even dance, couldn't even play the piano, what good was she?

In high society, she was nothing short of a pariah!

Was this some cosmic joke, to take back everything she learned from the Collins family?

Martin held her close, allowing her to vent her frustrations in his embrace.

"Why, why must this happen to me." Serena sobbed uncontrollably, "Why?"

Her tears flowed like rivers, her sorrow seemingly endless, "Why does Arabella, after all the hardships, still come back so beautiful, so glorified to that home, with so many skills to her name, while I, after my struggles, am left with nothing but the aftermath?"

Why had fate stripped her of her prized beauty and status?

Why was she rendered unable to walk unaided, to relearn how to use utensils for eating?

Why?

It felt like she was cast into the deepest circle of hell, experiencing pain beyond comprehension!

Was it just because she was jealous of Arabella, because she had once tried to trip her up, that she deserved such divine retribution?

Compared to her, Arabella's past sufferings seemed trivial!

At least Arabella was taken in by the Murphy family, who provided a decent life, neither lavish nor lacking, and Granny Grace had connections that allowed her to learn so much.

Seeing such a lively scene, and spotting his dear sister, David's smile grew even wider.

"Bella, I'm back," David teased, waving something in his hand, "Guess what tasty treat I have brought for you?"

"Late at night, and you're bringing your sister barbecue?" Hans frowned slightly.

"It's all fresh off the grill. I rushed the driver to hurry over just so my sister could have a bite while it's still hot." David placed several bags on the coffee table, and the servants promptly began setting out the dozens of grilled delights.

Chasel's brow also furrowed, "Tomorrow's New Year, and the day after is Bella's homecoming banquet, you're feeding her this, what if she gets a breakout?"

"Bella's skin isn't prone to blemishes. Besides, even if she did get a spot, she'd still be my most beautiful, most angelic sister, incomparable to anyone else!" David added, then pinched Bella's soft cheek affectionately, "Plus, my sister's a doctor, she knows all the tricks to keep the skin clear, right?"

Arabella smiled warmly, looking back at David.