Four

William

Days passed and I was feeling good about myself.

Over the next week, I had spent nearly all of my money ,in dedication to sealing the deal.

Every day I did something to try to impress the executives at Terra Corporation, making friends with all of the company staff and giving them gifts. I knew that my good work was surely going to reach the CEO and I would appeal as the better partner. For that, all the expenses were worth it.

This was the most expensive thing I'd done however, spending the last of my savings on a Cruise party.

I stepped into the ship, greeting the people around me entertained in my absence. I'd invited all the Terra Executives to a cruise party to relax and unwind to get in their favor. My work over the week hadn't gone to waste and the entire place was full.

Happiness swelled in me as I greeted them, laughing at their jokes.

“This party is amazing, Mr Bracknell. Bracknell Inc. is very fortunate to have you and I'm sure Terra would be pleased to have someone like you as a partner. If you need anything I will ensure it within my power.”

“Don't flatter me Mrs Durham. This is all Bracknell Inc.’s doing. My father is very generous to give me the chance to meet all of you. And there is no need for favors. Putting in your good word is enough for me.” I smiled, my implications clear while she flushed.

“I'm sure the CEO would love you.” She winked.

I smiled as she walked away, sipping her champagne. Everything was going well. Nothing could…

I stopped as I spotted a familiar frame. It had to be my imagination but it wasn't.

Tristan was standing on the far end of the ship, leaning against the railing with a champagne glass in hand. He looked unbothered staring out at the sea. The evening sun glow seemed to reflect in his dark hair. He looked so.

‘Handsome…’

What was I thinking?

I snapped out of it quickly, my thoughts and mood turning sour.

I only invited Terra Executives and their plus one's, so what was he doing here?

Without hesitation I stomped towards him frowning the moment our eyes met.

“What are you doing here?” I snapped instantly.

“Enjoying the view,” he replied but I wasn't playing his games.

“You weren't invited,” I said and he raised an eyebrow.

“Technically, I was.” He smirked arrogantly and my jaw clenched.

Had one of the Terra Executives invited him? My heart fell. What did that mean for me?

“Leave,” I blurted out only to receive his indifferent stare.

“No.” he smiled.

 My lips twitched and annoyance and anger reared its head but I refused to lose my cool. I was in a delicate situation. I couldn't be rude and ask security to get him out of the ship in front of all the executives. Neither could I afford to anger anyone.

Meaning he stayed.

He smiled smugly. He knew there was nothing I could do and it made rage burn inside me.

“You know, seeing this I'm sure you've spent a lot trying to curry all these favors.” He commented, leaning towards me, “Does your father know about it? Does he know his son is that desperate for this deal?”

I clenched my teeth to keep from replying. I refused to respond to this goading. It didn't stop me from screaming out insults in my head.

‘Bastard.’

There was no use being here, I decided. Wasting time with him would push him to do something I would regret. I spun around, walking the other direction towards the party when his voice came from behind.

“I always knew you were never worthy to be with Caleb.”

Worthy? Caleb?

In an instant I saw red. Grabbing the nearest glass, I threw it in his direction and watched it shatter. Gasps filled the place when I returned to myself.  I looked up with dread.

Some of the people around the upper and lower level had seen it and all eyes were on me.  My eyes burned uncomfortably from the attention and a lump formed in my throat.

And Tristan only stared at me amused and victorious.

I couldn't do this anymore. Ignoring everyone's eyes I turned away and walked out of the party, entering the nearest free room for privacy.

A sob left my lips the instant I slammed the door. I collapsed against it, covering my face to hide my tears.

I wasn't worthy of him?

After everything he did to me?

I closed my eyes as I recalled the event six months ago that changed everything.

I had just gotten back from working all day, exhausted and ready to rest only to hear moans coming from the door. I remembered the panic and dread as I opened the door and the heart shattering pain when I saw it.

Caleb having sex with a woman on our bed, cheating on me.

I saw a lot of emotions on his face then, but regret or remorse wasn't one of them.

It was my fault for being so stupid and naive.  Our relationship was already imbalanced. I had seen the signs and every single time Caleb never failed to gaslight me, constantly arguing and making me feel less, like I needed him. I loved him so much that I believed him. I had left my family and my entire life to be with him, struggling to work for both of us for years only to be betrayed.

That night was what broke the rose colored glasses in my eyes. Ignoring his excuses I packed my things right then and there and returned to my family, ready to start afresh.

I wiped away my tears, anger taking its place.

How dare Tristan talk about me like that? He knew nothing of the pain I went through, the heartbreak I suffered. He knew nothing of how I had to rebuild and rewrite my life.

He knew NOTHING!

I hated him.

And for that alone I would crush him in this.