The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella)

Chapter 1946

"I gotta say, they're a hoot to hang out with," Arabella said with a playful smile. "Especially Cathy, she's just a darling and a real

firecracker."

"Just wait until she gets into trouble and you're left holding the bag," Romeo grumbled, smoothly turning the steering wheel as the

car veered onto the next street.

Arabella chuckled lightly, "Sounds like she's given you a run for your money in the past."

"Trouble? She's a one-woman wrecking crew." Visions of Cathy's mischievous escapades over the years played through Romeo's

mind. "Her parents couldn't rein her in, so it all fell to me. Once they saw | had ssway, even Jeffery and Luna stepped back.

Any problem, they cstraight to me."

"No wonder you guys are thick as thieves," Arabella laughed. "It's rare to see cousins bond like siblings."

"Is it, though?" Romeo shot her a glance and asked.

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"Absolutely. It's clear as day that they look up to you. And in your heart, you see them as your little siblings, too. Your bond is just

like that of real brothers and sisters."

"You've been smiling a lot tonight," Romeo observed, his own heart warming at her laughter. "Back when you were with the

Murphys, you hardly ever did. But since you've returned to the Collins family, you've been all smiles."

"Maybe I've changed," Arabella mused, also aware of her transformation. "Feels like I've suddenly got a soft spot, yet at the same

time, a suit of armor."

The conversation flowed between them until the car pulled up in front of Reflections Villa.

"Here they come! That's Romeo's ride! Romeo's bringing Bella home!" Louisa exclaimed, glued to the surveillance screen. "When

do we set off the fireworks? Now, or when Bella steps in?"

Behind her, a small crowd had gathered—ten adults, five men, and Alma.

"The moment those fireworks go off, we all rush out and surprise her, wish her a Happy New Year," Chasel suggested.

"Should we be holding glow sticks or something when we go out?"

"We've got the light show planned right after the fireworks, remember? Let's not overcomplicate things. We don't want her to miss

the good stuff."

"Good point—oh my god, they're kissing!" David' eyes nearly popped out at the sight of the couple's intimate embrace on the

monitor.

"Dude," Sean couldn't believe this Romeo guy had the nerve to snatch a kiss from their little sister right on their doorstep.

"Sean, you get back here." David grabbed Sean's shirt, trying to keep him from storming out. "Don't ruin their moment, man."

"This is fantastic. | reckon we'll be handing out their wedding candy before the year's out!" Grandma Cornelia was overjoyed at the

sight.

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"If we could throw a big engagement party this year, that would be something," Grandpa Bernard said with a twinkle in his eye.

"If only Bella wasn't still in school, I'd wish they'd get married this year. Next year, we could be playing with our grandbabies!"

Grandma Belinda was already thrilled at the prospect.

"Guess | better get in shape then, ready to lend a hand and sdough for babysitting." Grandpa Darren was equally filled with

anticipation.

Kenneth felt a tug at his heart, torn between reluctance to let his little girl go and hope for her happiness.

"Are they ever gonna stop kissing."

Sean's grumbling earned him a stern look from the elders.

"Zip it, will ya? It's the holidays, can't you be a bit more refined?" Louisa chided him with a smack to the arm. "Look at Romeo, such

a gentleman."

"That hypocritical man." Sean muttered under his breath, watching the lengthy kiss unfold.