The Double or more Life of the Fake Heiress (Mirabella)

Summer let out a huge sigh of relief as she practically sprinted out of the lab. Once she was outside, that crushing weight finally lifted, and she could breathe again. She slipped her hand into her pocket, clutching the vial tightly, her eyes suddenly burning with a fierce resentment. You couldn't really blame her for feeling bitter. Why should she be the only one stuck in misery while the real culprit got to enjoy everything that should have been hers?

**

The next day rolled around, marking the kick-off of the symposium. Mirabella, like her friends, was decked out in the official Crestfield College gear, looking all sharp and formal. Unlike the laid-back vibe of the previous day's tour, today they wore serious expressions. They were about to face off with top students from universities around the world, so first impressions were key.

Soon enough, Robert led them to Riverside University's massive auditorium, a space big enough to fit a thousand people. A few students were stationed at the entrance, greeting everyone. Summer was among them.

She'd been eagerly waiting for Mirabella, hoping to catch a flicker of envy when Mirabella saw she was studying at Riverside University. So, when she spotted Mirabella approaching from a distance, Summer stood a little taller, her carefully crafted makeup adding to the air of pride she wore as a Riverside student.

As Mirabella got closer, Summer relaxed her fingers from where they rested on her stomach, ready to meet Mirabella's gaze head-on. She expected to see surprise, maybe even a bit of shock. But what she saw was... nothing.

Mirabella's eyes were calm, showing no hint of emotion, like she was looking at something completely uninteresting. Summer's fingers instinctively tightened again. How could this woman stay so unruffled?

Next to Mirabella, Patrick picked up on the slight tension and glanced up. He noticed Mirabella's eyes on one of the greeters, who also seemed a bit off.

Patrick looked between them and asked, "Mira, do you know her?"

Mirabella pulled her gaze away, unfazed. "No, I don't."

Patrick nodded, thoughtful, then suggested, "Let's move on. Don't let people who don't matter get to you."

Mirabella tilted her head, giving Patrick a sidelong glance, to which he replied with a knowing smile. Soon, they moved on.

Summer stood there, her face cycling through different emotions, unable to keep up her act of pride.

Some people just knew how to get

under your skin.

**

"Mira, what was up with that girl? She seemed pretty hostile towards you," Patrick asked quietly once they were seated.

Mirabella, still adjusting her blazer sleeve, didn't skip a beat as she replied, “Just someone from my old high school."

"Got it," Patrick nodded, not pressing for details on any past drama. He thought a moment and then

warned, She might try to stir up net

some trouble. Watch your back during the symposium, especially since we're not on home turf."

It's easy to dodge the obvious threats it's the hidden ones

thatch out for, especianoveldrama

you're on someone else's ground.

bet

Mirabella gave a small smile, "I know. Thanks for having my back."

"We're friends; no need to thank me," Patrick said, giving her shoulder a reassuring pat.

Mirabella nodded, her attention shifting to the stage as the symposium kicked off.