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

11:31

“Look at this, it’s a painting.” Shawn said as he opened the box and carefully took it out. unfolding it for a better view.

While Mirabella was knowledgeable about many vintage trinkets, she didn’t have much of an eye for ancient art. “Is there something off about this painting?”

*This artist’s works are mostly collectibles, fetching pretty hefty prices,” Shawn explained.

Mirabella paused, then with an air of nonchalance, she replied, “Oh, well, you better keep it safe. then.” After all, her medicine was worth a pretty penny too.

Shawn took in his daughter’s composed demeanor, as if the painting was no more than just a piece of paper. He opened his mouth to speak, but Mirabella seemed to anticipate his question, “Don’t worry, Dad. It really is a gift from a friende’s father. You can keep it without any concerns.” After saying that, she turned and walked towards the kitchen for breakfast.

Shawn touched his nose, watching her retreat. “This kid…”

“Let it be. If someone gifts such an expensive painting, there must be a reason. Besides, your daughter isn’t the type to lose her sense of proportion,” Delilah chimed in from the side.

What more could Shawn say? He soon tucked the painting away in the storage room, adding it to his collection of antiques. Worst case scenario, he’d invite the giver for a dinner and return the favor with another antique.

Elsewhere, Nick lay reclined in his chair. His eyes were tightly closed, and his pale face was almost devoid of color. His arms trembled on the armrests, and his body twitched intermittently.

Sitting in front of him was his therapist, whose forehead was beaded with sweat. “LIN, wake up. Don’t keep falling into these nightmares. You have to fight them.”

After two more minutes, seeing no sign of Nick coming to, the therapist reluctantly grabbed a flashlight and shone it directly onto his eyelids. In an instant, the trembling figure jolted awake, pushing the therapist aside and stumbling into the bathroom.

He turned on the faucet, splashing cold water on his face for a full five minutes before he began to feel alive again, with clarity returning to his mind. Staring at his gaunt reflection that seemed even more drawn than the last time he’d seen Mirabella, Nick wiped his face and walked out of the bathroom to sit back down, gazing upward. “You can go.” He was speaking to the therapist. The therapist sighed, looking at him. “Nick, you can’t keep running from your fears. It’s only going to make you weaker.”

Nick just gave a half–hearted smile and closed his eyes again, not saying another word. Text © 2024 NôvelDrama.Org.

11:31

With a shake of his head, the therapist said, “I’ll be off then. Call me if you need anything?

Soon after, the sound of the door closing echoed in the room as Nick slowly opened his eyes. The bloodshot eyes indicated too many sleepless nights. His phone on the nearby table vibrated. Nick lay there for a few more minutes before he finally sat up and picked it up.

It was a message from Mirabella. (Nick, I’ve received the documents, and I hope you’ve gotten the incense I sent as well?]

Nick’s fingers hesitated for a moment. He’d been in the lab for the past couple of days and was just back. Any deliveries would likely be in the storage locker at the manor. His gaze sharpened

as he grabbed his phone and walked out of the room.