Chapter:04: The Ring:

CONTRACT MARRIAGE:04:

Outside, Miranda was anxiously waiting for the pawn shop clerk to return and give her the news.

She desperately wished that the ring was valuable enough to fetch sufficient money, but her conscience was also reluctant about selling the last possession, belonging to her mother. It was the only memory left of her.

Just as she was indulging in series of battles within her heart, the pawn shop clerk returned.

When she saw him, she prayed in her heart that he was back with a good news for her. However, she didn't expect that she would be invited by the big boss. 

When she heard that their boss wanted to see her, she immediately followed him inside.

Miranda's heart was in a turmoil. She had a vague guess that the ring might have some background.

.

The pawn shop own, who seems to be in his forties , came in with the ring in his hand and asked, “Miss , do you own this ring?” He asked, looking at her with an expected gaze.

Miranda nodded, “Sir, how much can you give me for this ring?”

“You're short of money?” The man asked.

Miranda smiled bitterly and answered.“This is my mother's relic. If it wasn't for the lack of money, I naturally wouldn't  want to pawn it”.

“Go to this address ” The shop owner soon gave her a business card with a bold written address.“ Go there at seven in the evening and you will get what you want”

“What are you trying to say , sir? What do you mean?” At this point,Miranda's heart has began to eat faster than usual. It felt as though, a drum was being played right inside of her. This was basically the same as when she had dumbly went to the hotel that Lucas had told her Secretary back then.

“Take back the ring”, The shop stretch his hand and handed her the ring , “If you really need the money like you said, do as I say”

Miranda took the business card in a daze and left with the ring clutched in her hand. However, before going to the address , she went to the hospital first.

Amanda had already woken up. She was deadly pale and thin,  like a worn out fragile doll or like a withering white flower easily blown away by the wind.

Yet despite the fact that she was in this condition, she held a gentle smile.it was soothing, washing Miranda's worries away.

She held Miranda's hand and said , “Mira, listen to me. I heard from the doctor that wee need a large amount of money for my medical expenses, but I don't want you to overwork yourself anymore.Take care of yourself now, don't worry about me anymore ”.

“Its fine , Amy. I've already thought of a way out this” Miranda held onto her twin sister's hand more tightly and smiled.“Do you still remember the ring that mom left us? That ring is very valuable,I've already asked about it. I will it have it exchanged tonight, and you'll be able to have the surgery”

Hearing this , Amanda's heart trembled. She couldn't believe it, but seeing Miranda's warm smile, she forcefully swallowed what she wanted to say and simply nodded.

“Alright, Mira.” She looked at her and said ,“ I also want to get better as soon as possible. I want to go to work with you and earn money together. I can't be a burden to you anymore....”

“What are you saying?” Miranda's smile was cracking along with the tears welling up in her eyes, but she somehow managed to hold it back.“You're a bless g for being here with me. I don't know how to hold on if you weren't here with me. What would I do without you?”.

Amanda's body was still very much weak, so she fell asleep after talking for a while 

 

The time went by as quickly as possible.

In the evening, Miranda went to the address that the pawnshop owner had mentioned.

The truth is if she wasn't desperate, how could she, a lowly girl, dare to go to such a place that looks like a suburb?

However, she no longer has a choice at this point. At worst, she would end up losing her sister and then her life finally.

 

Miranda walked to the address mentioned on the business card but was in awe to find a single villa there. The land surrounding it was impressively wide, although rather desolate. Still, the villa stood proudly in the middle.

She exhaled sharply. Then, she walked up to the door and knocked a few times. Soon after, a maid in her forties opened the door and she was immediately invited in, “Sir is already waiting for you inside” She pointed.

She was led inside but she only looked down at the shiny marble floor, not daring to peer at the grand layout of the mansion. They soon stopped in front of a door, and that was when the maid retreated. Miranda took a deep breath and gently knocked on the door.

“Come in” A man replied from inside. His low voice flowed through and seemed to linger for a few seconds as though it was a cello speaking.

Miranda pushed the door open and entered, only to discover that the curtains of the room were drawn and the lights were turned off.

She could see the outline of a tall silhouette standing with his back facing her through the lights outside of the door. The faint aura emanating from his body was oppressive and anyone could feel intimidated.

“Close the door” 

Miranda's palms were sweaty, but she still turned around and closed the door.

Suddenly, the room fell into an abyss of darkness. Miranda's breathing tightened.“Sir, it's closed”

“Miranda Quentin, 21 years old, local, an orphan, only has a twin sister” The man recited indifferently as if knowing almost everything about her was comparable to nothing serious.“Height 165, weight 80, blood group....”

Miranda was stunned but realizing the other party's identity, it would be too hard for him to figure them out. Besides, those were basic information anyone could find if they got hold of her birth certificate.

She also knew that rich people would often do this to ensure their security.

So she simply replied, “Yes”

 “You're short of money? How much do you want?” They were small shuffles, indicating that the man must have turned around.

Miranda could even feel him approaching her step by step. As a result, the pressure made her unable to breathe.

Then she replied breathlessly, “One million ”

 

“Sure” He agreed immediately, surprising her.

“But the condition is to give me the ring”

Miranda nodded. Of course, it was a given deal, but his next words made her freeze.

“And give me a baby in a year”.