The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella and Romeo) novel Chapter 1400

Martin stepped forward, the epitome of contrition. "This isn't on Serena, it's my fault for not asking the right questions."

Serena's eyes lifted in disbelief, her heart swelling in her chest. The boy beside her, still standing up for her even now.

Emotions swirled in her gaze, a cocktail of gratitude and shock.

Her nose tingled, and she was a blink away from tears.

"I'm sorry," Martin said, turning to Romeo with a bow of his head, a gentleman's apology. "I thought you were being fickle, flaunting your new flame in front of Serena just to hurt her."

At those words, Romeo's brow raised. Flaunting? His and Bella's affection was genuine, no show needed.

"Especially after bumping into you several times today, I assumed you were trying to make Serena feel small. Plus, I was clueless that Arabella was a Collins, and that your engagement to her was a given. Seeing you outside Aunt Eunice's place, I thought you were there to rub it in Serena's face."

That was why he had stepped out of the car, ready to throw a punch, feeling they had crossed a line.

"I figured as much," Arabella said, having anticipated this. That was why she had kindly warned him he was no match for Romeo, and picking a fight wouldn't end well for him.

Martin hadn't expected the girl before him to be so understanding. He bowed again, more earnestly this time. "I'm sorry for the misunderstanding."

"No harm done. You took a hit from Romeo, so let's call it even," Arabella said, noticing the swelling on his face, a clear sign Romeo didn't pull his punches. In this round, they had the upper hand on Martin.

"Please, have a seat," Eunice gestured for Martin to join them. "Now that we've cleared the air, let's move on. Your granddad and uncle aren't here today, and I apologize if I haven't played the hostess well. The tea's getting cold, and the pastries won't taste as good."

They each picked up a treat, lost in thought.

Eunice's phone rang. It was one of her associates.

"Excuse me, I need to take this."

As Eunice stepped away to take the call, Martin's gaze drifted back to Serena, sizing her up, or perhaps reassessing.

Serena didn't respond, didn't even meet his eyes for a fleeting second.