The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella)

Chapter 1701

"You could find a spot, and I'll take care of the order."

The coffee shop was an old-school kind where orders were made at the counter. As Romeo queued, a few girls noticed him, drawn

irresistibly to his charm.

"He's gorgeous."

"Is he a couple with that girl here from earlier?"

"They're such a good match."

"I'd love to add him on WhatsApp."

too, and let's do it! A guy that hot—If | don't add him now, I'll regret it for life."

One brave college student, studying abroad at Belloria University, summoned her courage. She approached Romeo with a tentative

"Hi," and bashfully asked, "Could | possibly have your WhatsApp? I'd love to be your friends."

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"Apologies, I'm already engaged," Romeo declined politely.

Yet, despite the affable refusal, the girl remained captivated by his gentle voice and courteous demeanor.

Returning to her group, she exclaimed, "He was so polite and well-mannered, even apologized for being engaged. That girl over

there, she must be his fiancée, right? She's so lucky. | adore guys who can gracefully deflect such attention!"

"Totally."

Arabella had chosen a window seat when her phone vibrated with a Whatmessage.

[Arabella, have you arrived?]

It was from Timothy.

"[I'm here,] she typed back.

She had a rendezvous Timothy at two, and Romeo, ever the escort, had accompanied her.

Timothy replied a surprised Emoji, [Already there? Hold on, I'll be right there!]

Upon entering, Timothy accidentally bumped into a server and hastily offered a flurry of apologies. He spotted Arabella by the

window, gazed directly his way.

He enthusiastically waved and made his way to her, "You're early! What coffee do you fancy? I'm on it."

"You think I'll lend you to get coffee for my fiancée?"

The moment was punctuated by Romeo's timely return with their coffees. "Seems you two are acquainted?"

Timothy's smile stiffened as he gazed in disbelief from Romeo to Arabella. "Arabella is your fiancée?"

"Why, do you think we don’t look like we belong together? That we aren't a good match?"

The blunt realization hit Timothy like a bolt from the blue. Spotting an iced coffee among the ones Romeo carried, he grabbed it,

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downing half in a gulp.

Arabella was confounded, and Romeo looked on, puzzled by his friend's strange behavior.

"Romeo has spoken of you before. But seeing you in person, you surpass the beauty of legends. | knew your name, and now, what

a small world—you are Romeo's betrothed, so that we're almost like family."

His heart was breaking.

He struggled to keep up his smile.

"Wait, where's Derrick? I'll go check."

"Wait a second," Romeo said, eyeing Timothy and then Arabella. "Did you two know each other before?"

How could they have met if not here?

Before Timothy could respond, Romeo pressed on, "How did you cto know each other?"

"I told you, he helpedout a couple of times, and | just wanted to return the favor with a coffee. So, he's a close friend of yours

as well?"