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

James wasn’t at all surprised when Mirabella spoke her mind, after all, the girl had a sharpness about her that was beyond imagination.

“You guessed right,” he admitted without any attempt to hide it.

At his words, it felt like a tension within Mirabella finally eased. She wasn’t really worried that Catherine would do anything rash, but she needed to know where she was,

“Your grandma rang me up last night.” James explained succinctly, “Seems she didn’t want you caught in the middle of whatever is brewing between her and the Gilberts, so she asked if 1 could drop her back at her place.”

“I understand,” Mirabella sighed softly. How could she not see Catherine’s intent? After a brief silence, she collected her thoughts and asked, “Where Is she now?”

James glanced at his watch. “She should be home by now.”

As if sensing that Mirabella needed reassurance, he added, “Don’t worry, I arranged for someone to escort your grandma. No mishaps.”

Mirabella gave a small nod of thanks, fixing James with a serious look. “Thanks a lot.”

James raised an eyebrow. His tone was nonchalant. “Are we still on formal terms? Come on, my lifesaver.”

Mirabella gave him a sidelong glance and a half–smile. “Also since when did I acquire a tutor?”

With a lazy shrug. James played along. “Just a beautiful misunderstanding.”

Mirabella chuckled, pocketing Catherine’s letter and turning to leave the hospital.

“Let’s keep up the misunderstanding then.” Her voice trailed away as she waved a goodbye. Her silhouette stretched long under the streetlights. James smiled thoughtfully and followed

after her.

Outside the hospital, Mirabella reached for her phone to check the time, only to find it had died. She put it back in her pocket and after a brief pause, she looked up at James. “Did you drive here?”

“Huh?” James looked at her, puzzled.

“I’m out of battery, and I don’t have cash on me. How about Mr. James plays the good guy and gives me a lift?” Mirabella asked without any trace of formality.

James arched an eyebrow. “I thought you’d invite me for dinner.”

“Expecting a high school kid without a penny to her name to treat you? Tell me, Mr. James, is that really appropriate for a tutor?” Mirabella emphasized each word with clear articulation.

A twitch tugged at James‘ lips. “What if I treat you?”

12:15

Mirabella waved off the offer. “No thanks. My family will worry if they can’t reach me.”

“Let’s on” James said, rubbing his temple without further teasing.

They quickly got into the car. Inside, James gripped the steering wheel with one hand, is elbow rested on the window frame. His head tilted, his fingers pressing against his temple. His complexion was unusually pale, and there was a hint of fatigue around his eyes. Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

Mirabella onby glanced at him briefly before asking casually, “Rough night?”

“Is it that obvious?” James‘ voice was low, and he turned to look at her as he spoke.

Mirabella’s eves narrowed slightly as she pieced together his recent trip to Riverdale and Catherine’s current drama. She suddenly said, almost in disbelief, “You didn’t rush back overnight because of my grandma, did you?”

James continued massaging his temple, deflecting the question lightly. “When the work’s done. naturally it’s time to head back.”

At that, Mirabella fell into a thoughtful silence.