The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1945

"Finally, the day has come. It hasn't been easy, not at all," Shirley sighed with a sense of relief. "At long last, the hardship has turned to sweetness."

"Bella, tomorrow I'll be in top form, dressed in my sharpest, youngest-looking suit to show you off!" Phillip promised with gusto. "I'm going to make sure every reporter out there knows that you're my granddaughter-in-law, the darling of the McMillian family—someone they can only envy. No one can replace your place in our hearts, especially in Romeo's."

"Absolutely, at tomorrow's homecoming banquet, I heard it's going to be nationally televised. I will declare in front of everyone that you, Bella, are the McMillian family's and personally my most satisfactory, most beloved, and proudest daughter-in-law!"

"We'll all be there early to support you, as a united front," Tomas said, his charm undiminished by his warm smile. "We'll show everyone the esteemed place you hold within the McMillian and Collins families."

"Thank you all so much." Arabella's heart swelled with emotion as she thanked them for their kindness.

"Bella, before the banquet starts tomorrow, can I come over to Reflections Villa to see you?" Cathy asked eagerly.

Her request was met with a firm "No," from Romeo, with a chilling tone.

But Cathy was undeterred, her eyes pleading with Arabella for approval.

"Anytime is fine by me."

Arabella's response made Cathy beam with excitement. "I'll text you before I head out tomorrow!"

Having said her piece, Cathy then turned to her older brother Jeffery and sister Luna, "Jeffery, Luna, let's head over early tomorrow! See if there's anything we can help with."

"You just better not cause any trouble," Romeo interjected, doubtful of her assistance.

Luna, too, smiled and waved goodbye to Arabella.

"See you tomorrow, Bella," Jeffery said respectfully.

The elders gave Arabella a few more words of advice before watching their car pull away.

"Finally some peace and quiet," Romeo commented as he drove Arabella back, noticing the smile still on her face and feeling his own lips curving upward in response. "They sure do love to talk. Don't worry about them if you're busy."

"Have you noticed our families have a similar vibe?"

"It's because of you that our family has this atmosphere," Romeo corrected her. "They really like you, including Cathy. She never gave Serena a pleasant look before and Luna didn't bother with her. Jeffery would just say hello and not talk much. But they really like you."