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

After school, the bell rang, signaling the end of another day at Parkside High. Mirabella swiftly organized her desk, sliding her coat on as she strolled out of the classroom.

Stepping through the school gates, her eyes immediately caught sight of the familiar black sedan parked curbside. Without hesitation, she approached the vehicle.

At the front passenger side, the window was rolled down, revealing Wyatt, who leaned out with a grin, greeting Mirabella with a casual, “Hey there.”

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Mirabella nodded in response and, as per her usual routine, pulled open the back door and settled into the seat. This belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.

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James was sprawled out comfortably, giving Mirabella a once–over as she got situated. His piercing gaze softened for a moment. “Need to change before we head out?”

She glanced down at her unbuttoned coat, revealing the Parkside High emblem emblazoned on her sweater beneath. Shrugging nonchalantly, she replied, “Nah, it’s just dinner, nothing fancy.”

Her free–spirited nature wasn’t one for formalities, especially since Knox’s birthday bash was at the family’s old manor, not some uptight five–star venue. Dressing up didn’t seem necessary.

“Alright,” James offered a simple acknowledgment. He was dressed in a casual navy ensemble that lent him an air of effortless elegance. Despite the laid–back look, he still exuded an aura of distinction, a testament to his blue–blooded upbringing.

Mirabella found a comfortable position and casually inquired, “How’s your health been lately?”

James‘ brows quirked playfully, and he extended his arm towards her, his sleeve sliding up to reveal a pale, refined wrist, “Take my pulse, and you’ll know.”

Wyatt, catching a glimpse of his boss‘ actions in the rearview mirror, couldn’t help but mentally scoff at anyone who called his boss unromantic. These subtle flirtations were smooth as silk.

Mirabella gave James a sidelong glance, stating bluntly, “You look pretty healthy to me. No pulse– taking needed.”

At that, a flicker of disappointment crossed James‘ eyes as he withdrew his arm, murmuring, “Just the occasional irregular heartbeat.” The sound of Wyatt choking on his own saliva filled the car. “Cough, cough, cough…” He couldn’t believe such a flirtatious line had just come from his stoic boss. Surely, his ears were deceiving him.

With a glance from James, Wyatt felt a chill run down his spine. He shrank back in his seat, keeping any further sounds to himself. Mirabella’s delicate brows furrowed as she turned to James with a smirk. “You don’t have any heart issues.”

–

That was the verdict pure and simple, from the lips of a straightforward woman. Internally, Wyatt lamented that his boss‘ love life might be fraught with obstacles.

James met Mirabella’s clear gaze, her own eyes free of any ulterior motives, as if she melancholy surfaced within him.

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James let out a faint sigh in his heart and ambiguously said, “You wouldn’t understand.” Mirabella asked with each word emphasized, “Are you questioning my medical skills?”

The conversation seemed to stall, leaving a brief silence in the car. James faced his first true setback, his emotions tangled.

It looked like getting through to her would be a tall order, at least for the foreseeable future.

Then, shaking off his somber mood, James changed the subject. “Anyway, my granddad really enjoyed that incense from your place. Got any left? He’s been having trouble sleeping and keeps going on about how soothing it was