"Thank you," the newly hired maid put all the dishes on the dining table. Her long, dark hair was tied into a neat braid down her back. She wore a plain white dress with a red ribbon around it, Samantha can't set aside her thoughts that Hudson family is really elegant in anyways.
It's been a week since they arrived home after they celebrate their wedding abroad. Samantha just stared at the food in front of her, until..."Oh, here's Tristan," her mother said. Samantha's eyes darted at Tristan who's now handsomely walking downstairs while putting the expensive watch on his left wrist. Her eyes widened when he noticed that it's Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, the most expensive watch in the world.Tristan walked towards the table and sat in front of her. Before he could say anything though, her father spoke."Is it a miracle? For the first time you join us for breakfast," Benjamin, Samantha's step-father said in surprised."Hmm, I just want to eat, nothing special," Tristan replied nonchalantly, that caused his father to laughed."That's better than not having you here, Tristan. So, let's eat!" Samantha's mother hand her the fork and knife, and she started to eat not even planning to talk."By the way, Samantha. I heard from your mother that you're finding a job?" She didn't even need to turn her head to know that it's her stepfather asking her that question. Samantha nodded as she looked up."Yes, uncle." She saw how her stepfather sighed."Dad... Please, call me Dad already, Samantha." He smiled at her, but it still hard for Samantha to accept that it's really her new life now."Mm. I want to share you some information. Tristan, you told me that your old secretary already retired, right?" Samantha simply glance at Tristan, but she immediately averted her gazed when his eyes fell on hers. She doesn't know why, but she always feels like his eyes were piercing through her soul, and she hates it."Yeah. I'm actually finding someone to replace her." At her peripheral vision, Samantha can notice their maid intently watching and listening to their conversation."That's great! Then, you don't need to find anyone. Your sister can do that." Samantha who's drinking a water that time choked."Are you okay, honey?" her mother asked her worried. She cleared her throat before speaking."Yes, m-maybe someone just remembered me," she tried to laugh just to hide the uneasiness inside her."Samantha, I hope it's fine for you to be my son's new secretary?" Samantha's mother gently tapped her shoulder."Honey... That's a good opportunity. And this is a good chance for you and Tristan to get along together, right Tristan?" her mother added encouragingly. Tristan noticed Samantha's expression. His jaw clenched a little, he can feel that she doesn't want the idea."I agree with you, Mom..." Samantha looked at Tristan in horror. She even tried to give him a warning just by looking at him with those pleading hazel eyes."Honey...?""Mom, D-Dad, I really appreciate your suggestion, b-but...""I think it would be better if I'll be the one to find my job? Besides I don't have any experience related to that job, I am just going to mess everything up." Tristan licked his lower lip then smirked."That's not a problem, Sam..." Her brows lift up, she doesn't want him calling her by her nickname."I can teach you everything that you need to learn. It will be easy for you," he continued as he looked directly into her eyes. Samantha felt her heart beating faster, as she shook her head."Sorry, but I can't still accept your offer." Everyone's eyes is now looking at her."Samantha, do you have any problem? I mean, do you hate my son? Did he do something bad to you?" Tristan's father asked softly. Samantha gulped before answering. Tristan lean back on the chair and out his arms across his chest."N-Nothing," she nervously said while seeing the playful smile on Tristan's lips."I feel bad..." Both of their parents' looked at Tristan."Maybe Samantha can't still forget what ha—""F-Fine! I mean, I'll take the job." She quickly interrupted her stepbrother, she didn't want to hear about what he's going to say.~"Arghh! I hate you!""I hate you!" Samantha keep on punching her pillows. Tristan is really capable of making her blood boiled. But the despite that, she find herself staring at the ceiling of her room, thinking about the night she first saw him.She hugged the blanket on her bed and let her mind rewind everything. Tristan walking downstairs a while ago, wearing his work attire. A grey coat and a black shirt underneath, partnered with black jeans.Samantha started to think that she'll have a chance to see how he is as a CEO of Bright Horizons. She imagine how's the feeling of being his secretary, and to work beside him. But then she immediately stood up from lying on the bed and dramatically took the nearest pillow and throw it on her face."No! This can't be, Sam...""Wake up!""First of all he's not your type. He's a playboy, a jerk who only wants to fuck girls. A-And she's your step-brother, for Pete's sake!" she groaned and tossed her legs over the side of the bed."Arghh!" She's still having her tantrums, when someone knocked on her room's door, the same time she heard the voice of her mother. She hurriedly fixed herself and open the door."May I come in?" She simply nodded. Her Mom went inside the room with a soft smile on her face."I am glad you agreed about being your step-brother new secretary." Her Mom placed both of her hands on top of Samantha's shoulders. Samantha can't help but sigh."Do I have a choice?" She pouted."Sam... I am sure you'll enjoy working with Tristan." Samantha put down her sight. Deep inside, she knows that working with Tristan will be a damn nightmare.It's Samantha's first day of training as Tristan's secretary. Before going out of her room she looks at the large mirror in front of her as she fixed up the collar of her white blouse, smoothing it down until it's almost perfect before tying up her hair and pulling it back into a high ponytail. The blonde ends are neatly tucked behind her ears."You can do it, Sam. It's one of your dream to have a brother right? You have it now, don't ruin the chance..."After taking one last look in the mirror to check that all is well with herself she exits her bedroom. Her breath seems to catch in her throat when she sees Tristan standing next to her Mercedes-Benz S-Class. She's surprised to see him there after thinking that he already go ahead of her. "Why are you still here?" she said, trying to hide the way her heart was beating erratically against her chest. "Your Mom, told me to wait for you." Samantha nodded and looked away from him, when she noticed Tristan's eyes lingering over her body.
Gabriel, Tristan's best friend, decides to pay his friend a surprise visit, since it's been weeks since they've seen each other because he also busy managing their business. With his usual cool looks, he strolls through the office, exchanging friendly greetings with the employees who recognize him. His charisma is also legendary wherever he goes that's why he doesn't understand why Sandra, his fiancée's blood always boils when it comes to him. He's known Tristan for years and is a familiar face around the office. They're indeed a best buddy especially when it comes on hunting women for fun. With a casual grin on his face, he approaches Tristan's office, ready to catch up with his friend.Gabriel swings open the door to Tristan's office, expecting to see his friend immersed in work like usual. He really knows how workaholic he is. But instead he finds something that makes him stop dead on the ground with a surprised look on his face.Tristan cornering Samantha against the wall. The r
The office was quiet, the only sound being the soft hum of the air conditioning and the occasional rustle of papers. Tristan was seated behind his desk, his eyes focused on the screen of his laptop. Samantha who's seated across from him, her notebook open, ready to take down any instructions, can't avoid to glance nervously on his furrowed thick brows. Lately, she can still able to joke around but after sometime the surrounding's seems to be suffocating. "Firstly, you need to manage my schedule," Tristan began, his voice cold and business-like. He doesn't even look at her."Ensure that there are no clashes and that I have adequate time between meetings for breaks." Tristan continued in a monotone, as he continues reading the document. His tone is uncharacteristically stiff, Samantha notes. She wonders what could've been happening to make him act like that. The Tristan she knows for now, is someone who always make her irritated because of his signature mischievous expression. "Sec
Tristan's heart pounded in his chest as he picked up the photograph. He remembered the moment it was taken. It was when he had almost kissed Samantha, forgetting for a moment that she was his stepsister."I received this picture earlier," Benjamin began, his voice stern. "Care to explain?" His father leaned forward in his seat, watching Tristan intently. He looked at his father, his mind racing. He knew he had to tread carefully."Samantha and I were just enjoying the evening, Dad. Besides I just don't want to pressure her since she's just my new secretary," he said, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him.Benjamin looked at his son, his gaze piercing. "I've known you long enough to know when you're lying, son," he said, his voice low. "You're too close to Samantha in this picture. Too close for a brother and sister." Tristan swallowed hard, his gaze dropping to the photograph in his hands. He knew his father was right. His feelings for Samantha were unexplainable and it
Samantha's heart heavy with a mix of emotions. She couldn't bear to stay there, not after witnessing Tristan, flirting with their maid. The scene had left her feeling hurt, confused, and surprisingly jealous.She found herself walking aimlessly through the city, her mind a whirl of thoughts. Eventually, she found herself standing in front of Evelyn's house.Evelyn greeted her with a warm smile, quickly ushering her inside. "Sam, what brings you here? I thought you are busy with your work being Tristan's new secretary?" she asked, her voice filled with concern. She could tell something was wrong just by looking at her friend. Samantha took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. "I saw something... something I wish I hadn't," She proceeded to tell Evelyn about the scene she had witnessed earlier, about Tristan and the maid."That's so disgusting. They look like some kind of leeches!" Samantha threw herself on the couch. Evelyn looked at her curiously."Sam...is there's somet
"Sam... We need to talk." She could smell the faint scent of alcohol on him, as he approached her. "I'm sorry about what you saw earlier. It just—" Samantha cleared her throat and smile at Tristan. "Come on, Tristan. It's okay," she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. "You're free to do what you want. You're not obligated to explain your actions to me, brother..." Tristan's side of lips curved upwards, he wants her to know his part but he realized that maybe it might be better if he'll just take Gabriel serious advice. Besides he thinks that Samantha really wants to treat him as her step-brother. "Ah, yeah... You're right." He scratched the back of his head and strengthen his posture. "I just didn't want you to get the wrong idea." "By the way, I'm going upstairs. Goodnight," Samantha said as he nodded and watch her until she closed her door's room.The office was buzzing with activity, the sound of ringing phones and clicking keyboards filling the air. Trista
The table was lavishly set with an array of mouth-watering dishes, yet Samantha didn't know how she can act as if nothing is wrong between her and Tristan. "How's the taste?" Samantha's mother asked as she passed her a plate."That's delicious, darling! You're really talented at this!" Benjamin complimented his wife with the same tone he'd use to tell her how amazing her cooking was. She then turned to her daughter. "Samantha?" she snapped back to reality when she heard her mother's voice"Yes, Mom. It taste so good." With a warm smile, turned now to Tristan and asked,"How's the pasta, Tristan?" Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, eager to make him speak up since she noticed that something wasn't right with him. "It tastes good, too," he responded in a monotone, not making eye contact. She looked over to her husband with a look of concern in her eyes. "Son, it seems like you're facing a problem? Is it about work? Samantha, do you know something if your brother—"Benjamin, decide
"I-I know it's wrong to feel but ... I just can't help it." Tears escaped her eyes as she spoke. "What feeling? Sam, don't be afraid. Please, look at me," Tristan cupped her cheeks gently, wiped away her tears with his thumbs. Samantha sobbed quietly, her chest heaving up and down. "What's the problem?" he added. "Its myself, I am the problem, Tristan. I shouldn't tolerating this feeling. I hate it, 'cause you are not really the man I should 've fallen in love with. B-But it's already happened." "When your father told me that you should marry your business rival's sister to save the company, I felt...""I felt like my heart has stopped beating, because I can't stand the thought of you marrying someone else." As her last words died on her tongue and the tears continued to flow, while Tristan lips form into smile. Samantha looked at him confused. "So, you really have feelings for me?" he asked in a soft voice. His smile grew wider. "B-But I promised that I will not going to ruin y