Chapter 2 A Marriage Ad

"Absolutely! With Sheila married off to Timothy, she'll be too miserable to vie with you for Niko's attention," Paula said, her face lit up with a scheming grin.

"Oh my goodness! This is like killing two birds with one stone! Not only do we sideline Sheila, but we also stand to gain financially!"

Rita couldn't contain her excitement, though a hint of doubt soon crept into her voice, "But is Dad really on board with marrying Sheila to Timothy?"

With a derisive snort, Paula assured her, "His company's in a tight spot. Timothy's offer to invest came just in time, and your father felt compelled to accept to save the business."

Little did they know, Sheila was eavesdropping on their wicked scheme.

Reeling from the shock, Sheila struggled to maintain her composure.

So, the man from last night – a mere pawn in Rita's game?

Was her father considering marrying her off to an old freak just for the sake of the company?

At the peak of the Lothian Group, her father's affection was absent. Now, in financial turmoil, he viewed her as expendable. Was her worth reduced to a mere pawn in their games?

"Bang!"

The door flew open as Sheila made a dramatic entrance, catching Rita and Paula off-guard on the sofa.

"Sheila?" Rita's face registered panic. "Why are you here?"

"So, my unease last night wasn't just overindulgence but your doing! Rita, how could you do this to me? Aren't we supposed to be family, even if we have different mothers?" Sheila's anger was palpable, her body trembling with rage.

Rita shed her facade of innocence. "How dare you ask why? Niko is my boyfriend, and you're always chasing after him and trying to win him over. Consider this payback for being shameless!"

"So, this was all for Niko?"

Sheila's smile was laced with irony, her eyes brimming with anger.

"But it was me who met Niko first. After his car accident, as his girlfriend, when he was unconscious, I was the one by his side. I even gave up studying abroad for him. If it weren't for his memory loss and your deceitful act, he would never have fallen for you. In truth, you're the one being shameless here."

For half a year, as her boyfriend grappled with amnesia, Sheila tried everything to remind him of their two-year relationship. Yet, nothing worked.

Niko remained convinced Rita was his girlfriend.

This reality constricted Sheila's heart as if it were being squeezed, stifling her breath.

Rather than showing remorse, Rita appeared smug. "No matter the means, Niko chose me in the end. You're suited for that inferior gigolo. And as for your upcoming marriage to Timothy, I doubt you'll last a month with him..."

With her fists clenched, Sheila shot back, "I might've walked right into your trap once, but marrying Timothy to serve your interests will not happen!"

As Sheila turned to leave, Rita, spotting Niko near the entrance, clutched at Sheila's dress and pleaded, "Sheila, Niko and I are in love. Stay out of our relationship, please."

A scream echoed; Sheila saw Rita collapsed on the floor.

"Rita!" a voice called out.

Before Sheila could respond, she was forcefully pushed aside.

Niko hurried to Rita's side, his concern evident. "Rita, are you alright? Sheila, why would you harm your sister?"

"Niko, please don't blame Sheila. She has feelings for you, and that's understandable..."

"Sheila, how many times do I need to say it? Your sister is the one I love! Your persistence only pushes me further away!" Niko scolded Sheila, who stayed on the floor, her hand now scraped. The physical pain hurt, but it was nothing compared to the pain in her heart.

Niko passed judgment without seeking her side of the story, a harsh departure from the affection he once showed.

Hoping for some understanding, Sheila looked up at Niko with humility and begged, "They're trying to force me to marry some awful old freak. Can you do something?"

Niko paused, his expression troubled. After a brief look at Rita, he coldly replied, "I'm just your sister's boyfriend. It's not my place to intervene. And even if I could, I wouldn't. You don't deserve my help."

His last words echoed sharply, cutting deep into Sheila's soul.

She had exhausted herself trying to rekindle their past, only to be met with such indifference.

"You are even trying to ensnare your sister's boyfriend. How malicious are you. Better to comply with your father's plan than cause more harm. That might be the right path for you," Niko said with disdain.

At that, Sheila burst into hysterical laughter in the middle of her tears. "Bravo! Niko, I endeavored to restore your memories, but you still failed to remember me. I'm done trying. May you never live to regret this choice!"

Addressing Rita and Paula with calculated calm, Sheila declared, "You think you can marry me off to some freak? I'll have you know, I'd rather marry a random stranger. I wouldn't bend to your demands!"

With those parting words, Sheila exited, not looking back.

An hour later, she posted a marriage ad on social media.