3.10- No Escape

"Despite its age, the ring does not have much economic value. This stone has flaws."

Mira flinched, nausea pressing like lead in her oversensitive stomach. "There must be some other way to work out the will."

"Do you really think I would be here asking you to perform such a ceremony with me in secret, if ever?"

This question made Mira blush.

No, Jacob had no choice. His presence told her that. Nor could she see how deeply and painfully he felt the necessity of being compelled to seek her cooperation.

"But Clara seems to like me," she said awkwardly. "She already thought we were engaged.

"Do you think she would like you if she knew who you really were?" Jacob gasped sternly. "She'll be angry. As for the engagement—I'll tell her that it's an impulse I'll soon regret. She doesn't have to know about us getting married. I don't want you to see her again."

Mira's eyes uneasily move away from him. She might not be Dim's mistress, but even as his sister, she couldn't be a more welcome pr