Two

William

Tristan Richmond.

I couldn't remember the last time I saw him but the memories if him were still clear as day.

He was Caleb's older brother, and my sworn freaking enemy.

Back in college when my relationship with Caleb was still new and fresh, I met him for the holidays the first time i stayed over. As Caleb's older brother I hoped he would give approval for our relationship. I treated him nicely, constantly trying to impress him and get on his good side and become his friend.

All I got in return was coldness. He dismissed my attempts at friendship harshly and i* ores me otherwise, never failing to remind me of how much he disapproved of our relationship.

At first I was confused constantly wondering what I had to do right but It was the intense stares he would give whenever he saw us together that tipped me off.

Of course. It was clear what he thought of people like me and relationships like ours.

So I gave up and things fell into place. Without any more pretenses our enmity fell into place. Whenever we crossed paths, it was always an exchange of barbs, arguments and an overwhelming struggle to not try clawing his brains out. The last time I saw him was years ago before Caleb moved out with me.

So what the hell was he doing here?

I stood straighter as he approached me glaring at him.

“Tristan Richmond, fancy seeing you here,” i said in a fake casual voice

“I could say the same about you William,” Tristan said, smiling in a smug way, “I always wondered where you left after your escapade with Caleb.”

My hackles ride. He was calling a decade long relationship with five tears an ‘escapade?’

Now I really wanted to hit him.

“Well people grow up and change. I had to .”

“I can see,” he said, “Im wondering why it took you so long to

“Well I’m wondering why the hell you're here.” I spat out no longer playing.

A part of me was hoping for his reaction to be visceral, to get under his skin the way he managed to get under mine.

But the only thing was smirk wider

“Why do you think so?” He asked.

There was no way he could be acting this smug unless…no.

The puzzle pieces sank into place and I unserstood. Was he representing Yarrus?

I remembered that even back then, Caleb had told me Tristan was involved in this same industry as well but that was a mystery to me. I didn't know anything else.

Life was playing a sick joke on me. I returned home to let go of everything Caleb related only to face this man again.

The one person I hoped to never meet again I'd reunited with now as a  rival in business.

Clenching my jaw to compose myself I refused to give anything away.

“Stay out of my way Tristan,” I warned, “Don’t get in my way of my deal.”

“And what would you do if I dare to?” He asked raising his eyebrow.

 I glared at him, keeping up the staring match against his.

“Mr Bracknell?” A voice called out forcing me to snap out of it. I turned to find the secretary flitting between us, focused on me.

I twisted away from him, rushing towards the office she directed me to.

“Yes?” I asked eagerly,

“I'm so sorry. I've just been informed that the CEO has taken a lunch break. All meetings have been suspended for now.” she smiled apologetically and my heart fell.

“No worries,” I trued to muster a confident smile but it felt fake. I turned back to find Tristan gone and clenched my jaw in frustration.

…

Hours later, I left the building of Terra Cooperation completely empty handed. Id waited patiently to get the chance to speak with him. The receptionist was looking at me with something akin to pity before I left.

Frustration brimmed in me and all I could think was;

How did this all go wrong?

It had something to do with Tristan. I was sure of it. Had they already struck a deal?

The thought made me want to scream. I knew this task wouldnt be easy, but it was more difficult now that Tristan was in the picture.

I stepped into the nearest bar, ready to drink my sorrows away fir the evening only to freeze.

Tristan was sitting, drinking by the bar as well. His presence was mocking me

Was he celebrating his victory?

Anger bubbled up in my chest. The logical part of me told me to not approach him but the other part of me filled with anger and frustration from the day moved forward with a mission.

I was never one for confrontation but he was an exception.