4

Shiela's POV

"Shiela, why don't you answer the call? It might be important."

I glanced at Papa when he spoke. My phone had been vibrating for a while, but I had been trying to ignore it. I didn't expect him to notice it. We were already at the restaurant where I would meet the owner of the TAC Group of Companies.

"Is that call important? Maybe they're already here," Mama said, sounding worried.

Knowing Mama, I knew she had also prepared for this evening. She had been insisting for a long time that Papa get acquainted with this prestigious family. Mama wants me to be matched with the eldest son of the family so that it would be easier for Papa to merge his company with theirs.

At first, I didn’t want to go along with Mama’s plan, but eventually, I agreed. Honestly, their family is much wealthier than James'. Plus, I couldn't see myself falling in love with that man. I just used him to hurt Lexi, the woman who might take everything I have. I can't let that happen. I’m the only daughter of Papa, and I should be the one to inherit all his wealth. I should also be the only one he loves.

"It's fine. They might be delayed because they're stuck in traffic. So go ahead. Answer the phone, Shiela," Papa said seriously.

I nodded. One of the rules I can't break— I must never disobey Papa. Mama always says that I should follow his lead as much as possible.

"Excuse me," I politely said to my parents.

I stood up and left the restaurant to answer the call.

"James, what is it? You know I’m in a business meeting, right?" I said irritably as soon as I answered the phone.

He had been calling me non-stop. I didn't know what he wanted. He told me earlier that he and Lexi were having dinner, and he felt she was about to accept his proposal. That b*tch! She really chose to go with James instead of accepting Papa’s invitation. But in a way, that’s also good for me. The more she rejects Papa, the more he'll lose interest in her. In the near future, I won’t have to struggle to destroy her image with Papa.

James and I had already agreed to just go with the flow tonight. I would think of a way to separate them later, along with ruining Lexi’s reputation with Papa.

"We have a problem. She already knows that you’re the one I truly love," James said, sounding troubled.

"What? How did that happen?" I asked in disbelief.

"I don't know either. What should I do? She might tell your father," James said, nervous.

I sighed. I really didn’t know if this man was helping me or just adding to my problems.

"I’ll handle Papa. Withdraw your investment from our company, then just follow my plan, okay?" I said. Thankfully, I can think quickly in situations like this.

"Are you sure? Don't you need our investment?" James asked, hesitantly.

I smiled faintly. "Of course. But there's a bigger investment coming in. The company will survive. So just follow my plan. And when Lexi talks to you again, don't say anything, okay?"

"Okay, got it. What time will your meeting be done? I’ll pick you up," he changed the subject.

I sighed again. I could feel he really loved me, but I couldn’t feel that I loved him.

"No need. I’m with Mama and Papa. Bye!"

I didn’t wait for James to speak and immediately hung up. I was about to go back into the restaurant when I bumped into a man. I almost lost my balance, but he quickly caught me.

"What the—"

I was about to snap, but when I saw the man, I froze. I stared at his face, which radiated so much handsomeness. It felt like the world stopped, and he was the only one I could see.

"Are you okay, Shiela?" he asked.

I blinked twice while still staring at him. "You know me?" was all I managed to say.

"Of course. The famous Shiela Castillon of Southwest National High School," he said, smiling.

My brow furrowed as I studied the man in front of me. Then, suddenly, my face lit up as I realized who he was.

"Chase! The basketball team captain!" I exclaimed.

He nodded gently, and I smiled. Chase was so handsome back then, and now he was even more handsome. I never expected to see him here because, as I remember, he suddenly dropped out of school back then.

"Chase, you’ve already met Castillon's daughter."

We both turned to the voice calling out to Chase— a man and a woman who looked to be around the same age as Papa. The man resembled Chase, so it was not surprising that they were his parents.

"Good evening," I politely greeted the couple.

"Good evening, Hija. Shall we go inside?" the woman asked with a smile.

I looked confusedly at Chase, and when he smiled at me, I suddenly realized everything. Chase was the heir of the prestigious TAC Group of Companies!

I silently followed the three of them with a smile on my lips. Now that I'd met the family behind the TAC Group of Companies, Mama’s wish for me to marry their heir, Chase, seemed much easier to fulfill.

"Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Sandoval. It was nice meeting you again," Papa greeted Chase’s parents warmly.

OMG! How lucky I am!

"We’re very sorry for being late. By the way, this is our son, Chase Grey Sandoval," Mr. Sandoval introduced.

"Sadly, our daughter couldn’t join us because she had some errands to run."

"Good evening," Chase greeted my parents.

"This is my wife, Minda, and my daughter, Shiela."

I smiled gently at the Sandovals. Mrs. Sandoval smiled back at me, which I was very pleased about. It felt like they already liked me.

"I assume our children have already known each other since they were schoolmates in high school," Mrs. Sandoval said.

"Really?" Mama exclaimed, excited, and then looked at me.

I nodded slowly. "Yes, Mama. Grey was the basketball team captain back then," I replied.

I glanced at Chase again, but I suddenly became agitated when I noticed he wasn’t smiling. His expression was serious, and I could tell he was not happy with something I said. He turned serious, which made me slightly worried.

"Look at that, fate really likes to play games sometimes," Mama commented meaningfully.

Chase cleared his throat and looked away from me. "Shall we eat?" he changed the topic.

I secretly sighed. Now that I’ve met the family behind TAC Group of Companies, Mama’s desire for me to marry Chase, their heir, has become even stronger.

And I will do everything, just so you’ll be mine, Chase Grey. Only mine.