The Princess and the Paupers

Chapter 93
The sound of the shower echoed from the bathroom, a tall figure reflected on the glass door.
Arabella was none the wiser, engrossed in her phone dealing with private matters. Only when she heard the bathroom door open
did she look up. Romeo, all wet–haired and clad in a white robe, gave off a strong masculine vibe.
Just then, her phone rang. It was an unusually long number, not like the typical mobile number. She shifted her attention back to
her phone, answering it calmly, “Spill it.”
** S O S = =
Whatever the person on the other end said, Arabella moved to the balcony, responding with a nonchalant “So?”
Before long, she felt arms wrap around her from behind. Romeo’s breath lightly caressed her ear, making her a bit jittery.
He nuzzled her ear affectionately, like a clingy cat. Arabella could feel his body heat. She told the person on the phone, “Gotcha,
I’m hanging up now.” “Was that a dude?” Romeo caught a hint of a male voice on the other end, which ruffled his feathers.
She’d just been checking him out when he came out of the shower. But as soon as the phone rang, she didn’t even give him a
second glance, just went straight to the balcony.
“Just a friend.” Arabella didn’t know why she felt the need to explain. Her voice hinted at resignation, “Let go.”
“What kind of friend?” Romeo dipped his head, inhaling the scent on her neck, which was seductive to him.
“Just a regular friend or a special friend?” His voice was soft and tender, his actions unchanging.
“Not just a regular friend.” Arabella said.
After all, they had been through life and death together, their bond was pretty deep.
“So, he’s pretty important?” His dissatisfaction was evident as he gazed at her pretty profile, “More important than me?”
“Romeo.” Arabella tried to wriggle out of his grip, but he held her tight. She sounded helpless, “We’ve only known each other for
a few days, haven’t we?” “To me, it feels like we’ve known each other for years.” Romeo said.
His masculine aura combined with his tender voice towards her made him all the more charming, almost overwhelming her.

“I’m thirsty.” Arabella pushed him away, went inside to pour a glass of water, her face inexplicably flushed.
“Where am I sleeping tonight?” Romeo followed her in, his lust not yet extinguished, but rather more fired up.
“Bed or floor, take your pick.” Arabella said.
“Bed.” Romeo looked at her, proposing, “So, we sleep together?”
“In your dreams!” Arabella put down her glass. Noticing there was only one pillow and a small blanket on the bed, and no couch
in the spacious room, she finally caught on.
“Then I’ll take the floor.” Romeo plopped down, leaving the only blanket and pillow to her, “I’m not sleepy, you go ahead.”
The antique lantern casting a Zen–like glow went out, plunging the bedroom into darkness.
Arabella lay down under the blanket, his soft breaths still audible to her.
Romeo sat by the bed, gently stroking her hair, “Goodnight.”
He held her hand as she drifted off to sleep.
Next morning, the sound of someone in the bathroom woke Arabella up. Daylight was streaming in through the curtains, creating
a slightly dreamy ambiance. Soon, the sounds in the bathroom ceased, and a figure emerged, “You awake?”
She was sitting on the bed, her silky hair cascading down her shoulders, looking dazed and adorable. This scene had him smile
affectionately.
“Why didn’t you sleep in?” He was still in his white robe from the night before, looking so gentle. The merging of his inherent
elegance and aloofness made him even more enchanting.
Seeing him approach, Arabella hopped off the bed, casually saying, “I’ve got work in a bit.”
She had barely taken a step when her foot hit something. It was the men’s sleepwear from last night, rolled up by Romeo as a
makeshift pillow. Did he really spend the night on the hard floor?
Arabella felt a cocktail of emotions, not sure if it was guilt or unease.
At the breakfast table.

Phillip watched the two early birds, thinking they were perfect for each other. He cheerfully asked, “Why didn’t you sleep in?”
“The floor’s too hard, couldn’t sleep.” Romeo replied.
Phillip and the butler were taken aback. They thought last night was a great opportunity to bring the two closer. But Romeo
chose to sleep on the floor.
“Why didn’t you sleep in the bed?” Phillip asked, puzzled.
“He let me have the bed.” Arabella answered. Then she asked, “Was the door fixed this morning?”
Phillip felt a bit guilty as he replied, “Yes.” In fact, he had someone unlock it with a key at dawn, and he didn’t know if Arabella
had figured it out.
“Oh, I didn’t hear anything.” She said, settling down to a casual breakfast, not asking further.
Phillip asked with concern, “Bella, did the blackout scare you last night? I have no idea why the power supply malfunctioned. I
can guarantee this won’t happen again the next time you come.”
“It’s okay.” She replied. She’d figured out his plan long ago but didn’t expose him.
Phillip looked at the understanding girl, then at Romeo, feeling a bit annoyed.
After breakfast, Romeo escorted Arabella to work.
The butler watched them leave, then quietly took out a lady’s backpack, “Mr. Phillip, the young lady forgot her bag.”
He could’ve reminded them, but he chose to keep quiet so Romeo would have an excuse to see Arabella again. He only
mentioned it after they left. “Excellent!” Phillip was pleased that the butler was so astute, “Have Romeo deliver it to her, another
chance to meet.”
The butler chuckled, “You’ve really gone all out for the his marriage.”
“You too, huh.” Phillip watched them leave, “After last night, I’m not sure if Bella even wants to see me. Do you think she’ll figure
out I’m up to something?” “Last night was probably just a coincidence. The girl’s innocent, and she probably won’t suspect a
thing.” Brodie said.

“I sure hope so!” Phillip thought to himself. If his beloved Arabella stopped visiting, he’d have to play sick. Man, the things he’d
do to set his grandson up with her!
In the car.
Romeo glanced at the girl next to him, recalling how she looked last night in his oversized shirt. That beautiful face, sexy
collarbone, and those slender, gorgeous legs.