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

Leo withdrew his gaze, took a deep breath, tilted his head back, and downed the contents of the glass bottle. He braced himself for a bitter, nasty taste, but surprisingly, the remedy was

virtually flavorless. After he finished, he grabbed a nearby glass of water, took a few sips, and set it down.

Mirabella watched him until he was done, then visibly relaxed. She glanced at her watch, stood up, and said sweetly. “I’m off to school now.” Her demeanor was a stark contrast to the solemn expression she had while watching Leo take his medicine.

Shortly after, the sound of the door closing echoed. Leo’s gaze followed her departure, and they couldn’t help but sigh, “Zach, do you ever notice how kinda intimidating our sister gets when she’s serious?”

Zach glanced up, unimpressed, “Hadn’t noticed.” Even if he had, that wasn’t something he was about to admit. What, and risk his pride?

Just then, Leo straightened his back and rubbed the spot where he had been injured. The area was oddly warm, causing a slight shift in his expression.

Zach, catching the change in Leo’s demeanor, straightened up and asked, “What’s up?”

Leo tilted his head, pressing on his spine, no longer feeling the usual stabbing pain when applying pressure. “Weird, after taking that stuff Mirabella gave me, my injury feels kind of

warm.”

Considering Leo’s words, Zach recalled the remedy Mirabella had given him in the past. After taking it, his chronic ailments hadn’t bothered him since, and even his spirits had lifted significantly. With that thought, Zach said earnestly. “You should get checked at the hospital again.” Pausing, he added, “Mirabella wouldn’t give you medicine for no reason.”

Leo’s gaze dropped, his fingers curling slightly. Since returning from Nick’s, he had been trying not to dwell on his condition. He might have appeared nonchalant, but only he knew the thoughts that haunted him each night in bed, feeling no different from being crippled.

A few days ago, Collins had suggested that Leo check out some alternative medicine. However, Leo refused, even though Collins told him Mirabella’s medicine was precious. He just instinctively resisted the idea of more treatments.

Disappointment had become too familiar, and hope was something Leo rarely allowed himself to feel. But now, with his body’s genuine response, the acceptance of his grim reality wavered.

Maybe, just maybe, it was worth another shot.

Pushing aside his thoughts, Leo nodded at Zach. “Yeah, I’ll go today.”

Relieved that Leo wasn’t being as stubborn as usual, Zach suggested, “How about I come with you?”

“No need, Zach. I’ll have Collins join me. He knows a well–respected alternative healer,” Leo

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“Alright then, but call me if anything comes up,” Zach said, not insisting further.

“Will do.” Leo acknowledged, then pocketed the glass bottle that sat on the table.

When Collins received a call from Leo, asking to schedule a medical appointment, he was taken aback. It wasn’t like Leo to seek help proactively. So, Collins quickly rang up Nikolai, the healer they had met at the hospital, and set up a time to meet.

In the afternoon, Collins and Leo arrived at Nikolai’s alternative medicine clinic, hopeful for

what was to come.