Five

William

Days later, the verdict was up and all I could feel was empty.

I was sitting at my bedroom desk, the night’s darkness filtering in as I stared hollowly at the message in my laptop.

‘Good day Mr Bracknell,

Unfortunately, the board has ultimately decided to hand over the Partnership agreement to Yarrus Cooperation. We sincerely appreciate…’

I couldn't read the rest of the email, constantly rereading that part over and over again.

It was over. I'd lost.

Tears bit against my eyes. I felt like crying but I slammed my hand against the desk in anger and frustration.

How could this be? I had done so much, spent so much of my money to appeal to them and the CEO. I'd worked so damn hard to relate with all of them and this was what I got.

‘No. It isn't over.’ I thought furiously, standing up.

I quickly got dressed and drove to the Terra Corporations building, stepping out with anger and determination. If I was rejected, I was going to know why.

I didn't smile as I reached the secretary. The young woman looked frightened at the sight but I didn't care.

“I wish to speak to the CEO.” I demanded.

She nodded, taking her phone out. I felt like a ticking time bomb, ready to explode at any second.

As she put down her phone she stood up.

“He is waiting for you. Follow me.” She said, calmly leading me to the office before leaving. I didn't bother with any courtesy as I rushed into the room. I was going to see this mystery man once and for all.

I didn't know what to expect as I opened the door.

“What are you doing here?” I seemed to constantly ask that question around him but this was the first time that I sounded truly horrified.

Because sitting right in front of me on the CEO’s seat was Tristan.

“Surprise ,” Tristan shrugged, smirking at me.

This had to be a joke…right?

“Stop playing around. Where the hell is the CEO!” I screamed

“Calm down William. I think it should be obvious to you right now.” Tristan stood up from the seat.

“Besides, I think Congratulations should be in order. I won the bet after all,” he smirked, making me flinch.

‘Bet…what?’ I couldn't think properly and he moved closer.

“You bet that you could win over Yarrus when you assumed I was their representative. Now you see, you never stood a chance.  Not when I have the final say.”

It finally sunk in. I'd been played. He was deceiving me all this time.

Now I understood why he was in the cruise ship. It wasn't because he was anyone's plus one. It was because he was the CEO, Terra Corp’s TOP executive.

“You bastard.” I cursed out, trembling  in rage,

“Don't be a sore loser William. Now, about that favor-”

I didn't bother to hear the rest of what he was going to say as I stormed out of his office.

Humiliation filled me. I wanted to curl up and die on the spot. I'd done everything in my power to make my father proud, to try to get this deal and I FAILED.

All because of Tristan.

Storming into the bar I dropped on the nearest seat.

“Bring me the best goddamn alcohol you have.” I spat out

 It didn't take long for me to get drunk. I was a lightweight since birth but I tossed down the alcohol like I was an alcoholic looking for their fix.

I embraced the sting of the spirits and the haze it brought, already downing half the bottle. I was ready to stay here tonight to drown in my sorrows. This at least would be a small comfort.

But it seemed like even that couldn't be and I smelt a familiar cologne as a hand brushed my shoulder.

“William.” Tristan’s voice reached me, making my hackles rise. Standing up, I turned to confront him.

“Leave me alone.” I tried threatening him but my words came out slurred. I stumbled in my attempts to maintain my balance,

Tristan frowned, turning to the bottle and back to me.

“See what you've done. You're a lightweight. Why would you take this type of alcohol?” he scolded. I felt his hands brush my skin and instantly pushed him away.

“Stay away from me!” I screamed. I felt the place quiet and several eyes in me but focused on him pointing straight at him.”

“You and Caleb are the same. You two keep trying to break me. To ruin me and my family.” I slurred out, stumbling.

“Assholes. Bastards. Fuck you. Fuck all of you!”

“Watch your words,” Tristan warned, but even in my gaze he didn't look angry at all. His face looked strangely soft. Something akin to pity.

He was pitying me?

That made me even more infuriated. How dare he pity me after what he'd done!

 Standing up I closed my fist to land a punch but he dodged just in time. Before I knew it he grabbed me by the torso, pulling me out of the bar.  I tried to struggle as the noises from the bar grew faint.

Suddenly my back was pushed against the wall, my hands pinned above me. I still struggled, screaming and cursing at him.

“Let me go you asshole! Let me-”

“Stop, just stop.” he barked out and suddenly I couldn't speak anymore.

The cold night wind suddenly brushed against me, cooling something wet on my cheeks. For a moment I thought it was rain before I realized where it was coming from.

When did I start crying? I tried to laugh it off but felt more warm tears slip out.

Now I was truly at the bottom. The man I hated more than anything was witnessing me as I cried. What could be more humiliating than this?

All I wanted was to disappear.

I braced myself for his laughter or mocking barbs, but I didn't expect the grip on my hands to suddenly disappear.

Fabric was suddenly pushed up my face and before I knew it, his hands were holding me in place. It took a moment to realize what it was; he was wiping my tears away with a handkerchief.

“I can't stand this.” He hissed angrily. If I weren't so tipsy I would have snapped back, but I could only remain limp as he cleaned my cheeks.

When he was done, the cloth was dropped to my hands.and suddenly I was held captive by his gaze.

His eyes suddenly trailed away from my face, lower and my breath hitched. The strange coiling feeling from before started.

Suddenly he pushed himself off and I was left with an empty space. I stumbled against the wall staring at his growing distance, still holding his perfumed handkerchief.

There were a thousand questions in my bleary mind but only two stood out.

Why did I feel that way? And why did  he look like he was going to kiss me?