The Princess and the Pauper

Chapter 1940

Half an hour later.

All the performances had come to an end, and Jennifer, linking arms with Arabella, beamed at her,

"Bella, how about we go watch the fireworks? Your Grandma and Grandpa had them set up just for

you."

Arabella's gaze shifted towards Phillip and Shirley, her tone gentle, "Thank you, Grandma and

Grandpa."

"I just hope you like them." Phillip helped his wife put on a woolen beanie and a thick coat before they

all made their way to the garden.

"It's a bit nippy out here, Bella. Do you have a warmer coat?" A gust of wind made Shirley's neck chill,

and she was concerned Arabella might catch a cold.

But in the next second, Romeo draped his overcoat around Arabella's shoulders and meticulously

fastened each button, "Wear mine, it'll do."

The black overcoat hung loose on Arabella, accentuating her slender figure even more.

Cathy hadn't expected Arabella to carry off Romeo's overcoat with such a cool vibe.

It seemed like her sister-in-law was a natural clothes horse, the kind who could make even a burlap

sack look good.

Romeo, with his arm around Arabella's waist, led her to the garden. No sooner had they found a spot

than twenty magnificent fireworks burst overhead simultaneously, the spectacle grand and visually

stunning.

Arabella hadn't expected the McMillians to stage such a splendid and dazzling fireworks show for her.

With one burst fading, another would bloom instantly, leaving onlookers breathless and visually

satiated.

Romeo pulled Arabella closer, shielding her from the chilly breeze.

The fireworks lit up the entire night sky, a riot of colors gradually forming various patterns and finally,

the words 'Happy New Year' traced in sparks.

After the show, all the elders wished Arabella a Happy New Year. The warm and cheerful atmosphere

stirred a sense of warmth and emotion within her.

"Bella!"

As the fireworks display came to an end, everyone started heading back inside. Cathy hurriedly caught

up to Arabella and said to Romeo, "I need to ask Bella about something."

After a glance from Arabella, Romeo reluctantly let go of her but shot Cathy a warning look, silently

telling her not to stir up trouble.

Cathy pretended not to notice and, clinging to Arabella's hand, whispered, "Bella, can I ask you how

you tamed my big brother? He's so gentle around you."

Before she could finish, she quickly added, "I don't mean to tame him, just wish he'd be a bit gentler

with us too."

"Cathy." Romeo's voice came from behind them.

Cathy spun around, stammering, "I was just telling sis how gentle you are! She said you're really

gentle!"

The sternness in Romeo's demeanor softened into a more gentle presence.

"Romeo really does seem a lot gentler around you!!" Cathy once again murmured in Arabella's ear, "I

declare, from this moment on, you're my idol. Whatever you say, I'll do!"

"Speak your mind," Arabella said, seeing right through her little ruse but knowing she bore no malice.

Cathy hadn't expected her sister-in-law to be so much more perceptive than she'd anticipated, and she

giggled, slightly embarrassed, "Romeo thinks I've been disrespectful to you and has sentenced me to ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

copy the family code ten times. You have no idea, our family code is foul and lengthy, enough to circle

the Earth! Please, dear Bella, help me talk to him. Wouldn't once be enough?"

Copying it ten times would be the death of her.

Arabella raised an eyebrow, realizing this young girl had cozied up to her, arm in arm, hoping to reduce

her sentence.

"Actually, writing more could benefit you," Arabella teased.

"How so?"

"Your handwriting might improve."