The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 2027

"Trust me, he didn't want to penalize you guys in the first place."

"Yeah, right! I've been punished more times than I've had hot dinners over the years!"

Arabella chuckled softly, passing the iPad across the table, "Do these choices look good to you? Should we add more?"

"C'mon, Arabella, don't you go playing the penny-pincher with me. You've barely scratched the surface of this menu, and it's not like I can't afford a decent meal!" Cathy quickly pushed the iPad back, "Order away, please don't hold back!"

"We can't overdo it though; hate to see good food go to waste," Arabella replied with a gentle smile.

"It won’t happen! But don't underestimate the depth of my pockets. Today is all about having a blast!"

Their private dining room door was ajar, and just then, a passerby caught a glimpse of Cathy and called out in surprise and delight, "Cathy?"

"Tabitha??" Cathy, spotting her and the younger girl beside her, greeted them with joy, "Theresa, are you two out for a meal today? Just the two of you?"

"Yeah, it's Theresa's birthday today. Mom and Dad are tied up, couldn't celebrate with her, so it's up to me, her big sis, to make her day special," Tabitha was a good friend of Cathy's, and Theresa was her younger sister.

"Hey there, Cathy." Theresa greeted politely, the picture of youthful charm.

"Happy birthday, Theresa! I hope all your wishes come true," Cathy said, ruffling her hair with a beaming smile.

"Thanks, Cathy."

"Who are you dining with?" Tabitha peered curiously into Cathy's room and saw none other than Arabella, the talk of the town and Cathy's cousin-in-law!

Laughing, Tabitha continued their chat as they walked away, "Speaking of which, how come your cousin isn't around today?"

"I called his assistant earlier, asked him to keep Romeo occupied for the day. I've tried to take Arabella out a few times, but he always gets in the way!"

Tabitha laughed, "That just shows how much he adores her."

"But I adore her too! I want to spend more time with her as well."

Back in the room, Arabella was finalizing the menu on the iPad when she heard her name called.

"Arabella???"