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

Mirabella flipped through the script, her eyes scanning the handful of lines she had to deliver. Each sentence was meticulously annotated with the exact tone and expression needed to breathe life into the words on the page. The brief was clear. She was to embody the archetype of a fiercely protective parent.

Glancing sideways at Leo, her brother’s adorably clueless demeanor caught her attention. Yep… he definitely looked like someone who needed to be looked after.

Oblivious to his sister’s scrutiny, Leo stared blankly at the script. It took him a moment before he looked un, his gaze landing on the brand representative who was still hovering nearby. “Isn’t there something off about this character concept?” he questioned.

They wanted him to come off as… cute. For someone who naturally exuded an icy cool vibe, the idea of cute‘ seemed utterly foreign

The manager’s eyes darted with a hint of guilt, but his expression remained composed as he reassured Leo, “This character was tailored for you based on how you and your sister came across on that live show. It’s well thought out, I assure you.” No way was he going to admit that the character swap was a last–minute decision.

Leo’s face was a mask of skepticism. Tailored? Since when was his persona anything close to ‘cute? He opened his mouth to argue, but Mirabella, ever the curious one, beat him to it. “What kind of character is

Without a word, Leo handed her the script. After a quick glance, she looked up at him and patted his shoulder reassuringly. “I don’t see a problem with it.” The little princess‘ character suited him to a T.

Leo was baffled.

Turning to the brand manager, Mirabella chimed in, “No worries, the ad concept is pretty creative.” Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

Having quickly learned that the sister was the more assertive of the two, the manager cleared his throat and said, “Well then…. if you need a few minutes to prepare, I’ll just go over some minor details with the photographer.”

“Sure,” Mirabella responded politely, effectively sidelining her brother.

“But…” Leo protested, trying to hold the man back, only to be restrained by Mirabella’s surprisingly firm

grip.

“Mirabella, let go. I need some answers…”

Her hand stayed put as she spoke calmly, “Leo, just chill. It’s only a commercial.”

“It’s not about chilling. This feels like a personal insult,” Leo fumed, frustration evident in his posture.

Mirabella couldn’t help but find his indignant, squirrel–like pout amusing. She wanted to ruffle his curly locks but thought better of it, considering the time spent on hair and makeup. Instead, she patted his shoulder again. “The real focus should be the paycheck.”

At the mention of money, Leo’s mood soured even more. His sister was actually valuing the ad revenue over his feelings.

After another glance at Mirabella’s script, Leo’s will to complain drained away. The role reversal was complete. The brand was asking his sister to step into his shoes. He massaged his temples, foreseeing

10:08

the inevitable collapse of his hard–earned persona once the commercial aired.

With a heavy sigh, he caught another glimpse of his sister, whose love for money apparently trumped sibling loyalty. Well, if she was happy, he supposed that was what mattered.

No matter how much his little sister exploited him, she deserved his support.

Soon enough, the photography team signaled they were ready, and it was time for the siblings to step in front of the camera.