The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella)

Chapter 1461

Darren asked with a twinkle in his eye, "Romeo, you a fan of the liquid courage? I've picked out a few light beers for ya."

Romeo glanced at Arabella instinctively before answering obediently, "No, | don't drink."

Catching Belinda's gaze, Darren chuckled and put the beer bottles back, "Well, | guess I'll pass too. Just didn't know if you had a

taste for it, so | picked out a few. Good on ya, lad. Staying sober's a fine habit."

Swallowing, he looked longingly at the bottles. He'd been hoping for a cheeky pint.

Belinda knew he was itching for a drink but deliberately ignored it, smiling warmly at Romeo, "This is your first tover for

dinner, We weren't sure what you like. If there's anything on the table that's not to your taste, just say the word and | won't have it

made next time."

"He's not fussy at all. Eats everything," Arabella chimed in quickly.

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Romeo looked at Arabella with an adoring gaze, "Bella's right. I'm not picky at all."

"You're such a catch." Belinda said as she got up to serve him more food, "Dig in, then. These dishes are the family favorites."

"Thanks, Grandma Belinda."

After serving Romeo, Belinda turned to Arabella, "Here you go, Bella. Eat up. You work so hard and | can't really share your

burdens, but | hope this meal makes life feel a bit brighter, even if just for a moment."

Arabella softened, "Thank you, Grandma."

"Don't mention it, sweetie."

"This soup's killer, really hits the spot." Darren also stood up, ladling sfor Romeo and then for Arabella.

"Romeo, it's your first there. Make yourself at home. Whatever you want to eat or drink, don't hold back." Bard clapped him on

the back genially, "After we eat, I'd love to have a good chat with you."

"You're putting the boy on the spot. He'll lose his appetite." Eunice laughed as she served Romeo smore food, "Don't mind

him. He just wants to get to know you better."

Feeling their warmth and seeing them continually filling his plate, Romeo replied gratefully, "Thank you, Uncle Bard, Aunt Eunice."

Serena watched as the family fussed over Romeo and Arabella, and felt she was a fifth wheel, utterly invisible.

"So, Romeo, are you focusing more on domestic or international growth these days?" Bard asked with a grin, "lI hear you cto

Dawnstar just for Bella."

"Both fronts are moving at the space, but it's mainly about Bella. Wherever she is, that's where I'll be."

The family exchanged knowing smiles and teased, "Ohhh," as Arabella shot Romeo a look that said, ‘Can you stop?’

But Romeo just smiled at her indulgently.

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"Bella’s parents wanted to cby today, but | told them we're planning to head to Reflections Villa with the grandparents for the

celebration. It'll be a grand time, and you should join us."

Upon Bard sent the invitation, Eunice interjected, "Romeo has his own family to be with. | heard his grandparents have just got

back on their feet, and his parents are back in the country. Let him fulfill his family duties first. He can join us any time."

"Or he could have dinner twice on that day - one with his family and then with us! He's practically one of us anyway. We'd love to

have him over."

As soon as Darren said this, everyone burst into laughter.

"Pop, you're gonna stuff the poor boy before he's even your grandson-in-law," Eunice laughed as she ladled Darren ssoup.

Darren looked hopefully at Romeo, thinking how much livelier that day would be with him there.

Romeo chuckled, "Actually, my parents also invited Bella over for dinner. Haven't asked her yet, but if Bella's up for it, we can

chere first, then head over there."