Put Respect On My Name Novels & Stories

She gives me a nod and I touch the tip of the pen to the paper. As I scrawl my new—no, my real—name for the last time, she exhales softly. “You’re making your own story now, honey,” she murmurs. I set the pen down, the finality of it settling deep in my bones. “Yeah,” I say, grabbing one of her hands in mine. “And I'm glad I have you, Dad and Alfie here alongside me. I couldn't have asked for anything more.” After that, we move through the remainder of the changes with methodical precision—my bank accounts, my identification, every legal document still tied to the name I refuse to wear any longer.

"I want to know. I need to know so I never make her mistakes." "Second, you don't get special treatment because of your last name. You work harder than anyone else. You prove yourself every single day. You earn respect through talent and integrity, not connections or shortcuts." "I understand." "Third, you tell people who you are. No hiding behind a fake name. No pretending you're not Jessica Patterson's granddaughter. Own it. Let it motivate you to be better than she was." "Agreed."

“I can’t give you the document of ownership.” “Why not?’ “Because it was placed in my possession by your father. I just can’t give it away.” I wish I had my gun. What I wouldn’t give to watch you tremble in front of me right now. “Well, if you insist,” I said aloud. “So, when are you going to put my name there?” “What do you mean?” “My name, Mr. Humphrey. Now that the company is back in my possession, don’t you think it’s wise to put my name there now?”

I groaned, leaning back into the couch. Nathan smiled and sat next to me. “It's alright. You don't need to apologize. You need time to get used to everything that happened. I don't want you to use your past experiences as a prerequisite for the future. Be optimistic,” he said as he squeezed my hand. We sat there in silence, each of us lost in thought when a thought occurred to me. I sat up straight. “Nathan. Do I have to change my name to Selina's family name?” I asked, wondering why that didn't occur to me before.

Finally. Named.

I said after a few moments. “I guess I should now give it. Seeing you moved in here without even knowing my name, I should give you your props.” He said in a gentler tone. I chuckled at that. “Then I guess you should, Alpha.” He smiled then said boldly, “My name is Nathan but people call me Alpha Nate.” “Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Alpha Nate.” I said and he nodded, “Likewise.” He stretched his hand forth and we sealed our knowledge of each other in a handshake.

I explained the shortened version of my name was also used intentionally, every single decision I make when it comes to my businesses, I’ve had to sit and plan so my father can never find out I’ve built this life he doesn’t know about. “I think Rose or Rosemary Cooper sounds better.” Baxter, who had once again walked across the room to stand beside me whispers, having to roll my eyes at his comment but my heart pounding even thinking about that name, I place my arm around his shoulders as he stood in front of me, both of us watching as the guys have to formulate a new plan as my buildings were no longer mixed in.

“What?” “If being a Penking is too hard. Change it. Legally. Take a different name. Create your own identity.” “Would Dad be okay with that?” “I think he’d understand. He’d probably encourage it.” Sam thought about it. “What name would I even take?” “Whistleton. My maiden name. Your grandfather’s name.” “Sam Whistleton.” He tested it. “That could work.” “Think about it. Talk to Dad. See how you feel.”

All the love and pride and absolute certainty that she could handle anything life threw at her. When we finally pulled apart, both breathless, Mia rested her forehead against mine. "I want to rename it," she said quietly. "What?" "Cops Industries. I hate everything about that name. Everything it represents." She pulled back slightly. "I want to call it Anita Trade and Investment. After my mother. Build something she'd be proud of." The idea was perfect. Brilliant. Exactly what Anita would have wanted. "Do it," I said. "The board will fight me." "Let them. You own fifty-one percent. They can't stop you."

had barely left my lips when a bright idea flashed through my mind, filling me with fresh excitement. My eyes widened as I looked back at him, hope bubbling up like crazy. “Jo…” My voice came out laced with that spark of energy. “Do you mind if I use my family’s name for it instead? I think it’ll feel so much more like a true, powerful rebranding, like I’m finally bringing us back to life.”