The Princess and the Pauper

“How did you get the people to help you? And where did you get the money?"

When Martin posed the question, Serena couldn't even muster the courage to meet his gaze. "It was all left to me by my father before he passed. Both the people and the money.”Têxt © NôvelDrama.Org.

Even though Martin had suspected her all along, hearing the words fall from her lips and seeing the guilt etched across her face tore through him like a jagged blade.

Tears spilled from his eyes once again, his composure crumbling. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to hold back the volcanic surge of emotion, but it was no use. With frustration lacing his tone, he pressed, "Is it really you?"

Serena was taken aback by his reaction. What did he mean? Did he have no actual proof and had all this been a ploy to trap her into a confession?

Had she been played? The sound of a recording echoed in the room as Fitch played back her own words from his phone.

"You two?" Serena's eyes darted between Martin and Fitch, reeling from the realization that they had teamed up to trick her into spilling her secrets.

But now she had to swallow her pride; she couldn't lash out. After all, Martin was her rock, her lifeline. If she lost him, she'd be left with nothing. "Martin." Serena reached out to touch his hand.

"Don't you dare," Martin's heart shattered into a million pieces, his voice now ragged with grief and betrayal, "How could you be so cruel"

He was filled with loathing, loathing his past arrogance and ignorance, and that he hadn't listened to his family, causing them undue suffering.

"You don't deserve.” As Martin's gaze landed on the jewelry he had given her, the clothes he had bought for her, the custom wheelchair he had arranged for her, regret gnawed at him.

She didn't deserve his affection.

"Get out." Martin closed his eyes, struggling to tame the storm of emotions. After a moment, he managed to speak, "From now on, stay out of my sight, get as far away as possible. | never want to see you again!"

Serena felt a chill pierce her heart.

She couldn't believe that the man before her, who had once vowed to always be by her side no matter what, could fall out of love with her.

Just then, a young nurse stepped off the elevator onto the si enth flan oie ng-apaurgandhctice of critical ition to present to Martin. Please read the original content at .

"Mr. Cooper, Ms. Cooper's condition is deteriorating rapidly. The doct have issued a itipal@ntice, Giid ah afppicohe Vay not have more than a couple of hours. Please sign here and brace yourself for the worst." Please read the original content at .

Clutching the critical notice from the nurse, Martin seemed to find a new strength, no longer appearing as helpless and frightened as before.

He knew Arabella was on the same floor, and after saving his mother, she would surely find a way to save his sister. So he replied with a steady voice, "I'll sign it later."

The nurse looked puzzled. Why did Mr. Cooper seem so ca{m, almost | seine entyat Wa@n&n a stark jot to the concern he had shown for Florence. Please read the original content at .

Could it be that he wasn't close with his sister?