The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 2069

"Hey, Bella," Barry looked up, his smile as bright as the morning sun. "Feeling any better?"

"How are you holding up, Bella?" Joyce, perched on the edge of her hospital bed, chimed in with genuine concern.

"I'm fine." Arabella set a basket of apples on the table, her eyes briefly landing on the bowl of oatmeal in Barry's hands. "What's Joyce eating?"

"I tried whipping up some nutritious oatmeal I found online. It's not much to look at." Barry chuckled, a little embarrassed.

Joyce added with a smile, "But it tastes pretty good."

Arabella saw the love in their eyes for each other and her lips curved in a gentle smile. "How's your neck, still sore?"

"Not at all," Joyce beamed.

"And your arm?"

"That's all better too."

"I ate the fruit you sent over to my place; it was sweet and really delicious."

Joyce tugged Arabella to sit beside her on the bed. "Bella, you've been through so much for me and Mya. I wanted to come see you myself, but the doc said I have to be observed for a couple days. I should be discharged tomorrow if all is well."

Before Arabella had rushed to her rescue, Joyce had been hit on the head by one of Yolanda's goons, causing dizziness, headaches, and bouts of nausea, hence the hospital's watchful eye.

"Now you're feeling better?"

"All good, I'll be out of here by tomorrow."

Arabella stopped her. "Who says you can't repay me? Just take care of yourself, live each day healthy, happy, and safe. That's the best thank you I could ask for."

Edith's eyes grew even more moist. She couldn't understand why anyone would want to hurt someone as kind-hearted as Arabella.

"I'm so sorry for bringing this trouble upon you all, scaring everyone and causing you to suffer," Arabella said, pulling out a check and handing it to Edith.

Edith glanced at the check, which had $50,000 written on it, and immediately protested. "No, no, your parents visited this morning and offered money as well, but I refused. I don't feel burdened by you, on the contrary, meeting you and serving the Collins family has been the best decision of my life, my fortune."

"This is for you to buy some supplements," Arabella insisted, trying to hand over the check.

But Edith stood firm, not willing to take it. "Ms. Bella, you're too kind. I don't need it. Just promise to invite me to your wedding with Mr. McMillian, and I'll be over the moon!"

Arabella hadn't expected the conversation to turn towards weddings but responded with a soft smile, "You'll definitely be on the guest list."