Chapter Four

“Have you learnt nothing? All the time and effort I put into making you a bright and worthy successor seems to be a waste!” Arthur Hastings barked, looking menacingly at Jeremy. The veins on his neck were popping and threatening to burst. “At 27, I already shook the Queen's hand because of how outstanding I was. My father could go to bed, rest assured that I could carry the family business without failing, but what do I get? A sorry excuse of a son who couldn't even beat his competitors by a strong margin. How am I supposed to stand in front of my peers? I am utterly disappointed at your inability once more, Jeremy Hasting!”

Jeremy looked utterly devastated and ready to flip, with burning anger in his eyes; he stood up ready to face his father until his mother stepped in. “You must realise, Arthur, that Jeremy is doing his absolute best. I mean, the boy is running the family business alongside his sister; what's more? He's also running his own business, and he has been doing amazing on all sides. Why can't you be proud of him for once in your life?” Edith Hastings queried. Feeling absolutely insulted and belittled, Arthur turned to face his wife, not believing his ears.

“How dare you, Edith? The boy turned out weak and spineless because you cuddled him too much. You made him a sissy who cannot be ruthless and stand above his peers. He turned out just as weak and as useless as his mother…” “Don't you dare speak to my mother that way!” Jeremy thundered. “I can take you talking down on me, but I won't stand and watch you belittle the woman who bore me and sacrificed her life for you,” he said. Rage poured out of every pore in his body.

“I see you have a backbone after all, but only when it concerns useless and insignificant matters. If only I had other sons, I wouldn't have to sit and watch this travesty.” “Arthur, please! Now is not the time to fight amongst ourselves. Your children have done so well. All I ask is that you acknowledge their effort most times.” Edith walked up to Arthur, held his hands and cupped his jaw, looking tenderly into his eyes. Arthur visibly relaxed, much to the annoyance of Jeremy. “Why do you have to beg him to acknowledge us? Why can't you stand up to him for once in your life, Mum? Haven't you suffered enough at his hands? He is a freaking monster!”

At that, Arthur pulled away from Edith and slapped Jeremy hard across the face, drawing audible gasps from Edith and Emilia Hastings, who just walked in. Arthur took a sharp look at his palms, turned around, and walked away. Jeremy was furious and stared daggers at his father. Edith ran to her son to comfort him, but he pulled away from her and walked out. He just couldn't understand why his mother always tolerated his father's maltreatment of her. He never saw his mother angry at or stand up fiercely to his father. Why couldn't she just walk away from the humiliation and denigration brought upon her constantly by his father?

His father has always been an insufferable monster. He craved power and control. Anyone who stood against him or didn't live up to his expectations was instantly reduced to trash. All he wanted was for his mum to grow a pair, stand up to Arthur, and leave him. Why wouldn't she just choose her happiness? Even if she was staying for her children, they were all grown now, and she was free to go live her life. And each time he brought this up to her, her favourite phrase was “you just wouldn't understand Jeremy. I love him,” and that did nothing but infuriate him further. He had nothing but disdain for his father, so he just could not understand how his mother could love him. Who in the world could ever love Arthur Hastings? He's a beast!

A gentle rap on the door brought him out of his reverie. He groaned internally. He was in no mood to talk to anyone at the moment, especially his mother. He would much rather spend the night alone with his thoughts. But the gentle rapping on the door resumed, and he was forced to respond. “Who is it?” There was a slight annoyance in his tone. “Can you please let me in?” a small voice responded. Recognising the voice of his kid sister, his tensed shoulders relaxed a bit; he was glad it wasn't Edith. “Just a second,” he called out, threw a shirt on, and opened the door so Emilia could walk in. Closing the door, Jeremy plopped into bed and threw an arm over his face, while Emilia took the sofa opposite him.

“Are you okay? I saw what Dad did to you. I'm sorry about that, and I'm sorry that Mum didn't really defend you. I hope you don't hold that against her. You know how she is with Dad.” Jeremy was silent for a long while, and Emilia wondered if he had fallen asleep. “Jer, are you awake?” she called out. Sighing, Jeremy slid his arm off his face and stared at the ceiling. “Would I ever be enough? I have tried my best to live up to his expectations. I've tailored my dreams, goals, and desires to fit his every wish, yet I can't seem to catch a break. You know? Sometimes I wish I'd never been born, or I wish I could just die, and maybe perhaps he would acknowledge me and maybe shed a tear at my graveside.” Emilia could hear the pain in her brother's voice, and she became very saddened. “You can't say that, Jer. I know the old man can be a pain in the behind, but you can't let his grumpiness ruin you. You can't let him take hold of you or make you feel worthless. You are amazing! You're one of the most amazing people I know, and I'm not just saying this because you're my brother, but you really are”

Jeremy turned to observe his sister, seeing the sincerity in her eyes; he smiled sadly. “It's quite alright, pooh bear. I won't let the old fart bug me anymore.” Emilia snickered loudly when he said that. “Attah boy! Now that's the spirit. I want you to always have your head high. He washed his hands of me a long time ago because I refused to be oppressed,” she said, shrugging. “Oh, to be you, Emilia.” “Join my bandwagon, Jer. That aside, I'm starving! Have you had dinner?”

“Yeah, I had dinner with Henry. We went to a steakhouse a few hours ago.” “No fair! I want steak too,” Emilia said, pouting. “Well, you're in luck, young lady, because I brought you takeout from the steakhouse.” “Really?!” Emilia said, jumping up, her eyes as round as saucers. Jeremy envied her childlike enthusiasm. “Sure, kid, I left it with Kate to deliver to you when you got back.” Emilia ran to her brother and hugged him tightly.y Oh,h thank you, thank you, thank you! Youre the absolute best,” she said gleefully as she ran to the door. As she opened it, she froze in her tracks, remembering something. Then she turned to look at Jeremy and said, “Oh, by the way, Grace is coming to London in three days, and she'll be here for a while.”She finished and ran out the door.

Jeremy's face darkened at the news, and he looked visibly uncomfortable. “This is not good.”