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

Mirabella arched an eyebrow, a signal for her friend to continue.

“The monthly ordeal of the Deathly Tests!” Jenna exhaled deeply. “Do you know why they call Annette ‘The She–Devil?‘ Because anyone whose average score dips below their last one gets subjected to the most twisted form of punishment!”

Mirabella looked on, her expression the epitome of nonchalance. “Punishment?”

“Yeah! Ten laps around the track every afternoon after school for ten days straight. If that’s not twisted, I don’t know what is!” Jenna shivered at the mere thought.

A smirk tugged at the corner of Mirabella’s lips. “You call that twisted?”

Jenna’s patience snapped like a twig. “Ten whole laps! You know the size of our school track, it’s massive! Just one lap during PE, and I’m already winded!”

Ten laps might as well be a death sentence!

Oh right, she forgot that Mirabella always performed like an Olympic athlete during gym class as if they weren’t even attending the same school.

Mirabella stroked her chin, eyeing Jenna from head to toe before shaking her head in mock disapproval. “Dark circles under the eyes, habitual late nights, a body bloated with retained water, and a lack of exercise. You’re squandering your youth, sweetheart. That’s a no–go.”

Jenna snorted, “You sound like one of those slick holistic health gurus right now.” While speaking, she fished out a compact mirror from her desk and peered into it. “But seriously, are my under–eyes that bad?”

Mirabella remained silent.

“Looks like my dark circles are pretty bad,” Jenna said somberly, setting down the mirror and turning her woeful gaze onto Mirabella’s face, which was flawless, radiant skin without a blemish in sight. The stark contrast was a blow to her self–esteem.

Jenna covered her face. “Ooh, I am wounded. Spare me the comfort.”

Mirabella’s lips twitched slightly, her voice as light as a feather. “Just hit the books and survive your Deathly Tests.”

Jenna dropped her hands, glaring at Mirabella with indignation. “That’s just mean, a double whammy of insults!”

Mirabella offered a faint smile.

Jenna was flabbergasted. This wasn’t the caring Mirabella she knew! Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

That evening, after dinner, Mirabella ascended the stairs and rummaged through her collection

of jars and bottles. She selected a slate–grey vial and descended back to the living room. “Zach, this is for you. One pill a day. Come back to me when you’ve run out,” she said, handing over the porcelain bottle to Zach.

Zach raised an eyebrow and accepted the bottle. “Is this that energy–boosting concoction you mentioned at lunch?” he inquired, unscrewing the lid.

“Yes,” Mirabella nodded. “Trust me, it’ll work wonders for you.”

Zach chuckled, bringing the bottle to his nose for a sniff. A subtle aroma wafted out, not the overpowering scent of herbal remedies but rather a refreshing fragrance that seemed to clear his mind.

“This medicine…” Zach lifted his eyes to Mirabella, clearly surprised. “The smell is actually comforting!”

Of course, Mirabella’s lips curved up in satisfaction. This was a remedy beyond value.

“I’ll try one now.” Zach said eagerly, tipping out a pill the size of a pea. A glass of water was conveniently beside him, and with a gulp, he swallowed the pill. Despite being an herbal pellet, it went down smoothly, lacking the harshness of the commercial herbal medicines that often left a bitter taste.

Perhaps the initial soothing scent had primed Zach, and as soon as he took it, he felt the perennial weight on his shoulders lift significantly.

This medicine was nothing short of miraculous!