Fingers tapped delicately against the oak table, hard eyes gazing at his father. Atticus had been pulled into a meeting with his parents, and it was too early to be listening to any speak of business.

"Father, can we postpone—"

He was cut off rather abruptly by his father, his tone firm.

"Atticus, enough. It is time to grow up. You graduated from college a year ago. We expect you to find a wife sooner than later. We will not give a bachelor the company. We need to make sure you have a child, a future ceo."

Oh how he had dreaded this conversation. He had danced around it for a year now, but they had cornered him like a feral barn cat.

"If you do not find a wife within a year, we will cut you off. And that's final. The inheritance will go to your sister."

His sister. Julia had been in a relationship with the son of a close family friend's for three years now. She was a senior in high school, and everyone was sure she'd be engaged by graduation. She was perfect, beautiful. Lovely, lovely Julia.

Atticus sighed. He loved his money. Loved his power. If a wife was what he must find to keep it all, he would do that.

But not for love.