The Double ( or More ?) Life of The Fake Heiress

At the crack of dawn, Nick dropped Mirabella off at her hotel.

In the car, Mirabella leaned back in her seat, her smartphone in hand, lost in thought. Though the heap of study materials she received was disheartening, she couldn’t ignore the generous bonus that came her way. Not sending a thank–you gift just wasn’t her style.

After pondering for a moment, Mirabella turned to Nick and said, “Nick, shoot me your address later, okay? I’ll mail you a box of sandalwood incense when I get back home.”

Those who often relied on therapists for sleep usually struggled to get some rest, and it was apparent in his gaunt appearance. Though not ill, the wear and tear of life could take its toll.

Nick was momentarily taken aback but quickly recovered, responding, “No worries, you don’t have to go through all that trouble.”

“I insist. It’s a welcome gift! You can’t say no,” Mirabella stated with earnest seriousness.

Nick couldn’t help but glance at her and, finally relenting, said, “Alright, I’ll drop my address in your Messenger later.” Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

“Great,” Mirabella nodded in satisfaction, pausing before adding, “Everyone who’s used my incense hasn’t had trouble sleeping through the night.”

At the mention of insomnia, a wave of warmth swept through Nick’s heart. It was an issue that had plagued him for years, and he wasn’t sure how Mirabella knew. He didn’t refuse her offer even though he knew sandalwood held no magic cure for him.. “Okay.”

“But do you make these yourself?” Nick was curious, as she had referred to them as ‘my incense.‘

Mirabella looked down modestly, “I try to.”

“By the way, when’s your flight?” Nick asked in his typically sluggish manner.

Mirabella twirled her phone in her hand. “I think it’s tomorrow afternoon.”

After a brief silence, Nick offered, “I could take you to the airport.”

Mirabella waved the offer away. “No need. It’s always crowded there. I’ll just head

over with a classmate.”

save

Nick opened his mouth to speak, feeling there was some misunderstanding between them.

**

The next day.

The three students who had been eliminated came to see off Mirabella and Vincent. After yesterday’s results, Mirabella seemed to carry all their hopes.

The usually pressure–free Mirabella felt an odd weight on her shoulders as she entered the examination room.

Three hours later, the test was over, and the scores for the finals would be

announced in an hour. Thus, after the exam, everyone gathered in the lobby, waiting anxiously.

Mirabella sat in a corner, seemingly the most composed of all, chatting on her phone while everyone else was on edge.

She was having a conversation with Collins, who had recently added her on Messenger. With Walker’s ‘Country Comfort‘ about to start filming in a few days, Collins had sent her a list of things to be mindful of on Messenger.

Mirabella took serious note of Collins‘ advice. After all, she couldn’t let her superstar brother down on their upcoming variety show.

Just then, someone shouted, “Scores are up!”

The results were displayed on a large LCD screen in the center of the lobby. As the announcement echoed, heads turned in unison towards the screen.

Mirabella’s grip on her phone tightened, and she, too, slowly lifted her gaze: