Hating Archer [WATTY'S 2017]

Chapter Twenty- Him

[NOT EDITED]

The fire of revenge burned within me as I watched him walk around with a glass of wine in his hand, laughing along with the guests. My eyes never left him, wearing his suit and expensive Rolex watch. I was frozen on my spot.

Years I had been looking for this man. I tried everything. The police didn't bother anyway, my parents told me to just forget it, Jake understood and tried to help me, but gave up after a while. His location was undetectable, not even the greatest hacker I knew could help me with it.

I never knew his name, I only remembered the face that destroyed my entire family. My jaw clenched and I felt the tears pricking my eyes, but I managed to maintain myself.

It has been ten years and yet I haven't forgotten that face. The face that caused endless years of therapy, endless years of medication, and endless years of pure and utter suffering.

“Are you alright?” I heard a voice, but I didn't look away.  I didn't answer either.

How could I keep my eyes off the man that destroyed me?

The grip I had on my bag tightened and I watched him carefully, his every move, analyzing my own moves for the future. There was no doubt in his death. He was going to die and I was going to be the one who would kill him.

I was going to destroy him.

He smiled at the woman he was talking to, stuffing his hands in his pockets. His piercing blue eyes looked around the hall every once in a while and the charming smile he had never left his face. The five o'clock shadow made his face look more slender and rather more attractive than he already was.

If only he knew that his pretty face was soon going to be bashed in by me.

“Tris,” I felt a hand on my shoulder and I finally looked up at the person.

“Huh?” I asked, having no clue what he said.

“Are you alright?” Archer frowned down at me.

I pursed my lips and looked back at the man, but he was gone already.

“Yeah,” I said as I looked up at Archer.

Since the incident of the whole panic attack, Archer has been a bit more concerned about me and I was glad that he cared, because somehow he knew how to calm me down. I blinked a few times, trying not to burst in tears as my whole past flashed in front of my eyes.

“Where are the others?” I asked, trying to distract myself.

“I don't know. Those bastards walked out on us,” he scrunched his nose in annoyance, making me smile. A frown appeared on his face when he saw the smile on my face, “Are you sure you're alright? I was expecting some kind of insult in return,”

“I need a drink,” I breathed out as I looked around, trying to find some kind of alcoholic beverage.

“No, you need to talk,” he held onto my upper arm.

I looked down at his hand and then back up it him, “Get your hands off me.” I said, leaving no space for arguments.

He did let go of my arm, but followed me around as I looked for a drink. That's when I noticed some kind of a bar. I walked over to it and was handed a glass of wine after asking for any drink. I turned around and Archer watched me.

“Just don't get too drunk, please,” he said a low voice, but it was loud enough for me to hear.

I shook my head, “This is all I need,” and started drinking my wine.

“Are you going to tell me what's up?” he asked once again and I looked up at him.

“No one plans a murder out loud, Archer,” I said and took another gulp of my wine.

“I believe so,” his arms crossed over his chest as he looked down at me.

I was about to say something, but at that exact moment the bride walked in. She was wearing this elegant, shimmery saree, the end of it covering half of her face. She walked to the mandap holding something we couldn't see due to the crowd, but there were four people holding onto a red piece of something that looked like a shawl, but a lot bigger above her as she walked. It matched the saree she was wearing. It looked absolutely beautiful and amazingly different. A smile crept onto my face. I looked up at Archer and smiled as he smiled in awe.

He actually looked adorable.

I hoped I wouldn't see him for the rest of the night. I took another gulp of my wine. How could someone still look the same after ten fucking years? Or maybe I just never forgot his face. How could I?

“I'll be right back,” I said and Archer nodded.

I walked away, looking for a place that would be less noisy. I finally ended up in the parking lot and I fished my phone out of my purse. I unlocked it and immediately called Jake. He picked up after a few rings, yawing, making me roll my eyes.

“You better have a good reason for waking me up,” he said in his sleepy voice.

“Of course I do. And why in the living hell are you sleeping so early?” I frowned and asked as if he were stupid.

“Tired. Helped Dad with his office today. So, what is your apparent good reason?” he asked.

I breathed out, “I found him...”

It was silent for a few seconds, “You're serious?!” he asked in disbelief and I hummed in return, “Well, then you know what to do. End that motherfucker.”

“Will do, Jake,” I smirked, “Will do.”

I hung up after saying goodnight and made my way back to the wedding. I still had wine in my glass and I looked around, trying to find him. An evil grin appeared on my face when I saw him standing there, watching how the marriage takes place. I walked over to him, setting my most seductive face.

“Good evening,” I grinned at him and he looked at me.

A half smile appeared on his face, “Well, good evening, gorgeous.”

Disgusting.

“Is this a family thing?” I asked, trying to get more information out of him.

He shook his head, “No, the groom's mother is a friend of mine.”

I nodded my head knowingly, “I see.”

“What about you?” he asked, looking down at me.

Oh, I knew for sure what he was looking at.

“No, I'm here on a trip, actually. I'll be leaving in five days, I suppose,” I took another gulp.

“You live here in Hemmington?” he asked and I nodded, “That's amazing. So do I. We should hang out some time.”

The bastard lived in Hemmington all this time!

“We sure should,” I said, internally cringing.

“So, what is your name?” he asked.

“Julia. Julia Caidan,” I lied, clearing my throat.

“Your name is as beautiful as you are,” he smiled down at me, “I'm Will Trinton.”

“Pleasure meeting you,” I faked yet another smile.

He looked at the couple again and I grinned evilly.

Will Trinton, I will destroy you.