The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella and Romeo) novel Chapter 1169

"No way. I can't let you." Romeo pulled her hand back under the blanket, "You've had enough for one day."

"Just do your job in the future. Don't worry about me." Arabella was referring to him waiting for her day and night at the hospital.

"What's more important than you?" Romeo looked into her eyes, enunciating each word, "You didn't sleep, didn't eat, and spent a full 21 hours in the OR. I worry about you."

"Worried I'll collapse from exhaustion?" Arabella couldn't help but laugh, "I'm not a child. I know my limits."

"In my heart, you are still a child." Romeo fed her another spoonful of soup, "So young, yet carrying a burden heavier than anyone else's. Sometimes, I wish you'd take it easy, mind your own business more, and care about yourself."

"But I have you to look after me, don't I?"

"There will always be times when I can't look after you enough."

Arabella noticed a change in his mood, "What's wrong?"

Romeo was reminded of Arabella at the hospital today, she had only consumed a bottle of milk, and that too only because he had handed it to her. Arabella didn't want him to worry, so she chugged it down all at once.

If he wasn't there today, would she have gone 21 hours without eating?

The mere thought of it pained him.

"It's nothing." Romeo concealed the worry in his eyes, not wanting to burden Arabella with his worries.

"Alright, I know you care about me." Arabella laughed, her eyes sparkling with a tender light, "Today was an exception, won't happen again."

"Your promises never come to fruition."

She had promised him before that she wouldn't risk danger, that she wouldn't get hurt, that she would take care of herself, not to worry him.

"Next time, even if you're busy, you're not allowed to skip meals."

"Okay."

After some time, Romeo held her as they watched the snow falling outside, the pristine snowflakes fluttering down.