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

The next day dawned, casting a warm glow over the neighborhood. As Mirabella made her way downstairs, Leo, already up and about, greeted her with a casual wave. "Morning, sis," he said, stifling a yawn.

The breakfast table was covered with take-out boxes-a dead giveaway that the food was freshly bought. As Mirabella approached, she couldn't help but stifle a chuckle at Leo's bedraggled appearance. "Rough night?" she asked, eyeing the dark circles under his eyes and his wild, curly hair that made him look like a real- life panda.noveldrama

Leo slumped in his chair, looking like a shadow of himself, barely glancing at the breakfast spread. "Nightmares, all night long," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

It hadn't been just any night. First, Shawn had called to 'check in' for what felt like an eternity, and then Zach had decided to give him a late-night lecture on how 'kidnapping a minor is a criminal offense,' droning on about legalities for what seemed like forever.

Just when he thought he could finally get some rest, his dreams turned into a horror show of being chased or thrown in jail-a relentless cycle that made sleep impossible.

Sensing his frustration, Mirabella offered some consolation, "Maybe you can catch up on some sleep later today."

Leo sighed and sprawled across the table.

Mirabella took a bite of her sandwich and, after a moment's thought, suggested, "You should use some of that lavender oil I have when you get back home tonight. It might help you relax."

The mention of home perked Leo up. "Ah, I might not be heading back for a while. I've got to shoot a music video for the new album out of state."

Go back home and face his dad's wrath? Not a chance. Staying away was the safer bet.

Mirabella just gave him a long, thoughtful look before lowering her head and quietly continuing with her breakfast.

After they finished eating, Leo grabbed a box of autographed photos and drove her to school.

The drive to school was smooth, with surprisingly light traffic. When they reached a red light, Leo casually rested his hand on the steering wheel and eased onto the brake.

"So, Mirabella, got any plans for winter break?" he asked, turning to glance at her. Mirabella, leaning against the car window, her delicate features relaxed, replied with little enthusiasm, "I'll probably visit Grandma back home."

"Back home?" Leo paused, "Like, Catherine's place?"

"Mhm," Mirabella hummed in affirmation.

As the light turned green, Leo resumed driving. "It's good to visit. She must get lonely by herself," he said, trying to keep the conversation going.

Mirabella's eyes drifted to the view outside the window, her chin propped up by her hand, silent.

Leo sped up a bit, not wanting to risk being late. But as they left the highway and entered a busier district, he slowed down again. It wasn't long before he sensed something was off with the car. The speed wasn't dropping as it should, and the brakes felt alarmingly unresponsive.

His face turned pale, knowing a busy intersection was just ahead. With vehicles merging in from the left and a steady stream of traffic in front, if he couldn't slow down, a major pile-up could ensue.

Mirabella, quick to notice the tension, turned to Leo. "Is there a problem with the car?"

Gripping the steering wheel tightly, Leo tried the brakes again, pushing the pedal to the floor and even pulling the emergency brake, but nothing worked. "The brakes... they're not working," he said, his voice tinged with panic.

They were descending a slope off the bridge, and even without pressing the gas, the car was picking up speed alarmingly fast.

Mirabella's expression darkened as she lifted her gaze to the congested road ahead. To the right was the sidewalk, sparsely dotted with pedestrians.