The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella)

Chapter 2015

“Look, Martin, you don't get a say in this." The voice on the other end of the phone didn't bother with Martin's questions, instead

dropping a heavy threat, "I can bring Serena back from the brink, and just as easily make her wish she hadn't. You have no room to

negotiate. If you don't take the fall for this within a day, you're going to regret it!"

Martin hung up without a second thought, dismissing the ominous caller.

In the study.

Serena was still sitting in her wheelchair, crying.

Martin knelt down beside her, about to offer words of comfort, when Serena reached out and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Martin, did you see the news blowing up online? Do you hatenow, think I'm awful." Her sobs made her words jagged, "lI admit

I've made mistakes in the past, but | want to make things right, to have a good life with you."

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His heart softened, and he gently stroked her hair. "What news? | haven't seen anything. Is that why you're crying?"

She nodded, her eyes as vulnerable as a child's, "You've been so distant these past few days."

Martin let out a soft chuckle, realizing the misunderstanding. "I've been caught up in a lot lately."

He was juggling family expectations, managing his own corporation, and now someone was trying to smear his name.

Despite being stretched thin, he had made every effort to carve out tfor her, but it seemed she still felt neglected.

"Don't worry, no matter what the world says, your past doesn't matter toanymore. You're Serena Lott, not Serena Collins. Their

opinions don't count; my liking you is all that matters." Martin reached out and wiped the tears from her cheeks.

Serena's voice turned playful, "Then hold me."

Martin hadn't expected her to be so endearing today, so uncharacteristically forward.

He lifted her into his arms and settled onto the nearby loveseat. "Is this what you wanted to talk about today?"

She nodded, then hesitated, "There's something else."

She knew Martin had mistakenly hit Alma the last tin a fit of rage defending her. So, in retaliation, Alma had cornered her in a

shopping mall and gave her a taste of her own medicine. Aside from a verbal warning, Martin couldn't really do much to Alma; after

all, he was the one who had made the first mistake.

So, she wanted to use this incident to get Martin to propose to her.

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"Martin, | want us to get engaged."

Serena spoke with a blush creeping onto her cheeks, burying her face into Martin's chest, her voice was timid yet sincere.

"When the Collins family lockedin the basement, you were the one who rescued me. When | was drowning in negative press,

you stood by me, unwavering, facing it all with me. I've thought it over, | want to spend my life with you. Will you say yes?"

Serena lifted her gaze to meet Martin's, eyes filled with hopeful shyness.

A jolt went through Martin as if struck by a current. He had never imagined that the girl he had adored for over six and a half years

would be the one to propose engagement to him.

"The truth is, I've been moved by your sincerity for a long tnow. | want to be with you, and never be apart," Serena said,

locking her gaze with his, and then, with her arms still around his neck, she leaned in for a kiss.