In the cozy living room, Nick found himself sitting across from Mirabe and Cassie. The two of them had such a striking resemnce, not just in looks but in their mannerisms and expressions, that anyone could easily mistake them for siblings, leaving Nick feeling a bit like the odd one out.


    This was Nick''s first real close-up look at Cassie. Aside from her undeniable beauty, her eyes were something special-clear, bright, and uniquely captivating, with an almond shape that was rare and enchanting.


    Looking into those eyes, Nick felt a flicker of familiarity, a hint of déjà vu he couldn''t quite put his finger on. Just then, the arrival of the dishes from the kitchen interrupted his thoughts, as the delicious aromas filled the room and shifted his focus.


    "How long is this conference of yours?" Nick asked Mirabe, picking up his fork.


    "The conference itself is just two days," Mirabe said with a nod. "But with travel, it''ll be around five or six days altogether."


    "That''s a bit tight," Nick remarked, sounding a tad disappointed. "Otherwise, you could swing by to visit Chester. You haven''t met him yet."


    Mirabe pondered for a moment before responding, "We''ll see how it goes. If time allows, I''d love to."


    She was quite curious about Chester, her elder rtive whom she had never met in person. Despite the distance, he always sent her generous holiday gifts, suggesting he was a kind-hearted soul.


    "Right," Nick agreed. "Riverside University is just about an hour''s flight from Chester''s ce, so it''s not too far."


    Cassie, who had been quietly munching away, perked up at this. Like a small- town kid visiting the big city for the first time, she asked, "What''s a conference?"


    Mirabe shot her a nce and exined casually, "Think of it as a big meeting."


    "Oh," Cassie replied, satisfied with the answer.


    In


    Nick watched their easy exchange and felt a slight pang of envy. Although he had spent over a year with his sister, their rtionshipcked the effortless familiarity Mirabe seemed to have with Cassie. It felt like there was an invisible wall between them.


    Originally, Nick thought this distance was normal, given that Mirabe grew up apart from them due to a mix-up at birth. But now, he realized there was indeed a difference.


    "By the way, Nick," Mirabe''s voice pulled him back to the present, "while I''m abroad, if this kid runs into any trouble, could you keep an eye on him for me?" Nick nodded, "Of course."


    Cassie''s heart skipped a beat hearing her sister''s words. Could she possibly know about his big life ns?


    He shot a cautious nce at


    Mirabe, but her expression was as calm as ever. Cassie rubbed his


    nose sheepishly and chuckled, "What trouble could I possibly get into? I''m quite the popr one at school."


    Mirabe simply turned back, mouthing two silent words: "Shut up."


    Cassie instantly ducked his head, focusing on his meal.


    Nick chuckled, reassuring her, "Don''t worry, I''ll make sure Cassie is well looked after."


    "Thanks, Nick," Mirabe smiled, then told Cassie to get his phone so they could add each other on Messenger.


    Even though she was sure Cassie wouldn''t get into any real trouble, it never hurt to be prepared.