Like Father and Son

AIDEN

I stared at the man in front of me, the man whose blood was running through my veins. He tried to steer my life from the day I was brought into this world. I had always been one of his assets, and I knew that it was how he treated me. Undoubtedly, all of his sons were, in his mind, considered assets at his disposal, but the first wife's sons had higher values and a lot of privileges.

As the second wife's son, I received not only the least of Alexander Hart's time and interest but also the least freedom. When he wanted me, I was there, and I left his side when he wanted me gone. But this? His request had nothing to do with him trying to fix my life. He simply wanted to control me, even after his death.

"No." My one-word answer caused him to choke on his breath.

He collected himself quickly and cleared his throat. "No… what?"

I dragged a deep breath. "I will NOT marry Pearla or any woman my mother is going to choose for me. That was NOT our deal."

He shook his head and waved