The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel 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."

"Me too, and let’s do it! A guy that hot—If I 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 I possibly have your WhatsApp? I'd love to be your friends."

"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. I adore guys who can gracefully deflect such attention!"

"Totally."

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

[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.

"Romeo has spoken of you before. But seeing you in person, you surpass the beauty of legends. I 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 come to know each other?"

"I told you, he helped me out a couple of times, and I just wanted to return the favor with a coffee. So, he's a close friend of yours as well?"