The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 2049

Realizing the grim possibility, Serena spat out another mouthful of blood, a mix of sorrow and fury overwhelming her until she slipped into unconsciousness.

The medical machines blared their alarming tones, and Martin, sensing the urgency, immediately pressed the call button.

Doctors and nurses rushed in once again, ushering him out.

Outside the hospital room, Martin, at his wit's end, dialed the number of that enigmatic contact once more.

For two days and nights, the mysterious person hadn't taken his calls. This time was no different; the call went unanswered.

Call after call, Martin's efforts seemed in vain. Clearly, he had been discarded like a useless pawn.

Despair and helplessness washed over Martin as he covered his face with his hands, sobbing.

After what felt like an eternity, the medical team emerged, and with a heavy heart, one of them announced, "Mr. Cooper, you've got the last three hours to say your goodbyes to Serena."

"What did you say?" Martin stood up, tears brimming in his eyes.

"We've done all we can," the nurse said with regret. "Serena's condition has taken a severe turn for the worse."

"Can't you do anything else to save her?"

"Her illness is peculiar, complex. We've never seen anything like it in all our years," one doctor admitted, though it was clear to him that not even Ms. Bella could save Serena now.

Martin's tears fell freely. He knew all too well that Arabella was determined not to lend a hand.

"If she had just gotten along with Arabella, she wouldn't have been cast out by the Collins family. She could still be living the carefree life of a Collins heiress, bright future and all. But she had to rebel, to defy Arabella. The Collins family gave her chance after chance, but she never learned. She has no one to blame but herself."

"Diana, not now," Martin said without turning, his voice hoarse as he looked at Serena. "Please, just go. I want to be with her."

Rolling her eyes, Diana walked into the adjacent room.

Martin sat by the bedside, holding Serena's hand, his tears falling unrestrained.

After a moment, Serena's fingers twitched, and her eyelids slowly opened.

She parted her lips, as if struggling to speak.