The Princess and the Pauper

Back in the day, George, a grown man, dashed to buy sanitary pads—threw down a hundred dollar bill without waiting for change, and hopped into a luxury car—that was an unusual scene, which impressed people. “Nothing else has been found for now.” But Arabella already had her suspicions. She was certain that the masterminds weren't George and Jennifer. After finishing the call, she made her way to the detention center, requesting to see Beverly specifically. When Beverly was brought out, her eyes were calm, almost serene, like a tranquil lake, and she exuded an aura of peace. Arabella waited for her to sit before taking her place across the table. She studied Beverly's composed and gentle demeanor, a presence that neither boasted nor hid anything, her emotions as still as the surface of a placid pond. “How have you been?” Beverly was the first to speak. “I'm doing well,” Arabella replied, looking into her eyes with a soft concern. “Auntie, have you settled in alright here?” “You still call me ‘Auntie’?” A ripple crossed Beverly's still waters, her gaze on her niece filled with layers of complicated feelings. “I'm doing fine.” After all, the Collins family hadn't torn her apart for her unforgivable sins, nor had they made things difficult for her inside. She was already incredibly fortunate. “How are your grandparents and parents doing recently?” Beverly asked with concern. “They're all well,” Arabella answered, her voice steady and sincere. “That's good.” “Frederica and Alma are doing well too,” Arabella seemed to know what she was worried about and offered the information. “On Memorial Day, they came to pay their respects, and for our family reunion day, my parents invited them over for the barbecue, and they came.” Because they were innocent, Kenneth and Louisa did not blame them. Beverly hadn't expected her brother and sister-in-law to still include her children in family gatherings. Tears suddenly welled up in her eyes. “At other times, Frederica is still studying abroad, and Alma is in school here. Before you turned yourselves in, you left them that house. Alma sometimes stays there on weekends.” Beverly's tears fell. She hadn't expected her niece to share these things with her. “Alma can cook and do the dishes by herself now. Auntie, you can rest assured, she’s taking good care of herself.” Beverly was moved to tears again. “Thank you.” Her voice was choked, and she struggled with her emotions. “Thank you all.” Other than thanks, she didn’t know what else to say to express how touched she felt. Both she and her husband were imprisoned, but Kenneth and Louisa hadn't turned on them, nor had arranged for someone inside to deal with them. Outside, no one bullied their children. “Thank you for coming to see me and telling me all this.” Beverly's last traces of worry dissipated. “I have to go now, but I'll come to visit you again,” Arabella didn’t stay much longer. Beverly nodded, her eyes brimming with tears. As Arabella stood up to leave, Beverly suddenly called out to her, “Bella.” Arabella paused, turning to look at her.

“Take care.” It was the same phrase Beverly said again, ‘Auritie wares wafiing for gor ex visit.” Please read the original content at . It was the same sentence again. Telling her to take care again. “Auntie, do you have any regrets?”

Perhaps unexpected that Arabella would ask like this, Beverly was stunned for a moment, then gave a bitter smile, “More theniregrezs1 eye sermedningS left undone. | remember when your parents planned a family trip for the holidays. Since you've been back, | never got the chance to spend time with you, not even a short visit to a nearby attraction. Now that | think about it, | really do regret it." Please read the original content at . She looked at Arabella again, her eyes shining with affection.

“When you have the time, you and Romeo can read poems written by Thomas Gray and Joh Rongacui)} SP otra of them are tatented. | love reading their poems. It's too bad I'll never have that chance again. If possible, I'll just have to take my regrets to the grave.” Please read the original content at . Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.