The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella and Romeo) novel Chapter 1406

"Alright, you head on back now."

Arabella was well aware that Romeo had a few loose ends to tie up in Dawnstar, and he had already taken time out of his busy day to be with her. The poor guy hadn't had a moment's rest.

"Get some sleep early, alright? And call me anytime," Romeo said, his eyes brimming with reluctance. He leaned in, his lips lingering on hers for a while before he whispered softly, "I'll text you when I get home."

"Sure, drive safe, and take it slow," Arabella urged, her gaze lingering on him longer than she intended, "Just be careful, okay?"

"You care about me now." The satisfaction in Romeo's eyes was undeniable. It seemed his long-held affection was finally being reciprocated.

After he left, several of the household staff quickly surrounded Arabella, effectively blocking her path.

"Ms. Bella, I'm just dying to know. What's it like dating the one and only Romeo?"

"How on earth did you manage to snag him? Spill the beans, will you? You've got us all curious!"

"What did you do to make him so utterly devoted to you? You must have some secret. Oh! Mr. McMillian."

They certainly hadn't expected Romeo to come back, and the staff quickly ducked their heads and stepped back.

Romeo was surprised to find the staff so close to Arabella, and even more surprised to see the warmth in her eyes when they surrounded her. He remembered when he first met her, she rarely showed such a tender side. She was always so cool and detached.

Had she changed, or had he just never really known her?

"I just remembered, I have a gift for you that I haven't given yet." Romeo pulled out a small box from his coat pocket.

The staff peeked curiously. It was a small, square box, about the size of a palm. Could it be that Mr. McMillian was going to propose?

With that thought, their faces lit up with knowing grins, wondering if Ms. Bella would say 'yes' right then and there.