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

Oblivious to Wyatt’s expression, Mirabella didn’t stand on ceremony with James, gratefully accepting the gift with a simple, “Thanks a bunch.” She remembered her dear father was quite a fan of coffee. This would surely make his day.

Before long, Mirabella had left the private room. © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

After she was gone, Wyatt finally spoke up. “James, what’s so special about this girl? She seems like your average high school student to me.”

James‘ gaze was distant, as if his thoughts were far in another world. He glanced at Wyatt before settling back into his chair, his voice casual, “A year ago, she saved my life.”

Wyatt’s eyes widened with surprise. This was news to him. James had never mentioned it before. Curiosity tinged Wyatt’s voice. “How did a kid like her manage to save you?”

James took a sip from his cup, his handsome face taking on a pensive look. After a moment, he said. “That’s something I’m still trying to figure out myself.”

Wyatt was taken aback.

James then took out a long wooden box from the paper bag, its craftsmanship rough and simple, a stark contrast to the elegant box he had once given to Catherine. Staring at it, a rare expression of wistfulness crossed James‘ face. For the first time, he felt what it was like to be on the receiving end of favoritism.

Wyatt was tempted to ask more, but seeing his boss‘ odd expression, he turned his attention to the wooden box in James‘ hands instead. He couldn’t help but notice its poor quality. The corner of his mouth twitched involuntarily.”

“That’s a huge loss,” Wyatt muttered under his breath. That box of coffee beansfrom James could probably fetch a thousand of these cheap boxes, right?

Wyatt, unable to bear the sight, covered his face, then coughed and said, “Ms. Mirabella sure meant well, but maybe you should stick with the incense Nikolai gave you. Maybe… I could take this box off your hands?”

The outside packaging looked shoddy, and he dreaded to imagine the quality of the incense inside.

James gave Wyatt a sidelong glance. “You said it yourself. It’s the thought that counts. Wouldn’t it be inappropriate to just hand it off to you?” With that, James lowered his gaze and fiddled with the clasp on the box, easily flipping it open.

Wyatt touched his nose, mumbling. “What’s inappropriate about it? Besides, with the way you are now, you’re hardly the type to use low–grade incense. It’d be better off with me… it might be good for something.” Like getting rid of that odd smell at home?

As soon as James opened the box, a rich aroma of sandalwood enveloped the room. There was also a subtle medicinal scent that made the air feel instantly soothing.

12:22

James narrowed his eyes, glancing at the incense burner nearby, still wafting smoke. After thinking for a moment, he extinguished the remaining sandalwood and reached for a lighter. He lit one of the sticks Mirabella had given him.

Soon, the room was filled with a more distinctive sandalwood fragrance. Though rich, it was not at all stifling when inhaled. Instead, it gradually morphed into a light medicinal scent.

Wyatt caught the scent, and his expression changed. “This smells like… sandalwood, but not quite?”

After a long silence, James‘ soft voice carried through the room. “This is the genuine Incense of Calm.”