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Tracy folded her arms, staring at Mirabel. "You still owe me an explanation."
"You're right." Mirabel sighed and told her everything—the pain, her father's betrayal, and how she ended up here.
Tracy's eyes softened. "Wow… I'm sorry, Mirabel. Your father is really a monster."
"Yeah," she muttered. "I know."
Just then, Simon's car pulled up outside. They got down together, and Tracy's jaw dropped at the sight of the mansion. "Wow… this house is beautiful! Look at that pool!"
"Hmmm," Mirabel smirked. "It is nice."
Inside, Mirabel's face lit up. "Grandpa!" She ran into Roshan's arms.
"Hmmm, you're finally here," he said warmly, patting her head. "Don't worry, I'm not that old yet."
"Grandpa," she teased, holding onto him tighter. Then she pulled away just as Mike came down the stairs.
"Brother!" She rushed over and hugged him.
"At least you missed me," Mike teased.
"Hmm, why do I feel like you didn't miss me at all?" Mirabel raised a brow.
"That's because I don't," she said, sticking her tongue out playfully. Both of them laughed.
Her attention shifted when a familiar voice called out. "Oh—Flora's here."
Mirabel hurried to hug her soon-to-be sister-in-law. Flora's smile was gentle, her short black hair framing her glowing face.
"Oh, that reminds me," Mirabel said, pulling Tracy closer. "Everyone, this is Tracy—my best friend."
Tracy felt her knees weaken as Mirabel gestured to the elder man. "Tracy, this is my grandfather, Roshan King."
"N-nice to m-meet y-you, sir," she stammered.
Roshan's lips twitched into a rare smile. "You too, young lady."
"And this is my brother Mike King, and his fiancée—soon-to-be wife—Flora Xavier, the president's daughter of Los Angeles."
Tracy swallowed hard. "Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too," Flora replied kindly, her hands instinctively brushing against her small baby bump. She radiated warmth.
"Grandpa," Mirabel interrupted with a grin. "I'm starving."
"We were just about to eat. Come."
The dining room shimmered under crystal chandeliers as the maids laid out platters: paneer cheese quesadillas with camel hot dogs, chickpea crumble, red pepper & paneer salad, chickpea-crusted patties with beet relish, and more.
Tracy's eyes widened. So much food… these people are rich beyond imagination. Don't embarrass yourself, Tracy. Eat like a lady.
She forced herself to sit straighter while Mirabel casually loaded her plate with salad and snacks. Tracy followed carefully, choosing confit chicken salad and a patty.
"So," Roshan asked, cutting into his meal, "where did you two meet?"
Tracy froze. "Uh… we—"
"At the hotel," Mirabel answered smoothly. "She stayed in the room next to mine. We grew close and became best friends."
"Ah." Roshan nodded, satisfied. "And your parents, Tracy?"
"My parents are dead," she answered softly.
"Oh. I'm sorry about that."
The table fell quiet for a moment until Mirabel spoke up again. "Grandpa, I heard you're attending a party tomorrow. Can we come along?"
"Of course," Roshan said. He turned to Mike. "Book a limo."
"Yes, Grandpa." Mike excused himself briefly, calling his assistant. "Get a limo for tomorrow."
"Understood."
Returning, Mike sat back down, and they finished the lavish meal together.
Later, by the poolside, the night air was cool and calm. Flora relaxed in a chair, Roshan and Mike discussed business, while Tracy and Mirabel giggled quietly at the edge of the water.
Hours passed before they finally retired to their rooms. Tracy and Mirabel shared one, their laughter still lingering as they threw themselves onto the massive bed.
"Wow, this bed is so soft," Tracy exclaimed, bouncing slightly.
"I know," Mirabel sighed, stretching out. "It's been so long since I've slept in something this comfortable."
"Your family… they're so kind and caring." Tracy's voice was soft with admiration.
"Yeah…" Mirabel's smile faded a little, her thoughts drifting to the family she had lost. She quickly masked it with a grin.
They showered, changed, and finally lay in the dark, drifting to sleep. But as Mirabel closed her eyes, a shadow of unease lingered. Tomorrow meant the party—and tomorrow, she knew, her worlds would start colliding.
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