Beneath the Burking name

Chapter six - happiness

A few minutes from home, and I could see the tall mansion showing its head above the trees and other buildings. I wish so much to escape this building, this place, this nightmare, and live a happy life elsewhere. However, this is not something I can decide upon. I hope things improve over time.

As soon as I stepped through the doors, my mother appeared before me, elegant as ever in her ivory blouse and pearls. “ James “, she said, her voice sounding stern like it did this morning. “Your father wants to speak with you, “ she added.

“Really, at this time? Just now? I’m tired. Can’t he wait a bit? Moreover, I’m not in the mood to talk to anyone, especially him, “ I said.

“You know that’s not how things work, right?” she replied sharply. Then, while softening her tone, she said, “Please, James, hear him out this time, and then you can go on to do what you want to do. “

I sighed, but before I could answer, I heard his voice booming from the study.

“James! In here, now!”

My mother motioned for me to ignore the tone, be calm, and listen to him. So I agreed and went to see him, of course.

I followed the sound of his voice, the polished floor echoing my reluctant steps.

Inside the study, my father sat behind his mahogany desk, a glass of whiskey untouched beside him. His expression was as cold and measured as ever.

“Your mother and I have made a decision,” he said.

“About what?” I asked, even though I already knew.

He clasped his hands together. “You’re twenty-eight, James. The family name needs stability. I’m seventy-six. My health isn’t what it used to be, and I won’t have the Burking legacy end in scandal and waste.”

“Scandal?” I laughed without humor. “You mean me.”

His gaze hardened. “You’ve done nothing with your life except embarrass us. Drinking, parties, women”

“I work for your company!” I snapped.

“As an executive in title only,” he said coldly. “You don’t show up half the time. You don’t lead. You don’t care.”

I clenched my fists. “Maybe because I never wanted your empire in the first place.”

That silence again. The kind that crackled, like the air before a storm.

My mother shifted nervously near the window. “James,” she said softly. “Your father isn’t wrong. We’re not asking for much—just… stability. We want to see you settled before—” She hesitated. “Before we’re gone.”

“Settled,” I repeated. “You mean married.”

My father nodded once. “Yes. To Clarissa Hall.”

I groaned aloud. “Of course. The daughter of Richard Hall, one of your business partners.”

“She’s a good woman,” my mother added. “Well-educated, kind, and from a respected family. The match would secure everything the company, our alliances, and your future.”

“My future?” I said bitterly. “Or yours?”

My father’s voice dropped to a near growl. “You will show respect when speaking to us. Respect, James. Disrespect will ruin your dignity as heir to this throne.”

“Throne,” I repeated under my breath, almost laughing. “You talk like we’re royalty, not people.”

“Maybe that’s the problem,” he shot back. “You don’t understand what it means to be a Burking.”