The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1943

Bella had just joined the family group chat, and Phillip couldn't have been more ecstatic as he lounged on the living room couch. "I'm about to make it rain gift cards for her." he beamed with delight.

Shirley, too, was gripped by her phone, her fingers dancing as she typed in amounts, determined to send more gifts that would outdo Phillip's. "My storm's gotta be bigger than yours."

"Could you two maybe leave some for the rest of us!" George grumbled, venting to his wife, "How do their fingers move that fast? I just sent one, and it's like they buried it alive."

"Buried alive? Stop distracting me," Jennifer snapped, even more focused. "Tonight, I'm gonna make sure Bella feels just how much we value her!"

Tomas and Donna were also busy in the group chat, sending their own gifts.

"You guys need to cool it." Tomas half-joked, "We're getting completely overshadowed here!"

"Yeah, hold off for a bit, will ya? Let us get a few in, okay?"

When Arabella walked into the living room, she was greeted by a scene of six adults, all engrossed in their phones, fiercely sending gift in the chat.

"Bella's right here, can't we just give her a big one in person?" Romeo, standing next to Arabella, was somewhat speechless at his relatives' antics.

It dawned on Phillip and Shirley then. Oh right, they'd prepared a hefty gift card for Arabella!

George and Jennifer, Tomas and Donna, all remembered and handed Arabella their generous gifts, wishing her a Happy New Year.

"Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa," Arabella said, accepting the gift cards and thanking each in turn, "Thanks."

"Silly girl, no need for formalities with family." Jennifer was overjoyed to see her accept the gifts.

The other adults then distributed gifts to the younger family members. Cathy, upon seeing that her gift was smaller and less substantial than Arabella's, couldn't help but confront her own parents, "Dad, Mom, can't you be impartial? How can you be okay with giving such a tiny gift card?"