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

Mirabella barely registered the look on Catherine’s face as her phone buzzed in her pocket. Pulling it out, she saw it was Zach calling. Instead of answering immediately, she turned her attention back to Catherine. “Oh, by the way, Grandma, my brother Zach said he’d drop by to see you. He’s downstairs right now.” © NôvelDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

At the mention of Zach, Catherine’s worried expression was instantly replaced with surprise. Regaining her composure, she quickly said, “Your dear brother, Zach? Well, then, you better hurry down and bring him up.”

“Sure thing,” Mirabella nodded, chuckling as she noticed Catherine nervously trying to tidy her short hair. “No need to be nervous, Grandma. He’s family.”

Catherine, a bit embarrassed, stopped fussing with her hair. “I just want to make a good first impression, that’s all.”

Mirabella smiled and gently pushed a stray lock from Catherine’s forehead. “You look wonderful just the way you are.”

Soon after, Mirabella went down to fetch Zach. “Grandma, this is my brother Zach,” Mirabella said as she helped Zach set down some health supplements he had brought onto the cabinet, gently introducing him to Catherine.

13

Zach’s gaze fell on Catherine. Her face had a sickly pallor, probably from her illness, but her spirit seemed strong, and she had a kind and gentle look about her. No wonder Mirabella was so fond of her.

Zach composed himself and nodded politely at Catherine with a smile. “Hello, Catherine. I apologize for the sudden visit. I hope I’m not interrupting your rest.”

Catherine shook her head with a smile. “Not at all. I’m delighted you could come, Zach. Please, take a seat and make yourself comfortable.”

“Thank you,” Zach replied, taking a seat without further ceremony. Glancing at Mirabella, he added, “I must thank you, ma’am, for all the years of care and guidance you’ve given Mirabella. She’s turned out to be quite exceptional.”

Catherine’s cheeks colored with modesty. “Oh, she’s always been a remarkable girl, Zach. I can’t take much credit. If anything, she’s had to endure quite a lot with me.”

Mirabella pulled up a chair beside Catherine’s bed, her eyebrows raised with a proud tilt. “I’ll admit I’m exceptional, but let’s not talk about hardships, shall we? After all, have you ever seen someone who’s had a tough time turn out as splendid and smart as me?”

“You and your lack of modesty,” Catherine chuckled.

“Modesty depends on the company,” Mirabella winked at Catherine.

Catherine shook her head with a smile and instinctively grabbed Mirabella’s hand, holding it warmly.

As Zach observed the easy and affectionate exchange between his sister and Catherine, he

12:18

couldn’t help but contrast it with the atmosphere at home with their own family. It was a stark difference that stirred deep thoughts within him.

No wonder Mirabella had initially refused to leave with their parents when they came to pick her up from Catherine’s house, delaying her return for a year.

Catherine must have been the only family Mirabella had known for over a decade, the orie who actually raised her. To ask Mirabella to abandon that bond so abruptly would be too much for anyone with a conscience.

Zach’s thoughts drifted to Summer. After the truth about the mix–up came to light, Summer left the Davis family without hesitation, swiftly reverting to her birth father’s surname.

The Davises had never mistreated her, and although Summer later explained that her biological parents had pressured her, her actions still left a chill.

A wry smile tugged at Zach’s lips. Comparisons could be harsh, illuminating hidden problems one might wish to ignore.