Chapter 243

Chapter 243

Arabella sat on the bed, a wave of joy washing over her. So it really had been Vincent who brought her home last night.

He'd seen her drunk and hadn't just ignored her—he'd actually brought her all the way to the Brown Mansion.

What did that mean? It meant he still cared about her, deep down. That she still held a place in his heart.

Years of history between them—that kind of connection didn't just vanish overnight, did it?

The thought lifted some of the gloom that had been weighing on Arabella for days.

She tilted her head back and finished the glass of warm water, feeling warmth spread through her entire body.

The maid saw she'd finished and took the empty glass with a smile. "Ms. Pearl, are you hungry? The kitchen made some porridge and steamed a few pastries. Would you like some?"

"Yes, thank you."

"No trouble at all. Just a moment, I'll bring them right up."

The maid left with the tray, her steps light. Within minutes, she was back, carrying a steaming bowl of porridge and several small dishes of delicate sides.

"Ms. Pearl, please take your time. These sides are freshly made—light and refreshing. See if they suit your taste."

Arabella glanced down at the porridge. The rice grains had been cooked until perfectly soft, and just the aroma alone made her appetite stir. She picked up the spoon and took a slow sip. The warm porridge slid down into her stomach, and she felt considerably better.

"Thank you," she said softly.

The maid stood nearby, her face breaking into a pleased smile as she watched Arabella eat. "I'm so glad you like it. You enjoy your meal—I'll go make you some honey water to help with the hangover."

With that, the maid turned and left again.

Arabella sat by the window, eating her porridge at a leisurely pace, her gaze drifting around the guest room.

The room wasn't large, but it was decorated with elegant warmth. Every detail radiated comfort. Only someone who cared about such details would put this much thought into it—Vincent must have given specific instructions.

The more Arabella thought about it, the more reasonable this theory seemed.

He was a man, after all—not good at expressing himself with words. But actions spoke louder than anything. If he didn't care about her, why would he be so attentive?

He'd brought her to the Brown Mansion, arranged the best guest room, had the staff take such meticulous care of her—didn't all of that prove something?

Halfway through her porridge, the maid returned with a cup of warm honey water.

"Ms. Pearl, this is honey water—good for hangovers and settling your stomach. Give it a try."

"Is Mr. Brown home today?"

The maid paused, then shook her head. "Mr. Brown left early this morning. I think he went to the office—something about an important meeting."

Arabella nodded, feeling a small pang of disappointment. But then she reconsidered. He wasn't that college boy anymore, after all. The Brown Group was such a massive company—naturally, he had important things to handle.

"Did he say anything?" Arabella pressed. "About me, I mean?"

The maid thought for a moment before answering carefully. "Mr. Brown only said to make sure you rest well. Nothing else."

Arabella murmured a quiet acknowledgment and didn't ask anything more.

She knew Vincent had never been one to wear his heart on his sleeve. The fact that he'd had her brought to the Brown Mansion was proof enough.

For the rest of the day, the maid appeared at her door every hour or two with something—sometimes a pot of freshly brewed coffee, sometimes a plate of seasonal fruit, sometimes pastries straight from the oven. Each item was exquisite and clearly prepared with care.

Arabella sat on the cushioned seat by the window, surrounded by such attentive care, and that unrealistic fantasy in her heart began to grow wild, like grass touched by spring wind.

Perhaps Vincent and Audrey's marriage wasn't as perfect as it appeared from the outside.

After all, they'd gotten together because of a child—their emotional foundation might not run that deep.

If Vincent still had a place for her in his heart, maybe she still had a chance to walk back into his life.

As evening approached, the maid came in again with a plate of freshly cut fruit.

"Ms. Pearl, have some fruit. It just arrived—very fresh."

Arabella took the plate, that warm feeling in her chest swelling until it nearly overflowed.

She picked up a piece of honeydew and took a bite, unable to keep from sighing. "Mr. Brown is so thoughtful."

The maid's expression flickered with confusion, as if she didn't quite understand what Arabella meant.

She hesitated before speaking. "No, Ms. Pearl, you've misunderstood. Mrs. Brown arranged all this."

Arabella froze mid-motion.

"Mrs. Brown? You mean Audrey?"

"Yes."

The maid nodded, her tone perfectly natural, as if this should have been obvious.

"Mrs. Brown called first thing this morning. She said Ms. Pearl had too much to drink last night and was staying here, so she told the kitchen to prepare easily digestible foods. She also said your appetite might be poor, so everything should be light and refreshing. This fruit plate was specifically her instruction to—she said to give you plenty of fruit to supplement your vitamins."

Arabella felt as if she'd been plunged into ice water. All that tenderness and care, all those thoughtful touches that had kept her floating in fantasy all day—it had all been Audrey's doing.

She bit into the honeydew. The sweet flavor turned strangely bland on her tongue. She felt like a ridiculous clown.

Arabella forced herself to maintain her composure, refusing to fall apart in front of the maid.

She set the fruit plate on the nearby table and said quietly, "I see."

The maid didn't notice anything off about her mood and cheerfully added, "Mrs. Brown is always very considerate with guests. When she heard you were staying here, she gave several reminders. If there's anything else you'd like to eat, just say the word, and I'll prepare it."

"That won't be necessary. Everything has been wonderful. This is more than enough."

"Then please enjoy. Call me if you need anything."

The maid gave a small bow and left the room.