Filed to story: Returning to Her Not-So-Poor Family
Hans nodded, “Your point makes sense.”
“But there’s something off about that driver,” the head of the bodyguard still felt there was something eerie about the driver, like something didn’t add up.
“Did you get a good look?” Mirabella’s gaze fell on the head of bodyguard, “When that folding knife fell, what kind of pocket lets a knife just slide out? You’re wearing a suit too. Sure, the pockets are slanted, but have you ever had your phone or keys just drop out frequently?”
The head of the bodyguard shook his head; that had never happened.
“It was exactly then, before he was clear of suspicion, that the knife fell. What does that tell you? It means that blade didn’t drop accidentally – he wanted us to see it. He gave us enough time to see the knife on the ground before he nervously picked it up. Why would he want to deepen our suspicion?”
“Why??” At that moment, David piped up, his face full of curiosity.
The chef had just whipped up some coffee and pastries, and David had grabbed a plate to find his sister, hoping to treat her to some, only to stumble upon this “big case” discussion.
Mirabella had heard his footsteps earlier. Since he was family, she didn’t hold back and laid it all out.”Whether he dropped the knife on purpose or the way he looked back at us after tucking it away, it was all to make us more suspicious. He’s doing this for one reason only – he wants us to investigate him.”
The head of the bodyguard was confused. Why would someone want to be checked out??
David echoed the sentiment, “But why??”
“Beverly kept vouching for him, which only made us more suspicious. The more she insisted he was fine, the more likely we were to dig into whether he really was.”
David nodded, “Then what?”
“First off, who does he work for?” Mirabella probed.
David blurted out, “Beverly’s driver.”
“If he’s shady, doesn’t that suggest Beverly might be too?”
David nodded again, “Right.”
“If we suspect Beverly and we check out Harry the driver, only to find his record is squeaky clean; won’t we feel like we’ve accused the wrong person and misunderstood Beverly and her driver?”
“That makes sense,” David agreed, nodding.
“Once we clear Beverly, wouldn’t we shift our focus to others and stop watching Beverly so closely? So, if I’m not mistaken, back in the living room, she probably felt we were onto them, which is why they staged this whole thing. We can leave the driver out of this; whether or not he’s clean, just Beverly’s actions alone are a dead giveaway, aren’t they?””Wow, Sis, you’re a genius!!” David finally got it, “Beverly must’ve thought she could clear her name by leading us to her driver, but she had no idea you’ve got a head full of smarts. So, does this mean Beverly really is involved? Was she part of what happened back then?”
Mirabella and Hans nodded together, speaking in unison, “Possibly.”
If Beverly hadn’t acted this way, they might not have suspected her so soon. Now, it was definitely time to dig deeper; not into the driver, but into her and her husband.
“Man, I was just scratching the surface with my thoughts. If it wasn’t for Ms. Collins’s sharp wit, I would’ve been led by the nose by Mrs. Beverly Collins,” the head of the bodyguard was in awe of Mirabella’s smarts.
“Thing is, Beverly’s always been a piece of work. You’ve been with the Collins family for years, have you ever seen her break a sweat?” Mirabella’s gaze shifted to the head of the bodyguard standing before her.
He shook his head. Mrs. Beverly Collins seemed to always carry herself with a grace that was unflappable, no matter the situation.
“So back there, when the driver dropped a switchblade, her face flickered with panic. It was just too forced.” Mirabella mused, “If that driver were really up to no good, she should have been the epitome of calm, but her poise came a second too late.”
“Ms. Collins, you truly show there’s always a bigger fish.” The head of the bodyguard was thoroughly impressed, “So this means the truth from all those years ago is about to come to light.”
Just then, Mirabella’s phone vibrated. Glancing at the screen, she announced, “I’m off to pick up Romeo.”
“Romeo’s really coming over for dinner?” David seemed surprised. That guy really didn’t see himself as an outsider, “Hey sis, you haven’t touched the pastries I brought you.”
Quick as a flash, David grabbed one and hurried over, popping it into his sister’s mouth.
Mirabella chewed on the treat while sipping her coffee, sauntering leisurely towards the front door.
Suddenly, she felt two pairs of eyes drilling into her back. Her instincts told her they were coming from the floor-to-ceiling windows of the main house.With a subtle lift of her lips, she continued towards the door, her stride unbroken.
Romeo was already there. Today, he was donned in a sleek black coat that accentuated his tall frame.
His hair was cropped short, giving him a dashing look, his handsome features even more striking.
Upon seeing Mirabella, his entire demeanor softened, and a tender smile spread across his face, warming her like the first days of spring.
The gatekeeper buzzed the door open, and as Romeo stepped through, he wrapped Mirabella in a gentle embrace, his eyes brimming with happiness, “Grandma and grandpa said after we have dinner here, I should bring you over. They’re eager to have a meal with you. I told them you’d be stuffed, but they insisted you could just join for the fun; they’re dying to meet you.”
He gazed into her eyes, his voice soft, “I’ve been hearing about it non-stop these past few days; I almost can recite every single word they said.”
Mirabella chuckled, “Is it them who want me over, or is it you?”
“Of course, I want you there too.” Romeo affectionately tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, “If you’re there, this year will be the happiest, most fulfilling, and most wonderful New Year I’ve ever had.”
“They would be sad to hear that. Before you came into my life, they were the ones you spent New Year with.”
“Having you with us would make them feel the same way. It would be the happiest, most satisfying, and most joyous New Year for them too. You’re incredibly important to us, and we already see you as part of the family.”
With that, Romeo noticed the coffee in her hand, “What are you drinking? Let me hold that.”He took the latte in one hand and intertwined his fingers with hers in the other, walking towards the main house.
“Hans said the chef just whipped it up. You should try it.”
Romeo took a sip, “It’s good.”
Romeo planned to ask the chef for the recipe later, so when Bella married him and longed for a taste of home, he could whip up a comforting cup for her, or perhaps they could make a trip back together.
“Did your family’s thing wrap up that quick?” Mirabella asked offhandedly.
“Yeah, grandpa and grandma were both eager to get cooking, thinking of impressing you tonight with their skills. Mom and dad were not to be outdone. When I left, all four of them were battling it out for kitchen space, with the chef standing by, totally stressed out, unable to intervene but also unable to watch them turn the kitchen into a disaster zone.” Romeo said with a light chuckle, “They know you love seafood, so tonight’s feast is mostly seafood-themed.”
“That’s so considerate of them.” Mirabella said with a laugh, “Dinner here should be over by six or seven; then we can head over to your grandparents’ and nibble on something.”
“If they heard you say that, they’d be thrilled.” Romeo pulled out his phone, “I’ll shoot them a message to hold back on the experimental dishes. Otherwise, I might ban you from next year’s feast.”
The elders weren’t sure if Mirabella would make it today, but they were all vying to cook, hoping she would come and get a taste of their culinary efforts.
If they knew Mirabella was definitely coming tonight, they would be over the moon, eagerly awaiting her arrival.
“You’re really crashing our dinner?” David stood by the long banquet table, watching Romeo stroll in hand in hand with his sister. He felt a twinge of jealousy, “Can you maybe show a little restraint in public? The deal isn’t sealed yet, and here you are, all over each other. Does Bella’s reputation mean nothing to you?””What can I say? You’re just jealous you don’t have a girlfriend,” Romeo let go of Mirabella’s hand only to drape an arm around her waist, drawing her even closer, looking like the perfect pair.
“Just because you’ve got Bella on your side now, doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want around me. Listen here, she calls me bro, and you better show the same respect! Otherwise, you can forget about stepping through this door!”
“If just saying ‘bro’ can get me such an amazing fiancée, then I’m making out like a bandit.” Romeo said with a playful grin, acknowledging his friend’s tacit approval, “Thanks for acknowledging me as your future brother-in-law so soon, David. I’m looking forward to all the advice you’ll give me.”
“Advice, my foot.” David grumbled, pulling Romeo’s shoulder away from Bella, “If it weren’t for the fact that you’re my longtime buddy and the whole ‘keep the benefits in the family’ thing, I’d never let Bella end up with you.”
“So, I’m pretty important to you. Is that so, David?”
“Cut the crap.” David said, “Don’t get used to call me like that so easily.”
Before he tried to make Romeo consider him as his brother; turned out it was a herculean task. Ever since Bella came into the picture, Romeo had changed so unnoticeably fast.
“Once a brother-in-law, it’ll be a done deal.” Romeo joked, “I’ll be calling you ‘bro’ until the day you’re six feet under.”
“Get out of here, talking about graves on New Year! Whether you remain my brother-in-law depends on how you act from here on out. I’ve been dancing my bones off at concerts recently,” David feigned ashoulder ache.
Romeo got the hint, “Bella, David wants me to give him a massage. Hang on a sec.”
“No, no, I did not say that!” David blurted, not expecting Romeo to be so cunning as to use Bella against him.
“The thing is, I can’t have physical contact with anyone else, even guys, it’s just not right,” Romeo said with feigned resignation.
“Bella, he’s bullying me!!”
Mirabella couldn’t help but laugh, “Have you guys ever had a moment of peace in all these years?”
Always this love-hate relationship?
“We’re doing alright.” Dave slung an arm around his buddy’s shoulder, grinning from ear to ear, “If only he didn’t have a knack for bullying and taking advantage, we could be even better.”
“Quit bad-mouthing me in front of my fiancée.”
Where had he bullied anyone or taken advantage?
“Do you really think Bella’s only got eyes for you? As if her pretty little head is filled with nothing but your mug?”
At that moment, Mirabella sized up Romeo’s face and found it rather fetching.
He looked even more handsome than he had a few days ago, his features even more pleasing to the eye.
“Notice anything different about me today?” Romeo’s gaze fell on Mirabella, oblivious to the others.
“Your hair’s shorter.” Mirabella chuckled, “And you’re wearing the shirt I designed.”
“What else?” Romeo admired her with doting eyes.
“Hey, hey, hey, can you two spare a thought for my feelings here??” Dave, with his millions of followers, felt utterly ignored by the pair, which was a blow to his ego.
“Romeo’s here?”
In the meantime, Louisa emerged from the main house. Seeing Romeo, she beamed with affection.
