The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella and Romeo) novel Chapter 1402

Serena sat in silence, a storm of emotions brewing within her.

"Serena?" Martin, noticing her reluctance to speak, simply opened the first-aid kit and began to tend to her wounds.

As Serena watched his concerned and earnest expression, she couldn't help but retract her foot. "You know now, I'm not the Collins heiress. Why are you still here? You can leave!"

"Stay still," Martin said, gently pulling her foot back into place and resuming his work.

"I don't deserve you, Mr. Martin, didn't you hear me? Go away!"

Martin paused in his ministrations and looked up, meeting the gaze of the girl perched on the swing chair. "Having second thoughts?"

Serena was taken aback.

"Did I disappoint you today? Is that it?"

She averted her gaze, confused. Why did Martin always seem to wear his heart on his sleeve, his eyes betraying a wounded forbearance that made her feel unsettled?

"I'm saying that I'm not the Collins heiress. It has nothing to do with how you acted today!"

"So what?" Martin continued treating her wounds, more concerned about the small cut on her foot than her lineage.

Serena was surprised. Seeing Martin so focused on her insignificant injury, she couldn't help but question, "Don't you understand? I'm not a true Collins. I was switched at birth! My real background is probably very ordinary. I'm not good enough for you, Martin!"

"It's not for you or anyone else to decide who is worthy," Martin said softly, all the while carefully applying medicine to her wounds. "If I say you are worthy, then you are. I like you, Serena, not your status."

"But your family will never agree."

Martin had not expected her to think so far ahead. He looked up, his voice gentle, "I'll take care of my family."

Serena was shocked. Even knowing her true birthright, Martin was surprisingly unfazed.

She had thought that once he learned the truth, he would choose a well-matched heiress and break up with her.