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

Over at the house, Mirabella walked in to find Donald and Shawn deep in a game of chess in the living room. “Hey there,” she greeted politely as she approached them.

Donald paused, a chess piece in hand, and glanced up at Mirabella. “Do you play?” he

asked.

Leaning casually against the armrest of the sofa, Mirabella replied in a nonchalant tone, “Nope.”

“Oh,” Donald muttered, his interest waning. He returned his focus to the game, his gaze intense as if nothing else mattered.

Mirabella shot Donald a sidelong glance. The man was quite the actor, pretending to be so engrossed in the game.

At that moment, Shawn looked up at his daughter. Then, turning towards the doorway, he asked, “Honey, where’s Zach? You’re all by yourself.”

“Zach’s got to work late these next few days, so he won’t be staying over,” Mirabella answered, her voice steady. In her mind, though, she figured Zach was just dodging another matchmaking setup at home, using this lame excuse to stay away.

Shawn’s face softened at her response, despite a flicker of suspicion that Zach’s sudden overtime was a bit odd. He didn’t dwell on it, though. One less thorn in his side at home was a pleasant thought.

“Good, good, overtime means extra cash. Saves us from whispers of freeloading. We aren’t exactly rolling in dough here. Can’t afford to keep layabouts,” Shawn casually remarked.

Mirabella raised her eyebrows, her expression complex. If she hadn’t gone out to lunch with Zach at the restaurant earlier, she might have bought into the nonsense.

Donald, however, cast a doubtful glance at Shawn. With all the priceless antiques around the house, calling themselves anything short of wealthy was a stretch.

Just then, Donald’s phone chimed with a couple of text messages. He pulled it from his coat pocket.

[You’re at the Davis family.]

[Are you coming back on your own, or do I need to send someone to fetch you?]

Donald made a face before pocketing the phone. A simple call to Mirabella while forgetting to turn off his phone was all it took to get tracked down by his grandson.

“Donald, your move,” Shawn said with a smile, bringing Donald back from his thoughts.

Donald’s gaze fell back on the chessboard. After a brief pause, he spoke up rather

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sheepishly, “You know what, Shawn, I think I’ll call it a day. My grandson’s asking for me.

Shawn looked up in surprise. “Your grandson’s wrapped up with his business?”

Clearing his throat, Donald nodded. “Yeah.” Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Mirabella, who was about to head upstairs, overheard the exchange and turned around, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. Just moments ago, the man had been playing the lonely old

card.

Unaware of Mirabella’s scrutinizing gaze, Donald reached for his cane and slowly rose to his feet. “I’ve imposed on you enough these past days. When I’m back in Riverdale, do drop by for a visit,” he said to Shawn.

Shawn stood up as well, nodding respectfully. “You’re too kind. I’ll be sure to make the trip.”

Riverdale? Mirabella’s eyes lingered on Donald for a moment longer.

Donald’s phone rang again. He quickly answered with a hint of irritation, “Got it, I’m on my

way.”

After hanging up, Donald nodded at Shawn and then awkwardly at Mirabella. Without further explanation, he started towards the front door.

“I’ll walk you out,” Shawn offered.

Donald paused, then with a quick change of heart, he replied, “No need. Let Mira do it. I’ve taken quite a liking to the girl.”