The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 2025

"You're family, too." Martin said, wrapping his arms around her tightly, "There's no need for you to move away. I'll set a date for our engagement party, and I’ll invite all our friends and family to show them you're the one I've chosen to be by my side, the love of my life."

"But..."

"No buts. A day without you is torture enough. You think I could stand you moving to another town? What if work chains me down and I can't drive over every day? I can't even picture life without you anymore. I'm used to having you right here with me."

Holding her close, he continued, "You're mine, and you should be standing by my side, basking in the spotlight, not hiding in the shadows, nameless. I don't want to hear such thoughts from you ever again."

That was exactly what Serena had been longing to hear!

"But," she protested, feigning guilt, "it's all my fault. If only I were in better health, I could visit your folks more often, take care of them properly."

"Focus on healing up first. Your body's still recovering. I’ll talk with my parents." Martin reassured her, then opened the first aid kit and began to tend to a cut on her ear, "Did they hit you here?"

Serena quickly replied to cover it up, "I don't know how it happened."

He knew she was protecting them, "This wasn't here when I left for work. It only showed up after their visit. You think I can't put two and two together?"

"Martin, don't be upset with them. It doesn't hurt, really!" But as she spoke, she winced and hastily added, "Compared to everything the Collins family put me through, they have been saints."