novelxo Chapter 5
Chapter 5
Mirabella’s laugh was a rare bloom of gentleness on her usually frosty face. She
tenderly smoothed the wisps of silver hair at her grandmother's temples, her
voice softening like one might use to coax a child to sleep. “I've sorted out all the
transfer paperwork. It’s time for me to head out. You've got to take good care of
yourself. Remember to take your meds on time, okay? Once I'm settled back in
the city, I'll come by for a visit. Deal?”
Catherine felt the soothing touch on her cheek and struggled to swallow, her
throat parched. After a moment, she grasped Mirabella's hand in her own.
“Alright, I'll do as you say, my dear,”
“Good,” Mirabella said, nodding in satisfaction.
Mandy, who had been standing by, felt a pang of jealousy. She had talked herself
hoarse, trying to persuade her mother to come back to the city with her without
success. Yet here was this brat, uttering just a few words, and her grandmother
acquiesced? She had clearly underestimated Mirabella’s ability to charm and
cajole!
Just then, the wail of an ambulance siren announced its arrival outside. Soon
after, thanks to Mandy's insistent demands, the paramedics carried Catherine to
the ambulance. Before leaving for the hospital, Mandy did not forget to give
Mirabella a few parting shots, warning her to make herself scarce.
Once Mandy had departed, Mirabella ascended the stairs to her room and pulled
out a suitcase from under the bed, already packed and ready. Even without
today’s drama courtesy of Mandy, Mirabella would have left soon anyway.
In the months since she had transformed from Mirabelle to Mirabella, she had
stayed not only because she was concerned about Catherine's health but also
because she was in the middle of her junior year of high school. So, she had
made a deal with her biological parents. Once the semester ended, she would
transfer schools for her senior year. Mirabella drew a letter from an old desk
drawer, dusted off the edges with her slender fingers, and slipped it into her
backpack.
Dragging her suitcase, Mirabella had just closed the gate when a car honked
nearby. She looked up, squinting at the sleek black sedan that was making the
noise. Despite its modest Volkswagen badge, the car’s lines were cool and slick—
a subtle flamboyance under its low-profile exterior.
A figure emerged from the car, a black baseball cap on his head. He leaned
casually against the door, watching. Mirabella approach.
Mirabella arched an eyebrow, a hint of nonchalance on her elegant face. As she
drew near, her lips curled into a half-smile. “Have you been waiting for me?”
The man crossed his arms, his chiseled chin tilting upward as he gave Mirabella
a once—over. His gaze finally rested on her suitcase with a teasing tone. “What's
this? Did you get kicked to the curb?”
Mirabella shot him a glance. “Eavesdropping isn’t very gentlemanly, you know.”
James chuckled lightly. “Did you forget our houses are only separated by a half—
wall?
“So what's your point, neighbor boy? You're loitering here just to mock your
lifesaver?” Mirabella quipped, her arms folded, a playful smirk on her lips.
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After nearly a year of knowing her,
James had transitioned from
grinding his teeth in annoyance to
- : ’
acceptance of Mirabella’s refusal to
call him by his name, insisting on
[ars [ih
neighbor boy" instead. Of course, he
was also privy to some of the
[ : el
melodrama of Mirabella’s life. The
content is on Novelxo.org! Read
the latest chapter there!
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“A ) ”
What's your plan now?” James
asked, his eyebrows lifting. Under the
brim of his cap, his features were
striking. especially those dark eyes.
They were like a night sky full of
stars. The content is on
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chapter there!
He paused, then added, “Of course, if you're out of options, my door’s open for
you... temporarily.”
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Mirabella gave him a sidelong look
: “ Hs
and a silent tsk’ in her heart before
placing her suitcase squarely in front
. “ . i f
of him. “How about this? I'll give you
»
a chance to repay your debt.” The
content is on Novelxo.org! Read
the latest chapter there!