Filed To Story: Returning to Her Not-So-Poor Family
“You didn’t say you love me.”
With a smile, Mirabella looked at him, “I love you.”
“Can’t hear you. Say it again.” Romeo playfully insisted.
“If you can’t hear, too bad.””You just said you love me, don’t think of backing out. You can’t say those words to anyone else in this lifetime.”
Alma, sitting behind them, was practically drowning in the sweetness. She had never imagined the Romeo she knew could be so clingy, so good at sweet talk.
No woman could resist that.
Mirabella’s reaction was too cool for her. If it were Alma, she would have kissed him back without hesitation.
The business tycoons to Romeo’s left were speechless, their eyes almost popping out, mouths agape.
Despite the noise, they hadn’t heard the sweet nothings between Romeo and Mirabella, but seeing Romeo whispering and kissing Mirabella now and then, and the way their fingers were locked the whole time – as if holding onto a rare treasure – was enough to astonish them.
Was that really Romeo?
The same Romeo they knew, who was so reticent and icy, devoid of emotion?
It’s true what they say, every man in love turns into a boy. That’s no joke.
From the looks of it, Romeo seemed to be more head over heels for that girl. She, on the other hand, had been playing it cool throughout.
That level of composure was impressive.
“Today, I suddenly realized David is quite a looker,” Romeo said, paying his friend a rare compliment.
“Isn’t it just because you’re in a good mood and everyone seems nice to you?” Mirabella chuckled.
“Don’t you think that the backup dancers are really dedicated and have some slick moves too?”
Romeo nodded, “Yeah, and I also think you’re looking particularly charming today, really adorable.”
Mirabella couldn’t withstand his gaze and once again turned her attention to the stage.
“If I were to start performing, would you watch me with the same eyes you have for David, attending every concert?” Romeo asked in a low voice.
“Nope, no time for that.”
Romeo watched her with a smile. The girl’s blunt response made her even more endearing to him.
As the concert was drawing to a close, Mirabella leaned in and whispered, “I’m going to the restroom.”
“I’ll come with you,” Romeo instantly offered, starting to get up.”Just stay here and shoot the video, I’ll be right back,” Mirabella patted his head, signaling him to wait patiently.
Romeo leaned in again, whispering, “Call me if you need anything.”
“Sure.”
No sooner had Mirabella left than Alma nudged Romeo, “Hey! What a coincidence. I had no idea it was you.”
Romeo gave her a glance and his aura instantly turned frosty, a stark contrast to how he was with Mirabella just moments before.
He absolutely hated being touched, especially by women.
In less than a second, Romeo turned his head away, not sparing her another glance, let alone greeting her.
Today he was in too good a mood. On any other day, he’d have stripped off his clothes and tossed them away in disdain.
“Alma, do you know him?” the noise in the venue was so loud, Hannah had to shout, “Who’s that guy?
He’s so rude.”
From where Hannah was standing, she could only see the back of Romeo’s head. He had turned around so quickly and was wearing a mask in the dim light, so she didn’t recognize him.
“It’s nothing, just mistook him for someone else,” Alma had to cover up.
“What did you say?” Hannah shouted back, looking at her friend in confusion.”I said I mistook him for someone else—” Just as David finished his song and the fans’ cheering had quieted down, Alma’s voice carried to the front.
She felt like she was suffocating with embarrassment.
Even the business tycoons in the front row turned to look at her, and she just wanted to crawl into a hole.
Backstage, Mirabella found Jossie monitoring the concert. Surprised to see her, Jossie exclaimed, “Bella, what brings you here? Hungry? Thirsty? David bought you a bunch of stuff earlier, it’s all here, let me get it for you.”
“I came to see you.”
“To see me?” Jossie was even more surprised, “Oh, I saw Romeo propose to you earlier, so romantic!
I’ll look forward to your wedding. My engagement is on the 1st next month. I’ve told David, so you two better come!”
“You’re getting engaged?” Mirabella was a bit surprised but still smiled gently, “Congratulations.”
“Thanks, I guess it’s about time I got engaged, you know? My boyfriend’s been breathing down my neck. He’s paranoid I’ll fall for one of these A-listers I work with.” Jossie chuckled, “Especially since that time he saw Romeo waving at me, and David here bought me a burger. And all those young hunks goofing around with me – that very night, my guy dropped to one knee and popped the question.
Hilarious, right?”
Mirabella laughed, instantly understanding the boyfriend’s predicament.
“You’ve got to come, okay? Even though we just met today, I really like you. Oh, right, did you need something? Wanted to ask if David got the tea? He drank it. Heard it was from you and was thrilled.”
“No, it’s not about the tea.” Mirabella smiled. “Ms. Kiki mentioned you had a mask for someone.”
“Yeah, Summer’s due any minute, and she never shows her face when she makes an entrance, so Ms.
Kiki asked me to get a mask ready for her. Wait, how did you know what Ms. Kiki told me on WhatsApp?”
Mirabella just smiled knowingly.
“You don’t know Ms. Kiki, do you? Or is it Summer you’re acquainted with? It seemed too coincidental.
One second I’m telling you Merry couldn’t make it because of some scandal, the next Summer’s offering to step in. It’s you, isn’t it? You’ve done your brother a solid!”
Just then, Mirabella’s phone rang. It was a video call from Ms. Kiki.
“Ms. Kiki.” Mirabella answered, greeting her warmly.
“Summer, darling, I’ve asked David’s assistant, Jossie, to prepare a beautiful mask for you. Just pick it up backstage. They’ve got stylists and makeup artists there, and a selection of dresses. I’m still abroad and can’t make it back in time. Will you be okay on your own?””No problem.”
“Thanks, dear. Once I’ve wrapped up things here, we’ll catch up.”
“Sure thing.”
Jossie stood frozen, speechless with shock.
“Oh, and are you backstage? Did you see Jossie? I want to have a word with her.”
Mirabella handed the phone to Jossie.
Jossie barely registered taking the phone, stunned silent until Ms. Kiki finished talking. She couldn’t believe it. David’s sister was Summer.
And the kicker was, even David didn’t know his sister’s true identity.
“Jossie, are you listening to me?” Ms. Kiki’s voice came from the other end of the video call.
“Yes.” Jossie snapped back to reality. “I’ve got everything you mentioned. There are plenty of masks and gowns for Summer to choose from. If she’s not satisfied, our stylists can customize on the spot.”
“As for the makeup and hair, we can use David’s team. I’ll also make sure the backstage crew keeps all details about Summer confidential. After her performance, we’ll have security and a car ready to escort her out, no disturbances.”
“I’m just worried, Summer’s all by herself.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll stick by her side. If she’s thirsty, I’ll get her a drink. Hungry, I’ll fetch her something to eat. I promise to take good care of her.”
“Thanks a bunch. I owe you dinner when I get back.””Please, Ms. Kiki, it’s I who should thank you for coming through in a pinch.”
“Look, I owe you one for bringing this up with your contacts, but this is a first for me. If you really want to thank someone, thank Summer. Gotta dash, bye.”
After hanging up the call, Jossie looked at Mirabella in astonishment. “Thank you, Summer. Oh, I mean, Bella. What should I call you now, Summer or Bella? You’re amazing, you know? Just a moment ago, I thought you knew Ms. Kiki or Summer, but you are Summer herself.”
Her gaze thoroughly appraised Mirabella from head to toe. That figure really did resemble Summer’s.
How had she not noticed this before?
“What about the outfit?” Mirabella asked with a light smile.
“Right here.” Jossie handed her the phone back and led her to the wardrobe area. “We’ve got some dresses here for the female guests. They’re all brand new and tailored. You’re so slim. Any of these should fit you perfectly.”
Mirabella’s eyes settled on a beautiful, light blue gown, adorned with exquisite handmade floral patterns and ornate embroidery that made her look like a mermaid risen from the sea – noble, elegant, and ethereal.
Jossie was astounded by how Mirabella looked in the gown, “It’s stunning on you. It’s like that dress was made just for you.”