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

The international roaming on Mirabella’s phone was activated, and as soon as she powered it on, a message from Nick popped up on Messenger.

LIN: (Landed yet?]

Zipping up her jacket. Mirabella texted back. [Just did.]

LIN: [Okay.]

Mirabella didn’t follow up, slipping her phone into her pocket instead. She began making her way but with the other students participating in the competition.

Within minutes, they all passed through the exit. The airport wasn’t crowded at this hour, so as soon as Mirabella stepped out, Nick made his way over.

“Mi…Mirabella.” His tone was timid as he called out to her, perhaps due to the unfamiliarity. Mirabella took a moment to size up Nick, who was tall and lean with skin so pale it seemed he might not have seen sunshine in years. She paused before calling out, “Nick.”

Nick gave a faint “hm,” his sharp features expressionless. He seemed to be trying for a friendly demeanor, but it only made his facial muscles tenser, nothing close to natural.

Mirabella touched her nose and glanced at her fellow students waiting nearby. She suggested. “Nick, shall we head to the hotel first?”

Nick nodded, “Ride with me.” He then led the way.

Mirabella explained the situation to the teacher leading the group and got the hotel address before breaking away to follow Nick alone.

In the car, Mirabella sat in the passenger seat, not fiddling with her phone but resting her hands naturally on her knees, with wisps of hair framing her calm, composed face.

Nick leaned his head against the seat, occasionally glancing in the rearview mirror. His biological sister was different from what he had imagined; she was laid–back and serene. exuding a lazy elegance devoid of the typical girlish airs.

Nick cleared his throat, breaking the silence, “How many days is your competition?”

Mirabella turned her head slightly, replying with ease, “Two days.”

After a brief pause, Nick offered in a softer tone, “If you have time, I’ll have someone show you around.”

Mirabella tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, unaffected by Nick’s choice of words-“Have someone show you“-instead of offering himself. She replied indifferently. “No need. The school will probably have other arrangements.”

Before her arrival, Zach had briefed her on Nick’s personality. He was reclusive, cool–tempered,

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averse to closeness and social interaction, with a tendency for mild aloofness. If it weren’t for the family pressure, Nick might not have shown up at the airport today.

Noticing Mirabella’s nonchalant expression in the rearview mirror, Nick hesitated before slowly admitting. “I’m not comfortable in crowded places.”

Mirabella hummed in understanding, “It’s okay, Nick. You’re busy. I’ll explain to Mom and Dad

later.”

At that, Nick finally exhaled in relief.

The silence returned. Mirabella pulled out her phone, lowered her head, and with slender fingers tapping on the screen, she quickly dispatched a message to her parents confirming her safe arrival.

Nick stole another glance at his sister, silently affixing the label ‘empathetic‘ to her in his mind. Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.

Before long, they arrived at the hotel booked by the school. Mirabella got out of the car and went to fetch her luggage from the trunk. Nick had intended to offer help, but he found his gesture hanging in the air as she effortlessly managed on her own.