Chapter 3 Posting A Marriage Ad

"Yes, you're right. Sheila's future looks grim after her marriage to Timothy. Do you think she can still compete with you for Niko's affection?" Paula asked with a sly smile on her well-kept face.

"Oh my goodness! That's amazing!" Rita burst out excitedly, but her excitement quickly faded. "But would Dad really agree to marry Sheila to Timothy?"

Paula snorted with disdain and said confidently, "Your dad's company has a problem. Timothy has agreed to invest, so your dad had to agree to the marriage for the company's sake."

Overhearing this conversation, Sheila felt unsteady and nearly fell. The man she had been close with the previous night was a gigolo hired by Rita? And their encounter was just a part of their scheme? And was her father really ready to marry her to some quirky man just for money?

Even when Lothian Group was successful, Sheila didn't feel her father's love. Now, with the company in trouble, she was expected to give up her own happiness?

She felt deeply wronged.

Sheila, slipping away without a sound, resolved to save herself from this dire situation.

But even with her resolve to leave, she couldn't let go of her feelings for Niko.

Seeking Niko one last time, she hoped to ask for his help. But before she could speak, Niko cut her off. "Haven't I made it clear I'm interested in Rita alone? It's better if you don't approach me anymore."

He stared at her with a disdainful intensity.

Despite the painful rebuff, Sheila maintained a soft tone and pleaded. "My father and stepmother are pressuring me into marrying an older man. I have no other recourse but to seek your help..."

"Is that my problem?" Niko asked coldly.

Sheila felt a deep sting, realizing her request was pointless.

She knew Niko had forgotten her, yet she still tried to get his help.

"Your sister and I are getting married. I'll be your brother-in-law soon! Sheila, you need to understand our positions. Stop bothering me; it only makes me respect you less," he said firmly.

"Rita is kind and forgiving. She hasn't blamed you despite your efforts to reach out to me. But as her fiancé, I won't let anyone hurt her again. If your father is forcing you into a marriage with an older man, perhaps it's time for some introspection. Don't you know why your family wants to push you away?"

Every word uttered by Niko pierced Sheila's heart like a dagger.

A year ago, they were dreaming of a future together.

But now, Niko saw her as a stalker, accusing her of trying to steal her sister's fiancé. He only wished she would vanish from his life.

Sheila's heart ached with deep wounds.

She knew asking for his help meant sacrificing her dignity to be trampled upon.

Yet, why did she persist in this hopeless pursuit?

"If... I mean, if one day your memory comes back and you remember our past..." Sheila trailed off, her voice uncertain.

"Stop lying! I've never lost my memory! I don't remember anything about you. I'm tired of hearing this!" Niko cut off Sheila's words, repeating a thought he had gone over many times in his own mind.

Tears streamed down Sheila's face.

"I'm sorry. I've tried my best, but you still don't remember me. Niko, I truly wish you happiness. From this day, I won't bother you anymore."

Sheila bowed deeply to Niko and fled, tears flowing through her face - a sorrowful goodbye to a love now mourned as dead.

Niko watched her leave, brow furrowed, sensing something slipping away. But his mood shifted as he got a call from Rita.

Afterward, Sheila turned to the internet, posting a marriage ad.

She felt compelled to marry quickly, seeking refuge from her toxic family.