One

William 

His moans and whispers of how sweet he was, and his pleas for his lover to go faster caused me to freeze at the door. There was no mistaking what I was seeing, Caleb on his knees begging to be fucked.

No matter how I tried to push the memory away, but it clung to me, a ghost I couldn’t exorcise. The humiliation, the anger, and the betrayal had all settled deep in my chest leaving a wound that hadn’t quite healed.

It ruined me and caused me as far as my position as my father's heir but today wasn’t about Caleb. It was about my future. My heart pounded as I stared at the heavy oak door of my father’s study. Behind it lay judgment, scrutiny and the weight of everything I’d left behind.

I couldn’t fail again.

I knocked twice, the sound sharp and decisive, before stepping inside. The room went silent, save for the faint shuffle of papers.

My father’s icy blue eyes met mine, scrutinizing me as they always did. Around the table sat members of my family, their expressions ranging from thinly veiled disdain to outright skepticism.

I swallowed hard but kept my head high. This was my chance to prove myself, and I wouldn’t let them see me falter.

Pushing away the shame I felt from my thoughts I took my place at the seat, right beside my father’s. 

The moment I sat down he gave me a small encouraging smile looked at me approvingly and it eased the shame instantly. For now that was okay.

“Let's start,” he announced.

I remained silent as the meeting began. This time it was open that I was mostly here to learn, relearning my place as the heir to the company.

Even though they tried to act normal, the glances many of them took at me spoke volumes of what they thought of my presence here. After several years of absence I was back and knew nothing? 

I squeezed my fists tightly thankfully nobody could see. I was supposed to be focusing on the meeting but now I couldn't help but wander back to my shame. The reason I lost so much time and all of this.

Caleb. My ex boyfriend of ten years.

I was madly in love with him after meeting him in college. He always had the bad boy charm that drew me in. Finding out that he liked me and accepted me was more than enough to make me fall hard. 

I did everything for him, even when my family didn't approve. They were a traditional family and were all horrified when I revealed the truth of our relationship. 

It was bad enough for them that I was lovesick, but for a man?

My father had warned me multiple times but I was stubborn, set on being with him no matter what. Then came the ultimatum and that left me packing my bags and walking away from the only home I knew ten years ago.

I didn't know how I was so blind, but I continued, living with Caleb, loving him. Even when I became the sole breadwinner of our little home and had to work for an entire day I loved him. Even when he would criticize my looks, compare me to others or flirt with others I still stayed.

Up until that fateful day.

I closed my eyes, forcing the thoughts away. That had been over six months ago and since then I'd restarted my life, taking my place back in the family but it was difficult when everyone held me in low regard.

I knew that I was on a thin line right now. I knew that my father had given me the grace to return back home. I knew that at this moment I was a prodigal son still awaiting forgiveness and that was what I was going to get 

My mind was already made up. I wasn't going to lose this second chance and disappoint my father. I was going to make it all up and redeem myself to my family.

And if it meant suffering these stares, so be it.

“The subject of Terra cooperation is now urgent. They have opened a chance for a partnership” I returned to reality at my father's voice.

I clearly remembered Terra Corporation. From a small business it boomed as the largest in the industry in less than ten years, outshining even Brackwell, my father's legacy. The CEO was still a mystery till date however many companies were trying to get a piece of them. They rarely partnered with other companies so this was a big deal.

“Terra could be our greatest ally so we need to move fast. We need a representative to go there soon and convince them to choose us. Has there still not been a decision on that?”

In an instant the once calm meeting devolved into chaos.

“Philip, like I said, my son has been working in the company for over-”

“Your son barely has any experience in sales. I have been raising my protege-”

The room soon devolved into noises and I watched them arguing. Every new family member was trying to get a step up, suggesting who they believed should pick and They are arguing about who to send and 

It was what pushed me to stand up to speak.

“I'll do it Father.”

The room instantly fell silent and all eyes flew to me. I didn't waver.

“For the past few months I've headed several of our business deals. As the Future Heir to the Corporation I also have to represent the company. I can do this.”

“After running off for a decade?” one of my Uncles scoffed. The words stung but I remained firm.

“Despite that I currently have one of the highest success rates in closing contracts.” I said, looking towards my father,

"Even after only six months I've ensured more deals compared to many others who worked for years. I'm confident that I can close this deal.” I said, matching my father's gaze. His icy blue eyes scrutinized me.

“And what if you aren't able to? This deal is very important to us William. It isn't a test run nor is it something you can be okay with.”

I clenched my hands. Is that what he thought I'd been doing for the past six months? Playing. 

 “You said that you were going to give me a chance to prove myself,” I said in a deeper tone, “let me do it.”

His gaze flickered and I could see he was recalling how I ended back on his doorstep. I knew it was a bit of emotional blackmail but I didn't care. Relief flooded me the moment I watched him give in.

“Alright then.” My father conceded, “I'm giving you this one chance. Don't mess this up!." 

“Thank you father.” I bowed before taking my seat. I had no plans to fail. 

I had to succeed, not just for my father and the company, but for myself.

…

Two days later, I  entered the office building of Terra Corporations. After working hard and preparing myself , I was ready.

I gave a polite smile as I reached the Secretary’s desk, 

“William Bracknell, Bracknell Inc.. I am here to see your boss.”  I smiled wider to sweetie the deal and the reaction was instant. The woman flushed, smiling at me. 

I was used to getting that reaction to my looks. A shame that I wasn't into them.

“I'm sorry sir, right now the CEO is in another meeting with Yarrus Corporation” 

I tensed at that name. Of freaking course.

Yarrus cooperation was one of our major rivals, even though they were marginally smaller than us, they were rising fast and would use any underhanded means to have an advantage.

Obviously they’d come for the same reason I did; to ally with Terra Cooperation.

I couldn't lose this deal, couldn't afford to disappoint my family again. 

But what I didn’t know was that fate had a cruel sense of humor.

Because the moment I stepped through those doors, everything in me froze.

“William Bracknell?”

The voice slithered through the air like a whip, sharp and taunting. I knew that voice.

Slowly, I turned, dread pooling in my gut like a stone sinking into deep water. My breath caught as my gaze landed on a pair of familiar dark eyes… ones I hadn’t seen in years but couldn’t forget if I tried.

Tristan-freaking-Richmond.

He stood there with that same maddening smirk and his tailored suit sharp enough to cut and his gaze dripping with mockery.

“Miss me?” he drawled, like a predator who’d just cornered its prey.

And in that instant, I wish I’d realized that this meeting was no coincidence.