The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella and Romeo) novel Chapter 1378

"Even if you hadn't bent over backwards to get close to them, just based on the love of the past eighteen years, you’re still the apple of their eyes. Take a good look at yourself. Since I've returned to this family, have your living expenses been cut back at all?"

"No, but I've had less than you, Arabella," Serena shot back angrily, "Mom, Dad, my brother and sister-in-law, grandparents, do they treat you the same as they treat me?"

"Isn't what they've given you over these eighteen years enough?" Arabella's gaze turned icy as she suddenly realized this person was too greedy.

"Let's put it this way, if they bought you a purse, and they got me the same one, I wouldn't have any complaints. But they order you hundreds of limited edition pieces! They give you a credit card with no spending limit! They hand over the company for you to manage, let you call the shots on everything, and even when there's a gala, I'm not invited! How can you say they treat me like family with such blatant favoritism?"

Arabella knew exactly which event Serena was referring to. "Not taking you is for your own good."

Serena scoffed, "Then why are you always included? Are they not good to you?"

"I serve my purpose."

"So what you're saying is, I'm useless and just drag them down?"

"If that's how you want to interpret it."

Serena nearly laughed out of sheer frustration. "Arabella, do you know what I hate about you? I hate that holier-than-thou attitude of yours! As if you're the only one capable of handling things, while I'm just trash in comparison!"

Arabella didn't say anything.

"All I want is to stay in this family, not to be cast aside." Serena's voice broke, her distress palpable, "Why is that so hard? Why does it have to be so difficult?"

Arabella watched her unravel, unable to help but ask, "What's so hard about it? Is someone driving you away? Has anyone treated you like trash?"

Serena lifted her eyes to meet Arabella's steady gaze.