Forced Marriage: Escaping Her Monster

"It would be better for you to think of your name," Mikhail added. "Hamilton name would carry more weight than the Hopkins name." 

Jerlina thought about it. She already is using the logo of the Hamilton glassware company. And it won't be that hard to change the name of the company. Maybe she should.

Speaking of name changes made Jerlina realize something. 

I am still Jerlina Hopkins! I am married to the most amazing man in the world! Why am I still Jerlina Hopkins?

She used to feel weird when Mikhail addressed her as Ms. Hopkins. But today, it felt unbearably weird as it was wrong. And now she realized the reason..

She might be considered old-school but she always wanted to take her husband's name after marriage. Partly because she hated the Hopkins name. 

Yes, that is the name her grandfather chose and used. But it also is the name of her father. The name of her father which was taken by her stepmother and stepsister who abused her. 

She never felt any attachment to the Hopkins name, except for the fact that it is the name of her grandfather's company. She once seriously contemplated changing her name to her mother's maiden name but she kept the Hopkins name because it is also the company's name. 

She turned to look at Jeremy now chatting carelessly with Mikhail. She wanted his name. She wanted everyone to call her Mrs….

Oh, dear! Not Harrison! Hopkins is better than Harrison.

But Fitzgerald… Hmm… That would be nice. 

Mrs. Jerlina Aniko Fitzgerald. Wife of Jeremy Joel Fitzgerald. 

Now that has a nice ring to it.

  Both of them are not from the Fitzgerald family. But Peter Fitzgerald trusted Jeremy so much and left everything of his, including his name, to Jeremy. He was a good man and to carry his legacy is an honor.

But the Hamilton family had a legacy too…

Maybe I can name one of our sons Hamilton. I think that would be enough…

Her grandfather never talked about the legacy of the great family he hailed from. In fact, he asked her to keep away from that. All he cared about was the company and so she will make sure the company stands tall.  If changing the name to what it once was will achieve that, she will agree to it.

Come to think of it… She needs to think of the "Hamilton money" her great grandfather wants to pass to her. That old man is adamant and refuses to give his blessings to Mikhail and Rose if she does not accept the money. 

Why would I need ninety-six billion dollars? What would I do with that? 

Jerlina did everything she can to try and convince Jonathan but he is not budging from his decision. Guess when they age, they start to throw tantrums like kids too.

Jerlina decided not to think about that as Mikhail and Rose are not thinking about marriage right now. They are busy trying to "convince" Alexander. Anyone looking at Alexander knows he likes Rose for Mikhail but he still acts like he needs convincing.

Jerlina had a feeling that it is for the snacks Rose cooks for him. 

That old man can bring her to his home as his granddaughter-in-law and enjoy her cooking all he wants. But he has to act like this!

All old people are just stubborn children! Babies!

About the name change… I should talk to Joel soon. 

"Here… come here…" Jeremy scratched her thighs and Jerlina poked her face to his phone camera.

"Hello, mom, Daisy!" she waved her hand.

She then talked to them and said her thanks. Daisy has become a mother figure for her in this short time. And she is thankful for Jeremy's mom too. Although she is not very talkative like Daisy, she always was neutral and genuinely helped her. 

"I want a grandbaby this year," Dr.Kruger shamelessly asked her wish.

"Sure, mom," Jerlina bowed her head fixing her hair behind her ears. She didn't know why she was blushing.

"Daisy! I love you!!!" Jerlina shouted to change the topic. 

Daisy looked a little sad these days and it  didn't sit well with Jerlina. She wished Daisy gets all the happiness she deserves this new year. 

"When are you returning?" Daisy asked and Jerlina noticed Dr. Kruger glaring at Daisy. 

"You should ask Joel, Daisy!" Jerlina shouted as she couldn't hear anything from that side. "He doesn't want to come back!" she gave an evil grin to Jeremy and passed him the phone.

Isn't he the one not letting her leave? Let him deal with Daisy!

"Hello, Grandpa," She talked to Alexander on her phone. "Happy New Year!" she said in a cheery voice.

Mikhail told her that he left the bar early as he is not a night person. But he told her that he would be awake to hear his children wish him a happy new year and so she decided to make him a video call. 

He grumbled and corrected her that it is not the new year yet and then complained that he cannot stay awake like this. He grumbled that no one is caring for him. Jerlina saw his plate empty and that probably is the reason he is grumpy.

"Lady Rose left this for you, sir," the maid placed a piece of fruit cake in front of Alexander and Jerlina saw his face brighten up. 

What a baby!

Jerlina talked to Alexander to thank him for every help he offered this year and surprisingly, he accepted her gratitude. 

Guess he can act as an elder too, huh?

"Why are you wasting time with this old man? Go talk with Mikhail and that girl too. Go…" he waved his hand. "And check if that snake is awake. He probably would be waiting for your call," Alexander said.

Although he tried to be dismissive, his tone was filled with love. Jerlina could understand that he is relieved that Mikhail has people close to him other than him. And he probably cares for Jonathan Erling too.

"Okay, Joel wanted to talk to you too, grandpa,"

She then passed her phone to Jeremy to make him deal with Alexander. Alexander would grumble to bitterness if Jeremy doesn't wish him on the new year.

She talked with Charlie, Jimmy, and the others. These guys have been taking care of the company and the house pretty well in the absence of both of them. She wanted to thank them. And she had a lot to thank Charlie for. He followed her everywhere and protected her diligently. 

Because he chose to protect her and sided with Joel, he had to break up with his girlfriend too. She hoped that he gets a lovely girlfriend this new year. 

She already talked to Jonathan and wished him when his clock struck twelve. She asked him to rest. It would be early morning in his country now. Upon Alexander's words, she decided to make a call to Gordon just to make sure Jonathan is resting and not staying awake to wish her when the clock strikes twelve here.