Chapter <b>314 </b>


    At the crack of dawn, Nick dropped Mirabe off at her hotel.


    In the car, Mirabe leaned back in her seat, her smartphone in hand, lost in thought. Though the heap of study materials she received was disheartening, she couldn’t ignore the generous bonus that came her way. Not sending a thank–you gift just wasn’t her style.


    After pondering for a moment, Mirabe turned to Nick and said, “Nick, shoot me your addresster<b>, </b>okay? I’ll mail you a box of sandalwood incense when I get back home.”


    Those who often relied on therapists for sleep usually struggled to get some rest, and it was apparent in his gaunt appearance. Though not ill, the wear and tear of life could take its toll.


    Nick was momentarily taken aback but quickly recovered, responding, “No worries, you don’t have to go through all that trouble.”


    “I insist. It’s a wee gift! You can’t say no,” Mirabe stated with earnest seriousness.


    Nick couldn’t help but nce at her and, finally relenting, said, “Alright, I’ll drop my address in your Messengerter.”


    “Great,” Mirabe nodded in satisfaction, pausing before adding, “Everyone who’s used my incense hasn’t had trouble sleeping through the night.”


    At the mention of insomnia, a wave of warmth swept through Nick’s heart. It was an issue that had gued him for years, and he wasn’t sure how Mirabe knew. He didn’t refuse her offer even though he knew sandalwood held no magic cure for him.. “Okay.”


    “But do you make these yourself?” Nick was curious, as she had referred to them as ‘my incense.‘


    Mirabe looked down modestly, “I try to.”


    “By the way, when’s your flight?” Nick asked in his typically sluggish manner.


    Mirabe twirled her phone in her hand. “I think it’s tomorrow afternoon.<b>” </b>


    After a brief silence, Nick offered, “I could take you to the airport.”


    Mirabe waved the offer away. “No need. It’s always crowded there. I’ll just head


    over with a ssmate.”


    save


    Nick opened his mouth to speak, feeling there was some misunderstanding between them.


    **


    The next day.


    The three students who had been eliminated came to see off Mirabe and Vincent. After yesterday’s results, Mirabe seemed to carry all their hopes.


    The usually pressure–free Mirabe felt an odd weight on her shoulders as she entered the examination room.


    Three hourster, the test was over, and the scores for the finals would be


    announced in an hour. Thus, after the exam, everyone gathered in the lobby, waiting anxiously.


    Mirabe sat in a corner, seemingly the mostposed of all, chatting on her phone while everyone else was on edge.


    She was having a conversation with Collins, who had recently added her on Messenger. With Walker’s ‘Country Comfort‘ about to start filming in a few days, Collins had sent her a list of things to be mindful of on Messenger.


    Mirabe took serious note of Collins‘ advice. After all, she couldn’t let her superstar brother down on their uing variety show.


    Just then, someone shouted, “Scores are up!”


    The results were disyed on arge LCD screen in the center of the lobby. As the announcement echoed, heads turned in unison towards the screen.


    Mirabe’s grip on her phone tightened, and she, too, slowly lifted her gaze: