The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella and Romeo) novel Chapter 1427

Darren and Belinda were baffled by the whole charade over a simple glass of water.

"If Serena is bothered by my presence, upset that I got more presents than you, then I'll just go back and tell Mom and Dad."

Serena was stuck between a rock and a hard place and, finally, she mustered up the courage to take a tiny sip.

Eunice playfully scolded, "Your sister drained her glass, and you're just taking a wee nip? That's hardly in the spirit."

When Serena picked up the glass again, a mischievous idea struck her, and she pretended to fumble it.

The cup seemed destined to fall from her hand.

Serena was about to celebrate her sly move, but lo and behold, in the next second, Arabella reached out and caught it, saying, "Lucky, it didn't spill."

Now, Serena felt like sinking into the ground.

"You two, fussing over a glass of water," Darren chimed in, his eyes on a heaping spoonful of creamy crab dip—the kind he adored. To savor a mouthful was pure bliss!

Belinda, worried the food might get cold, smiled and said, "Sweetie, just drink up when your sister offers a gesture of kindness. In this family, there's no need for all this polite deflection."

With no way out, Serena swallowed the small cup of lemon water, holding back tears.

Martha had mentioned the effects would kick in after an hour, so Serena didn't lose her cool right away. She managed to smile sweetly and exchange pleasantries.

However, after nibbling at her meal for a bit, she couldn't hold back any longer and snuck a message to Martha, querying what on earth she should do.