2. Making her his heir

Lucinda was dressed in the same wedding gown she'd earlier proposed I go for. It looked way too extravagant for her, but it still didn't make her look less beautiful in it.

Her shoulders were held high as she let out a pearl of laughter. Following my line of sight, I noticed Catalina, my best friend, placing a white veil on Lucinda's hair.

My heart instantly turned cold, and my mouth went bitter. "What's going on here?" The sales attendant beside me spoke before I could utter the word.

"Only the bride is meant to try on the gowns in our store. It's written on that banner," she chided, looking rather paranoid as she pointed at the banner that was placed on the wall.

Catalina and Lucinda both turned at the same time. They held the 'I had no idea' looks and then stared at each other, without sparing me a glance.

Catalina helped Lucy take off the dress and put on the blouse and pants she had earlier worn.

"Well, you don't have to worry about the gown," Lucinda muttered, staring directly at the sales attendant. "I'll buy the dress," she added while showing off her cards.

My mouth was hanging open as I stared at the two ladies who were avoiding eye contact with me. One was my childhood best friend, and the other was my blood sister.

I sigh… sending apologetic looks at the annoyed assistant, "Please don't mind their lousy attitudes. I apologize on their behalf."

"If only they could learn to be humble like you," she mumbled loud enough for everyone, including other buyers, to hear. I could feel people's mocking gaze on Catalina and Lucy, but I just ignored it.

Somehow, they deserve it. "Hey Cathy, when did you arrive?" I asked, sauntering towards them.

"Well, not too long," she replied, rolling her eyes. "But Margarita, don't you think this gown isn't classy enough?" Cathy asked thoughtfully, and I snarled.

"Why do I feel like you and Sis are against me today? Anyway, I love this dress, and I'm sure Dad won't love it less."

"Of course, you look drop-dead gorgeous, just like your mom." Dad complimented, his gaze holding so much love that I almost melted under it.

"Oh, Daddy, you are here too!" I yelled in surprise as I rushed over to him, engulfing my hands around his sturdy and tall figure.

"You didn't tell me you were coming. Didn't you say you were going to have a board meeting with the shareholders?" I asked, whinnying like a little child.

Dad chuckled, "How can I miss such a beautiful view?" He asked. "The meeting was completed earlier than expected, and I ordered the driver to bring me straight to the mall," he added, looking happy, and my heart felt full.

"You look so beautiful, like your mom. It reminds me of our wedding. Seeing her walk down the aisle in her long dress, I envision the same for you," Dad said, looking emotional.

Mom, unfortunately, passed away in an unexpected car accident two years ago, and that has left a deep hole in our lives. Sadly, she won't be attending my wedding, which has been her biggest dream.

"Let's not get too emotional here. Dad, how can you accept this low-class dress?" Lucinda interrupted us.

Dad glared at her. "Margarita can choose whichever dress she wants. And this gown looks just perfect and elegant. When will you ever grow up?

Don't you feel ashamed? You change men like they are clothes, sleep around like a slut, and spend my money like it's yours. When will you ever grow to be responsible?

Your younger sister is getting married to her fiance in two days, and you, however, don't even have a boyfriend. You even have the guts to buy a wedding dress when you are so irresponsible. Are you planning on wearing that to your sister's wedding?"

Dad yelled angrily as he furiously pointed at the wedding dress in Catalina's hands.

"Get some brain into your empty skull and learn from your sister. And you... get your brainless self outta my sight," he shrieked while pointing two fingers at Cathy.

Catalina turned and stared at Lucinda unthankful. She hurriedly placed the gown on the nearby table and fled the scene without thinking twice.

The hall went quiet as Lucinda gritted her teeth, clasping her palm as she glared a dagger at Dad and me before hurrying to the door.

"Daddy, you don't have to create such a big scene. Sis is upset now; she's also your daughter," I said, looking unhappy, and he snarled, snorting with a huff.

"Your mom was never like that, and I am not. We're both responsible, and I will not condone any form of irresponsibility. Your sister needs to learn."

I didn't bother to argue with Dad because I knew well enough that he was right. Lucy is already twenty-five years old, and that attitude of hers is wrong. Although many times I've tried talking her out of it, she never adheres.

Dad quickly made the payments for both gowns, and I changed out of mine. The dresses were carefully packaged as they handed them to one of Dad's bodyguards.

"Have a blissful wedding, ma'am," the sales attendant said with a polite smile. She grinned and said thank you as we both left the mall.

The gentle breeze was blowing, and my long natural red hair flew behind me, matching the floral dress I wore. I just couldn't believe that in a few days, I'll be getting married to the love of my life.

"Are you only buying the gowns? Won't you shop for shoes and other accessories?" Dad asked as we got into the luxurious Rolls-Royce.

"Big sis and I already did the shopping," I replied, and he silently nodded. As the car began moving.

****

It was dinner time, and Dad, myself, and Lucinda were gathered around the dining table for dinner. Earlier, I had talked things out with Lucy, and without being surprised, she didn't take what Dad had said to her to heart.

I felt relieved. Not that I'm glad about her attitude, but I didn't want Dad's words to create any form of a rift between us. I had promised to give three percent of my ten percent share in Dad's company to her if she was willing to stop messing around.

Lucy had said she'd think about it and I couldn't help but pray for a positive reply. The maids began dishing out the food, and I picked up my cutlery, ready to dig in, when Dad's words halted my actions.

"Since you'll be getting married soon, Margar, I've decided to hand over twenty-eight percent of my shares in the company's resources to you. I'll hold onto the remaining two percent."

I turned to gawk at him in shock and disbelief, and from side glances, I noticed Lucinda's cutlery had fallen from shock.

"Dad, that's way too much. You know how careless and reckless I can be when it comes to money; how can you just decide to hand over nearly everything to me? What about big sis?"

I asked, my voice almost coming out in a whisper, but I knew they both heard me loud and clear. Dad turned to face me with a napkin wrapped around his neck.

"Margarita Remington, you also do not forget that I often think from different angles before concluding.

Until today, Remington Corporation's progress was all thanks to you. You work hard at the company and still study at the university. Yet, you can balance your relationship with Murphy and still clean up every mess Lucinda creates in the city.

I don't see anyone more capable of taking over my position in the company than you are. Do come over to my study room to sign the documents and finalize the procedure.

As for your older sister, she can come over to you if she needs something. I don't see any positive future in her."

He deadpanned and did not even talk further as he began eating the rice in his bowl. I felt utterly speechless. It was as if the earth below should open and swallow me. I didn't enjoy the feeling of my dad comparing me with Lucy. Rather, I feel heartbroken.

I quietly peered at Lucinda, and I noticed her eyes were red and welled with tears. Annoyed, Lucinda hurried out of her chair without biting a mussel from the chicken.

"Ummm... Dad, I'll go talk to big sis," I said, getting up from my seat. "It still won't change my decision," he retorted and continued eating.

I strode through the path I had seen Lucy follow. I saw her shadow in a dark spot and walked toward her. To my utmost surprise, Lucinda was leaning against the wall, and the air was filled with the toxic smell of nicotine.

She was smoking.