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

Mirabella returned home just as Delilah came in from the greenhouse in the garden, looking a bit brighter. Seeing Mirabella's improved mood also eased her worries.

"By the way, Mirabella, could you invite James over for dinner later?" Delilah said while arranging fresh flowers in a vase.

Mirabella, holding a glass of water, leaned against the table. "We've already eaten outside."

Upon hearing this, Delilah looked up at her daughter and asked, "Does that mean you went out with James this afternoon?"

"Not exactly," Mirabella sipped her water, keeping a straight face. "We just happened to bump into each other and decided to grab a meal together."

Delilah was silent for a moment before putting down her scissors. "Are you and James...dating?"

Mirabella fiddled with the bottom of her glass and hummed in affirmation.

Although Delilah had her suspicions, hearing her daughter confirm it stirred mixed feelings within her.

It had been less than two years since Mirabella returned to their lives, and now she was of age to date... Delilah sighed softly but didn't say anything, simply patting her daughter's shoulder instead.

Mirabella had expected a lecture on love from Delilah but was surprised to find her seemingly not opposed to the idea.

Could Delilah also be swayed by looks?

Mirabella pondered quietly, then asked, "So, you're not against it?"

"I have my considerations," Delilah smiled and shook her head without further explanation, "Besides, James is a decent man."

Mirabella looked at Delilah, then inquired, "Does Dad think the same?"

"Oh him, he always ends up taking my advice." Delilah said languidly, then turned

her gaze away, picking up the scissors to continue trimming the flowers.

Mirabella mused to herself, no wonder her father was so easy-going.

At that moment, her phone buzzed in her pocket.

It was a message from James on Messenger: "I'll be heading back to the city tonight."

Mirabella tapped on her screen to reply: "Safe travels, and congratulations on the job confirmation."

James, driving to the airport, couldn't help but smile softly at Mirabella's message. He didn't reply but instead turned up the music in the car.

The cheerful music mirrored his mood.

**

Two days later, Mirabella went to the airport to see off Paul.

"Paul, when you go back this time, try not to travel again." Mirabella, still dressed

in black, took out a smartphone from her bag while speaking.

Paul looked at the phone, puzzled for a moment, then took it and quickly unlocked it. "Where did you find this? I thought I'd never see it again after Santos took my phone." noveldrama

Mirabella adjusted her collar. "At the hotel. I've turned off the phone's tracking."

"Alright," Paul nodded, then brought up his Messenger QR code. "Scan this, so we can keep in touch easier on Messenger."

"Sure." Mirabella took out her phone, scanned the code, and they were instantly connected as friends.

Satisfied, Paul put his phone back in his pocket. "Oh, there's one more thing I forgot to mention. The pot of bamboo mustard I brought with me was stolen."

Mirabella gave him a look. "Why would you bring that thing along in the first place?"

"I heard the soil in this city is perfect for growing bamboo mustard, sod brought it with me. I didn't expect someone would actually want it," Paul said, somewhat annoyed.

He had managed to cultivate only two plants over the years. But then, he thought,

let it go; it's not like it was something precious.