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I felt a surge of anger and disgust rise up inside me. How could my own father stoop so low, threatening to ruin someone’s life just to get what he wanted? I couldn’t let him do this. I wouldn’t let him control me like this. And I most certainly wouldn’t allow him to keep blackmail on Jasmine.
“I won’t do it,” I said, my voice firm. “I won’t marry someone just because you want me to. And I won’t let you use blackmail to control her. That’s not love, it’s manipulation. And it’s fucked up that you are using the Initiation against her.”
My father’s eyes narrowed, and I could see the anger brewing beneath the surface. He took a step closer to me, and I could feel the heat radiating off of him.
“You will do as I say, and respect me,” he said through gritted teeth. “You are my son, and you will follow my lead on this. You may think you know how to live in this world, but you have no fucking clue.”
“I’m not a child anymore,” I said, my voice rising. “I’m a grown man, and I have the right to make my own decisions. I won’t let you control me like this.” I paused to take a calming breath. “And trust me, father, I know exactly how this world works.” I knew my words were coming out stilted in order to not completely unleash the rage inside that was brewing. He was my father, and as hard as it was, I was still trying to respect the man, even though he didn’t earn it.
“You will do as I say,” my father repeated, his voice low and dangerous. “Or suffer the consequences. Just because we’re blood, doesn’t mean I can’t destroy you. Do you like the budding political success you’ve had so far? Well, if the answer is yes, then know how easily I can steal it all away.”
I took another deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. I knew that my father meant what he said, and that he’d do whatever it took to get what he wanted. But I also couldn’t let him win. I wouldn’t let him destroy someone’s life just to get his way. Jasmine deserved so much more than that.
I took a step back, my fists still clenched at my sides. “I’m not you, no matter how much you want me to be,” I said, focusing on making my voice firm. “I’m not a fucking puppet. I won’t marry Jasmine just to appease you. I won’t let you control me or an innocent woman like this.” I said each sentence like a mantra. Maybe if I said it enough, I’d truly start to believe it and actually act on it.
My father’s face contorted with anger, and I could see the veins bulging in his neck. But I stood my ground, refusing to back down. This was a fight that I had to win, no matter the cost.
The room fell silent as we stood there, locked in a battle of wills. And as I looked into my father’s cold, hard eyes, I knew that this was just the beginning of a long and bitter struggle. It was a dance we’d done over and over again, and I felt would continue for as long as we were both alive.
I placed the now cooled coffees down on the table, my eyes fixed on my father as he paced back and forth across the room. I could feel the tension sizzle between us, and all I could think about was the heavy burden that he was trying to place on my shoulders. The dark future that was blanketed in greed, corruption, evil deeds, and God only knew what else.
“You need to understand the responsibilities that come with being a politician,” my father said, his voice low and menacing. “You have to do whatever it takes to win, to protect yourself, and come out on top no matter the cost. And that includes marrying the right woman, one who will support you and help you climb the ladder of success. Jasmine has the right breeding and Southern charm to be the perfect arm candy to you. We won’t have to train her very much.”
He smiled. “Don’t worry, son. We don’t have to use the blackmail if she acts like the perfect Southern belle like I’m sure she will. And I’m positive her mother will love the idea of Walker St. Claire courting and then marrying her daughter. It’s perfect, really. I just have collateral if we have to force her hand a little.”
I could feel the weight of his words pressing down on me, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of dread. I knew what he was suggesting, and I didn’t like it one bit. This was a far cry from the fun and light daydreaming Jasmine and I had done out by the lake.
