The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella and Romeo) novel Chapter 1426

As the waitress brought in the drinks, Serena hardly noticed any difference between Arabella's glass and the others.

Arabella remained silent, deep in thought, which only made Serena more uneasy.

The atmosphere grew awkward, and Serena tried to break the tension with a nervous laugh. "Bella, no matter how much our family gives you, it's yours by right. You're a part of this household," she said, her voice edging towards sincerity. "On the other hand, I'm not related by blood, so every gift, every token of appreciation I receive is a stroke of luck, a blessing. I'm too grateful to ever resent you for having more, or better. How could I?"

Perhaps sensing disbelief in the room, Serena added gently, "For the past eighteen years, the Collins family has been nothing but kind to me. Their love has moved me beyond words. I've received more warmth and happiness than I could ever claim as my own. I'm content."

"Really?"

Arabella's response prompted Serena to nod emphatically. "Absolutely."

"Then let's toast," Arabella said, standing up and pushing her suspicious lemonade towards Serena. "Sharing my drink with you symbolizes that from now on, in this family, I'll always think of you, my sister, and share everything with you. Even if it's just a glass of water, I'll make sure you're taken care of."

"Bella." Serena felt a rush of panic.

Arabella poured herself a new drink and clinked it against the problematic glass on the table. "Here's to you," she said, and without hesitation, downed her lemonade in one go.

Serena's face twisted in distress. Did Arabella realize something was wrong with the drink and was deliberately letting her have it?

Impossible. Martha had assured her the drug was colorless, tasteless, undetectable even to the divine.

Was Arabella just naturally suspicious, or was she genuinely trying to make amends?

But she couldn't drink that lemonade. If she did, she'd be the one to suffer.