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

Jenna glanced at Mirabella with a hint of suspicion. “What kind of surprise?”

“In a few days, you’ll see,” Mirabella replied with a cryptic smile.

Jenna touched the tip of her nose, feeling a flutter of unease. “Why do I have a bad feeling about this?” It felt more like a looming scare than a surprise.

“How’s your dad doing now?” Mirabella deftly changed the subject.

At the mention of her father, Jenna’s face lit up with gratitude. “He’s recovering really well; he was discharged from the hospital a couple of days ago. Mira, your remedy worked wonders. Thank you.”

Jenna’s mom had even consulted an expert about the medicine, who confirmed its exceptional quality and noted that it was not available on the market, and certainly not at a low cost.

Mirabella raised an eyebrow. “Glad to hear that.”

“My mom has been wanting to invite you over for dinner. You’re probably not as busy these days, right? How about coming over tonight?” Jenna’s eyes shone with sincere invitation.

“Tonight’s not good, I’m afraid. My family’s moving today.” Mirabella shook her head.

“Oh, you’re moving? Where to?” Jenna asked. Her curiosity was aroused.

Mirabella was silent for a moment. “I’m not quite sure.”

In the afternoon, it was Delilah who came to pick up Mirabella, driving the brand new car she’d recently acquired.

About fifteen minutes later, as they approached a familiar–looking gated community, Mirabella felt a pang of recognition. She turned to her mother. “Our new place is in this neighborhood?”

Delilah swiped a card, and the automatic gates swung open. “Yeah, we bought this house a few years ago but haven’t moved in until now.”

As the car wound its way to a stop in front of a spacious villa, Mirabella squinted at the neighboring houses, marveling at the small world they lived in.

Exiting the car and taking in the grandeur of their new home, Mirabella turned to her mother with a melancholic tone. “Mom, I thought we didn’t have money?”

Delilah’s eyebrows twitched as she recalled her daughter’s earlier questions about their financial status, which had led to a playful misunderstanding that they were short on cash, a misconception they hadn’t yet corrected.

Clearing her throat, Delilah responded, “This place was bought years ago, before the property prices skyrocketed. Honestly… it wasn’t expensive, didn’t cost us much.”

07:31:

Considering the last car her father bought was worth millions and was claimed to be a bargain, Mirabella’s expression grew more complex as she looked at their multi–million–dollar villa.

Feeling her daughter’s scrutinizing gaze, Delilah feigned ignorance and entered the villa, Mirabella followed, taking in the opulent decor with a sigh. So much for the script of poverty.

“Do you like the decor, honey?” Shawn was arranging his belongings and asked as his daughter walked in.

Mirabella nodded silently, acknowledging the investments made. Appreciation wasn’t a choice. It was an obligation.

Delilah came back with a set of items. “Here’s the community access card, the keys, oh, and the front door’s code is your birthday. Better keep these safe or I’ll forget where I put them again.”

She then returned to her tasks.

“Sweetie, you might want to check out your room. It’s upstairs on the left, the last and largest one,” Shawn advised as he placed a vase on a console table. Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Seeing her parents busy with settling in, Mirabella figured she wouldn’t be much help and headed upstairs. She reached the end of the hallway and pushed open the door to her room.