The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 2156

Never in a million years did he think that in their father’s heart, his younger brother was the most suitable successor.

“From the time you both were in preschool until you graduated from college, all the tests were subtly integrated into your daily lives. The challenges I set for you were the same, and every time, George outperformed you.”

That’s why Phillip insisted on choosing George as his successor.

“Hold on a minute.” Cathy interjected, confused, “What does this have to do with the Collins family? And what about that fire from years ago???”

She felt like she had been listening forever but was still clueless about the connection.

That’s when Donna started to speak, her voice tinged with self-deprecating humor, “I had the biggest crush on your father for six whole years in middle and high school. I worked my butt off to get into the same college as him, just to spend more time around him.”

Everyone was stunned, Cathy included, who was gaping in disbelief.

“The day we started college, I finally mustered the courage to confess my feelings to him, only to be turned down.”

Donna chuckled at the memory, “After that, I confessed year after year, and was rejected just as many times, right up until graduation. I still couldn’t win his heart.”

Now that even Jeffery, Luna, and Cathy were taken aback. They had never imagined their usually quiet and reserved mother had been so fervently pursuing their father in her youth.

“It was after I had received my degree that Tomas first mentioned the name Jennifer to me. He told me to stop wasting my time on him, saying he only had room in his heart for Jennifer.”