Chapter 5 Sorry, I'm Married!

"Ah!"

Rita let out a sharp cry and fell to the floor.

"Rita!" Paula shouted, rushing over to help her up. "Sheila, how could you? Rita was just concerned about you."

"Mom, it's okay. Sheila didn't mean it," Rita said, slowly lifting her face to reveal the red marks left by the slap.

Rogelio was stunned by the sudden turn of events. When he saw Rita's swollen face, he felt a mixture of anger and sadness. "You think I didn't see that? Sheila did it deliberately!"

Rita stayed silent, tears streaming down her face, further enraging Rogelio.

"Sheila, Rita is trying to cover for you even after you slapped her. Aren't you ashamed? Apologize right now!"

"Apologize?"

Sheila looked at Rita, unimpressed by her performance.

For years, she'd thought that as Rogelio aged, the family would settle into some semblance of normalcy. But instead, hostility seemed to grow.

So, she decided, no more playing the weak and vulnerable Sheila.

"Why should I apologize? Rita is manipulative and cruel. Dad, instead of scolding me, why don't you ask her what she's done to me?"

Rogelio's eyebrows drew together, suspicion entering his eyes as he looked at Rita.

"Sheila, I didn't mean to steal Niko from you. He forgot about you after the accident, and that's why I accepted him," Rita said through her tears.

Listening to Rita's attempt to change the subject, Sheila felt her anger surge anew.

So, Rita thought Sheila wouldn't expose her out of shame?

"If me being with Niko bothers you so much, I'll break up with him," Rita added, making herself look even more pitiable.

"You can't break up! Niko is a good man. If you let him go, where will you find another like him?" Rogelio cut in hastily.

The Evans family had ties to the prestigious White family, the leading aristocratic family in Shusea. A marriage between Rita and Niko would significantly benefit the Lothian Group.

Rogelio turned to Sheila, his tone harsh. "Niko is in love with your sister now. You can't blame her for your own failures to keep a man. But don't think I've forgotten about you. I've found a good man for you. In a few days, I'll arrange a meal so the two of you can meet..."

"A good man? Are you talking about that old, bald, creepy guy?" Sheila's eyes narrowed as she shot back.

Rogelio hesitated, his face growing darker. "Ah, you already know. That makes things easier. Timothy is quite fond of you, so there shouldn't be any issues setting a wedding date."

"In your dreams!"

With that, Sheila dramatically pulled out her marriage certificate and threw it onto the coffee table.

"Dad, take a good look. I'm already married. So if you're planning to sell me off, you might want to reconsider unless you want to make me a bigamist."

Everyone's eyes were drawn to the marriage certificate. A hushed silence fell over the room.

After a few seconds, Rogelio snatched up the certificate and examined the official seal. His face went pale. He looked like he was about to faint but was steadied by Paula.

"Sheila!" Rogelio erupted. "Marriage is a serious commitment, and you went ahead without even consulting me? Do you even see me as your father anymore? How are we supposed to explain this to Timothy?"

Paula feigned tears as she pleaded, "Sheila, marriage is a serious matter. Did you impulsively marry someone just because Niko moved on? You need to rethink this. Choosing a life partner is a monumental decision. You should consider filing for divorce."

"Divorce is not an option. My husband and I are deeply in love. I came back to make it clear that your schemes against me need to stop," Sheila retorted.

The room fell silent. Sheila had clearly preempted their plans by taking charge of her own fate.

But Timothy was not someone to be trifled with.

If this situation wasn't managed carefully, the Jones family could face serious repercussions.

In his anger, Rogelio lifted his hand as if to strike Sheila, but Paula quickly stepped in. "Honey, young people can be impulsive, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. Why don't we meet this son-in-law first, assess his character, and then decide?"

Paula also signaled to Rita, who joined in urging Rogelio to reconsider.

Seemingly deep in thought, Rogelio finally lowered his hand. "Fine." He shot back. "I want to meet this young man who was bold enough to charm my daughter into marrying him."