The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella)

Chapter 1600

Although the apartment was rarely bustling with guests, it boasted a few washer-dryer combos and a sophisticated vacuum-mop

hybrid machine. Yet, Serena hadn't the slightest clue how to operate any of them.

Her worn clothes were simply tossed into the hamper, unwashed; the floors remained unswept and unmopped. Betty, upon

entering the room, noticed strands of hair littering the floor, and the trash bin brimming to the top. It was once a twhen

Serena's quarters were cleaned twice daily, kept spotless and orderly.

It was beyond belief that Mr. And Mrs. Collins hadn't arranged even a single maid to tidy up for Serena. Now, with Serena under the

weather, her laundry was piling up - she'd have nothing to wear by tomorrow!

"Ms. Serena, letwash these clothes for you."

Sof Serena's garments were quite expensive, and hand-washing them could be gentler than the rough tumble of the machine.

A shadow passed over Serena's eyes, but she feigned resilience, "It's okay. I'll wash them once I'm better."

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"You're sick; you need to rest up. It's almost New Year after all. Your health's the priority."

With efficient grace, Betty laundered the clothes and hung them to dry on the balcony. To avoid disturbing Serena, she opted out of

using the vacuum-mop and instead, swept the floors clean with a broom before mopping them with a steam mop - Serena had a

fear of the germs in a conventional mop.

Watching Betty bustling about, Serena realized the value in winning over such a diligent maid, if only to ease her own burdens.

Betty also meticulously wiped down every surface in the room with a cloth. It wasn't until Dr. Osmond called that she descended

the stairs to receive him.

Though Dr. Osmond found it odd that Serena was staying in the guesthouse and even more peculiar that her parents weren't there

with the ailing girl, he never pried into the affairs of the wealthy.

After examining Serena, he respectfully offered, "You've cdown with a cold, Ms. Serena. I'll prescribe smedicine; you

should be better in a couple of days."

"Thank you, Dr. Osmond."

"Dr. Osmond, letsee you out," after escorting the doctor away, Betty prepared swarm water for Serena to take her pills.

Seeing Serena in tears, she was startled, "What's wrong, Ms. Serena? Is the water too hot? My fault, | didn't check the

temperature."

Serena shook her head weakly, her eyes brimming with tears, "I just miss my parents, wondering when they'll forgive me.

Whenever | was sick before, my mom would be so worried, her eyes red, wishing she could take my place. My dad would pace back

and forth, wishing | could bounce back to health in an instant.”

Betty, touched by the stark loneliness surrounding them, eventually left the apartment to seek out Louisa. At that moment, Louisa

had just finished her evening bath and was sitting before her vanity, indulging in her skincare routine.

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Impatient with Louisa's leisurely demeanor, Betty couldn't help but say, "Mrs. Collins, Dr. Osmond has seen Ms. Serena, saying

she's got a cold and needs to take cold medicine for a couple of days to get better. She's in a lot of distress, crying pitifully, missing

you. Could you spare a moment to visit her?"

"I'm off to bed." Louisa replied indifferently, "Everyone has their aches and pains. Bella runs the company even when she's ill,

starving through surgeries that last over a dozen hours."

"But this is different, Ms. Serena's all alone. Can't you at least send her a message, show sconcern?"

"How | handle things is my business."

Seeing that Louisa was unmoved, Betty bowed her head, "I've spoken out of turn. Rest well, Mrs. Collins. I'll check on Ms. Serena

early tomorrow to see if she gets better. I'll take my leave now."

Once Betty had left, Louisa resumed applying her night cream.