LOGINShare
Two
Last Updated:
2024-11-10 18:58:24William
Tristan Richmond.
His name alone was enough to light a firestorm of memories—each one more infuriating than the last. I stared at him, disbelief warring with the deep-seated anger that surged through me like poison.
Of all the people to run into, of all the places in the world, why did it have to be him?
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 understood. 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 tried 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 walked out of Terra Cooperation empty-handed, frustration gnawing at every nerve. I’d wasted the entire day waiting for a meeting that never came. The receptionist’s pitying look as I left only made it worse.
How did everything spiral so completely out of control?
I was certain Tristan had something to do with this. It reeked of him. Had he already struck a deal while I was left chasing shadows? The thought made me want to punch a wall.
Desperate for something anything to take the edge off, I ducked into the nearest bar. I didn’t pay attention to who was around me, my focus solely on ordering the strongest drink they had.
I slid onto a stool, shoulders heavy, until a voice cut through the dull hum of the bar.
“Well, that’s what failure looks like.”
The glass froze halfway to my lips. That smug familiar voice, infuriating. Slowly, I turned my head, and there he was… again. Tristan. Sitting beside me, a cruel smirk tugging at his lips.
“You bastard,” I hissed, the words escaping before I could stop them.
He raised his glass in mock salute, clearly savoring my anger. “Took you long enough to notice me.”
Related chapters
His Sworn Enemy; His Deepest Desire Three
William“You and Yarrus Corp aren’t going to win,” I spat, venom lacing my words. “I’ll make sure of it.”Tristan arched a brow, feigning innocence. “Are you talking to me?”I leaned in slightly, my tone sharp. “Are you celebrating early, or do you always drink like you’ve got something to overcompensate for?”He let out a dry huff, rolling his eyes. “Excuse me for having a drink. Didn’t realize I needed your approval.”My jaw tightened as I smiled coldly. “It’s good you’re here, though. Maybe you can call up a few women to keep you company—get them drunk enough, and who knows? You might actually get lucky.”His hand froze mid-motion, glass hovering near his mouth. I knew I’d struck a nerve, so I shrugged casually, pressing on.“After all, you’d need a drink or three to convince someone to sleep with you.”Tristan’s expression darkened, his face twisting into something dangerous. His voice dropped, low and biting. “Say that again.”I ignored him, signaling to the bartender like he wasn
Last Updated : 2024-11-10His Sworn Enemy; His Deepest Desire Four
WilliamDays passed, and I was riding a high unlike anything I’d felt in months.Over the course of a week, I had poured nearly all of my money into securing this deal… every last cent. Each day was spent impressing Terra Corporation’s executives, building rapport with their staff, and gifting everything from personalized trinkets to extravagant tokens. It didn’t matter what it cost me; every move I made was strategic, each expense an investment. I was sure my dedication was making waves, my name echoing in all the right ears.But the pièce de résistance, the boldest move yet? A luxurious cruise party.I stepped onto the ship that evening, the sun dipping low over the horizon as music and laughter swirled through the air. I had spared no expense, the cruise lined with fine dining, champagne fountains and live music was a perfect blend of relaxation and charm. I greeted my guests warmly, soaking in their praise as they laughed and complimented my efforts.“This party is spectacular, Mr.
Last Updated : 2024-11-10His Sworn Enemy; His Deepest Desire Five
WilliamThe verdict came in, and all I felt was empty.I sat at my bedroom desk, the weight of the night pressing in on me as the dim glow of my laptop illuminated the message I couldn’t stop staring at.‘Good day, Mr. Bracknell, Unfortunately, the board has ultimately decided to hand over the Partnership agreement to Yarrus Corporation. We sincerely appreciate...’The words blurred together after that, but the first lines were carved into my mind. I read them over and over again as if they would suddenly change.It was over. I’d lost.My throat tightened, the sting of tears rising. I wanted to cry. To scream. But instead, I slammed my fist against the desk, rattling everything on its surface.“How could this happen?” I hissed under my breath.I had done everything… poured everything I had into sealing this deal. I’d spent a fortune, exhausted every ounce of charm, and worked tirelessly to appeal to them. I’d done everything right.And this was my reward?“No,” I whispered fiercely,
Last Updated : 2024-11-10His Sworn Enemy; His Deepest Desire Six
TristianThe tension in the air hung heavy as I tucked the moist handkerchief into my breast pocket, my mind still reeling from the mess of emotions that had unraveled in mere minutes. Trying to anchor myself, I pulled out a business card from my wallet and held it out toward him."Here" I said, stretching my arm out.William’s glassy eyes flickered with confusion, hesitation battling with anger. His expression was a cocktail of emotions, none of them simple. He didn’t take the card, his reluctance almost tangible.Knowing how stubborn and drunk he was I moved closer with caution, my muscles tense, ready for resistance. He flinched as I slid the card into his pocket, but he didn’t stop me. He seemed too disoriented, too lost in his haze of alcohol and emotions.“Look, I mean you no harm” I said softly, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside. “I... I’m worried because I care about you. I just want to talk.”He blinked, confusion shadowing his anger.“9 a.m. tomorrow. I’ll be expecti
Last Updated : 2024-11-24His Sworn Enemy; His Deepest Desire Seven
WilliamsI woke up to a very severe headache, the kind that amplified your senses making every sound feel ten times louder and every thought so fucking hard to grasp. My eyelids feel heavy, my mouth dry and bitter, and my entire body felt like I spent the entire night at the gym. As I blinked against the sunlight filtering through a set of tall windows, I realized everything was off. This wasn’t my room.I sat up slowly, my movements stiff and cautious. The bed was massive, far bigger than mine at home, and the bedsheets were fine and well made, almost too perfect. Looking around, I scanned the rest of the room, modern decor, plush furniture, and a crazy good view that screamed luxury. My jacket was kept neatly over the back of a chair, my tie discarded nearby, and my shoes lined up just by the door. Someone must have taken care of me, but I have no memory of who it was. I was so damn wasted last night. I could barely remember anything.I rubbed against my temples, trying to piece toge
Last Updated : 2024-11-24His Sworn Enemy; His Deepest Desire Eight
WilliamsI made my way to Tristan’s office, my emotions tangled into an indecipherable knot. On one hand, the rare warmth of my father’s praise still lingered from our earlier conversation—a kind of validation I hadn’t realized I craved. Hearing his genuine pride in my supposed achievement felt like a balm, soothing wounds I didn’t know existed. But on the other hand, unease clawed at the edges of my mind.Tristan Richmond wasn’t the kind of man to hand out favors without strings attached. If he’d done something as monumental as securing the Terra Corporation deal and crediting me for it, there had to be an angle, a hidden trap that would serve his amusement or his agenda. And I couldn’t shake the feeling that walking into his office might be stepping right into it.As I approached the front desk, Tristan’s secretary, Alexa, looked up from her sleek computer. Everything about her screamed precision, from her perfectly polished nails to the sharpness in her gaze."Good morning, Mr. Brac
Last Updated : 2024-11-24His Sworn Enemy; His Deepest Desire Nine
WilliamsAdrian was a familiar face I’d seen around Terra Corporation a handful of times, was kneeling uncomfortably close to Tristan. His flushed face and clumsy movements gave away what had just transpired.“Oh shit” Adrian blurted, scrambling to his feet as he noticed me. His trembling hands fumbled to wipe the unmistakable traces of Tristan’s fluids off his mouth with the sleeve of his shirt.Tristan, on the other hand, sat perched at the edge of his desk. His pants were unzipped, and though I couldn’t quite see clearly, the sight of his exposed cock was undeniable. He moved quickly, his fingers deftly zipping up his fly as his expression shifted from shock to irritation when his gaze locked on me.I stood rooted to the spot, my brain struggling to process what I had just walked into. The scene felt surreal, like some grotesque fever dream I couldn’t wake up from. Everything I’d been planning to confront Tristan about evaporated from my mind, leaving only the stark reality of what
Last Updated : 2024-11-24His Sworn Enemy; His Deepest Desire Ten
TristanSeveral days had passed since the most embarrassing moment of my entire life. I have done everything humanly possible to push it out of my mind, but the memory of William walking in on Adrian sucking my dick still lingered, very vivid and also very uncomfortable. But strangely, neither Adrian nor William had said not even one word about it. No rumors and no awkward encounters also no confrontations. It was as if nothing had even happened at all , and honestly, I was grateful for that. The last thing I want is a rumor spreading about a junior male staff member giving me a blow job. It’s quite sad he couldn't finish up tho, all thanks to Mr Bad Timing Bracknoff.Although, the unease wouldn’t completely let go of my mind. Trusting people with secrets or in this case, scandals, especially the kind that could change how others saw you, was never something I was a big fan of. But in this case, I clearly have no choice. I’m just gonna have to trust that Willians is truly gonna stick t
Last Updated : 2024-11-28
Latest chapter
His Sworn Enemy; His Deepest Desire EPILOGUE
My breath misted out in front of me as I moved, booted heels clopping against the cold interlocked streets of Paris. It was beautiful this time of year, and impossibly cold, too. I shivered slightly against the cold wind that blew again, hugging my tan trench coat around myself even tighter.I thought I heard someone—something familiar, and turned around, my breaths exhaling into the air with a cold imprecise clarity that frosted the air just in front of me. A picturesque view met my eyes.Pale-faced, fast-speaking French people who moved about, twisting and bowing their heads, nodding in conversation, shivering in the cold and folding their arms and stuffing them in their armpits, others cuddling and pretending they were in some cinematic effect, the tall hazy outline of the Eiffel tower in the background and the occasional honk of a car.I exhaled again and brought my gloved hands to my lips.“They don’t talk about how cold it is in Paris,” a voice said behind
His Sworn Enemy; His Deepest Desire Eighty-Five
I had thought so many times about what it would be like to meet my father again—to confront him about his homophobia and how many things I wanted to say. I had thought about apologizing, for my insensitive remarks and how I had hurt both him and Gran, and I had thought more recently about how he had been the person that Caleb had called… he had been the one to save me.My words choked in my throat, saliva and a thousand unsaid things bulging.“Dad—”“Shh,” he shook his head and stepped back. He motioned for me to come inside. I was shivering. I couldn’t tell if Tristan was right behind me or if I was walking alone. I just knew that I had to follow my father right now, and in we went, past the grand foyer and the waiting room, and then we were in the expansive hall where everyone was standing around in, their eyes swiveling to fix on me the minute I stepped in.Once again, I felt my throat clam up with emotion and the one thing I wanted to do was sink into the floor.There, the person
His Sworn Enemy; His Deepest Desire Eighty-Four
My head felt like a miniature sun was going off in it, imploding, exploding… way too loud and bright. All I could think of was the sound of meat crunching down a staircase and the sharp, clean break of bone… the strong metal scent of blood, and Tristan’s voice drilling into my ears as he crushed my bones in a hug.“You’re going to be alright, William. It’s alright. You’re going to be alright…”My eyes couldn’t leave the sight on the floor, Caleb on the floor, head bashed in terribly and bleeding, a woman that looked familiar to me, in cuffs, crying, “Caleb! Caleb, no!”Adam stepped into view, cutting off my vision.“Tristan,” he rushed to slip an arm under his boss. “You’re hurt?”“I’m fine,” Tristan brushed him away. He was still trying to keep me straight and hold me up. “William’s hurt bad. Can you get paramedic? Damn it, Adam, I’m fine. I’ll survive. It’s just a shoulder wound. Get the medics.”I zoned everything out. The million swarming cop cars and the cacophony of their wailin
His Sworn Enemy; His Deepest Desire Eighty-Three
My body felt like I’d been run over by a train. Everything hurt, and when I tried to grimace, the pain was worse.“Arggh,” I groaned in an attempt to stifle the pain. My face was instantly lit up by a scarring network of white-hot firing pain all over. Slowly, I brought my hand to my face. My nose was horribly disfigured and blood had crusted all over, making crunching noises as I tried to move my mouth.I spat something to the white floor, turning it a bloody mess. It seemed so surreal. I was here in this contained place with all of the white lights and sterile looking white floors, and everything bathed in white, and I was the one thing that was broken and bleeding.I touched a loose tooth in my mouth with my tongue. Caleb hadn’t even bothered to administer any anesthetics. No pain-killers, no meds, nothing.I looked up and there he was, staring bloodily at me. At the very least, I had done some serious damage to his face, too. His eye was still bruised and when he cocked a crooked
His Sworn Enemy; His Deepest Desire Eighty-Two
TRISTAN“What’s going to happen now?” Eric asked, his eyes puffy. He’d been rubbing his eyes with the heels of his palms and groaning into his palms until a few seconds ago. He looked utterly disheveled. How a man could become so reduced in a manner of moments, simply because the one he loved had been taken away…I understood it. But I didn’t want to allow myself to go down that path. All I could do right now was see how I could get to William. And Caleb. FAST.I couldn’t say that I knew much of my brother—I’d abandoned almost every single thing that tied me so that I could focus on running the company. Losing my father had not been easy—but if there was one thing I knew about Caleb, it was that he needed help. He was much too unstable to left alone by himself for too long.I was sad, and broken, but I was angry and that was good. Right now, I channeled that anger into a small stream that had me flexing my wrist in small movements. I was not going to lose focus of what needed to be d
His Sworn Enemy; His Deepest Desire Eighty-One
TRISTAN“Damnit.”I echoed, not for the umpteenth time that day. My thoughts were fixed solely on William. I still could not believe what had happened. All I could remember was the look on his face and how confused he had looked about everything, and the anger that I felt.To think that he’d taken that picture of me…I groaned and rubbed my hands over my face again. I could still feel the weight of Adelstein’s hand on my shoulder, patting me as he led me away from William.“It’s alright, my boy.” He’d said. “You did the right thing.”But it didn’t feel like the right thing at all. Not when I knew that William was being carted away to the police station where I knew that he would definitely spend some time sitting in that cell before bail could be made. If nothing else happened to him, then he would forever bear the guilt on his face, just how I betrayed him.No, I reprimanded myself. It had to be done.I was the CEO of Terra corporations. I was the man who made all of the difficult an
His Sworn Enemy; His Deepest Desire Eighty
“You look good—” Caleb said one day as he watched me eat. “—Better.”I frowned at him. At this point in time, I figured that I had been locked up here for at least five days. There was still no way for me to tell the time, and the white bulb was always turned on here, even when I slept. But I had been eating whatever Caleb brought, devouring it ravenously, and after some time, he no longer hit me. Only stopped and watched me eat.He was doing it right now.I said nothing. Ignoring him was the only way I could keep out the madness from encroaching and devouring my mind. So I ate in silence.“That’s chicken biryani and some lamb curry,” he pointed out rather stupidly. I already knew what I was eating. Did he think I lived at the bottom of a well? I just wasn’t especially fond of Indian cuisine because they were rather spicy. Now, seeing as I had no choice, I ate every single morsel of the well-seasoned food, taking my time and hoping that he would leave me alone.
His Sworn Enemy; His Deepest Desire Seventy-Nine
I didn’t know how much time had passed but I was tired and sitting at the foot of the bed by the time that Caleb came back to the small white room.“Wakey wakey,” he said as he poked his head up from the opening in the floor. He looked at me and frowned. Then he sighed and came fully into the room. The door shut behind him with an almost metallic sound.“William, you poor baby.” He made to touch me, but I shoved his hands away, breathing fire from my flaring nostrils. He looked at me with something akin to pity, then looked at the tray still on the bed, the untouched bowl of soup there.“You’re not doing either of us any favors by not eating, William.”I continued staring at him.“You have to eat something sometime. You think I want to be looking at you all stick-thin and undesirable? You’ve got to eat something. At the very least. Maybe you don’t want soup. Maybe you can tell me what you want to eat.”He drew closer, eyes shining, “If I remember correctly, you’ve never said no to a f
His Sworn Enemy; His Deepest Desire Seventy-Eight
I tumbled through unconsciousness.It was so different from sleeping. This time, it felt more real, more potent, more… I don’t know what else I could have used to describe it except for the fact that it felt like swimming in a black and oily soup.I couldn’t make heads or tails of where I was or where I was moving.Caleb had hit me. Or something had. I don’t know. But I could remember the distinct feeling of something hard making contact with the back of my head. It was a miracle I was alive—I knew I was alive because twice, I had floated in and out of consciousness, and the two times, I could barely open my eyes, but noise filtered into my hearing.I felt my body moving. Breath rushed into my lungs and the pain had bloomed at the back of my head each time I woke, burning red behind my eyes.I closed my eyes again, finally summoning enough strength to scrunch my eyes open. Blearily, I tried to look around and almost lost consciousness again from the pain that flooded my senses.“Fuuuc
