The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella and Romeo) novel Chapter 182

Arabella had barely been in the office for a while when someone knocked on the door.

"Come in."

"Ms. Bennett." It was Molly who walked in, a bag in her hand and a cheery smile on her face. "This is the cheesecake my mom made this morning. She insisted I deliver it to you. You've been a huge help to us; we can't thank you enough." Molly handed the bag to her, still smiling.

"Tell your mom I said thanks." Arabella opened the bag to find a box with a cake and a cup.

Arabella was a little puzzled. What's in the cup?

"It's fresh juice!" Molly beamed, "My mom got up early to make it."

Arabella took a bite of the cake and asked, "Tastes great."

Then Molly opened the cup for her, saying, "Enjoy! I won't disturb your work."

Not long after she left, the aroma enticed Dean into the office.

"Ms. Bennett."

He patted his stomach; the smell of the cake was too tempting. He overslept this morning and hadn't eaten breakfast yet.

His stomach was growling.

"Do you want some?" Arabella raised an eyebrow.

"Yes!" Dean looked at her hopefully, wishing she would share some with him.

"Come and get it." Arabella generously offered.

Dean happily took a piece of the cake, and oh man, it was delicious!

The National Piano Competition?

Arabella pondered: the first place was Serena, and the second was Yolanda.

She wasn't really into appearing in public.

"We'll see."

Her non-refusal implied hope, and the caller was thrilled: "Great, I'll be waiting for your response."

Lunchtime.

Arabella didn't go out to eat with Romeo; instead, she headed straight for the hospital after work.

"Bella, you're finally here!" Caden was having lunch in his office. Seeing her, he immediately asked if she had eaten.