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 room is tense, and both Tristan and Samantha look surprised and uncomfortable."O-kay?" Samantha immediately push Tristan away from her and adjusted the skirt she's wearing."I-I didn't mean to interrupt..." he trails off, unsure of how to handle the situation. Samantha quickly sidesteps more from Tristan, a blush spreading across her face."H-Hi!" Samantha even tried to wave his hand, though she doesn't know the guy. Tristan clears his throat. Gabriel raises an eyebrow." I just came by to catch up, but it seems like you're busy," he says, trying to lighten the mood. Samantha gives Gabriel a grateful smile, hoping that he's not making a big deal out of the situation."N-No! By the way, I am Tristan's new secretary and h-his stepsister." Gabriel titled his head trying to remember where he saw Samantha."Oh, yeah! I already saw you on your mother's wedding. Great to see you again. I'm Gabriel." He's about to extend his hand but Tristan speaks."Samantha, just come back here later. You may familiarize yourself to the place first. Gabriel and I would have some conversations.""Ah, s-sure!" Samantha hurriedly said, leaving the two men. Tristan lets out a sigh and runs his hands through his hair as if it was bothering him.Gabriel and Tristan sit across from each other, sipping their coffees. Gabriel is the one who breaks the silence. He has a mischievous grin on his face, clearly enjoying the opportunity to tease his friend."Hmm... Don't you have something to tell me, Tristan?" he begins, his eyes twinkling with amusement."Care to explain what I just witnessed over there, bro?" Tristan's lips first turned into a small 'O' then he sighs, rolling his eyes at his friend's teasing. He already knows what's running in his friend's mind."Look, I don't want to talk about this. And there's nothing to explain." Tristan takes another sip of his drink. Gabriel puts his cup down, crossing his arms and looking at his best friend expectantly."You know, Tristan," he says."I'm not as clueless as you think," he added causes Tristan to feel a little bit nervous. Thinking if his friend know about his past with Samantha though he doesn't talk about it with him."It was obvious you were flirting with your stepsister, Tristan!""Tsk! What are you talking about Gabriel Wilson? There's nothing flirtatious about what you've seen." Gabriel rolls his eyes at Tristan's denial and continues to say."Come on, I'm your best friend, I already known you for—""Shut up, bro! We are family and family don't fuck or flirt with each other." Gabriel raised an eyebrow at Tristan and took a deep breath."You have a point. Sheesh! Sorry, bro. What if I make her my fling?" Tristan's face turned serious."You better not, Gabriel.""Wow! Easy, bro. The way you look at me seems like you're gonna kick me through the window of your office.""Whatever, Gabriel. I am just concerned what her mother would think if you pursue your plan. I'm the one whom asked her mother to look after her. Since I'm her step-brother and I'm older than her." Gabriel gave Tristan an incredulous stare and burst out laughing."Really, huh? Okay, then... You are now the perfect stepbrother," he said between laughter, while holding his stomach. Tristan rolled his eyes.After sometime, Gabriel bid his goodbye to Tristan. He then wait for her to comeback as what they had talked earlier. His brows started to furrow as time passes by, and he was getting impatient when her finally walked out of the office with a frown on her face."Tsk! Don't tell me she's enjoying being a tourist here in my company?" he muttered to himself.As he walked down the corridor, his gaze fell on Samantha. She was surrounded by a group of her male colleagues, her laughter echoing through the hallway. For the meantime he couldn't help but stare at her.She looked absolutely gorgeous. Her eyes sparkling with joy. Tristan couldn't help but stop in his tracks, a strange feeling washing over him. But then there's a part of him that can't take seeing him happily interacting with other men, so he decided to walk towards them while wearing his cold stare."What's going on here?" he asked, his voice louder than he intended. The group turned towards him, their laughter fading away. Samantha's eyes also darted at him."Hm, we are talking?" she even say with a cocky tone. It annoyed him more. The fact that she wasn't bothered by his presence only irritated him further.Tristan looked at her, his gaze hard. He couldn't explain why, but seeing her so happy with her employees made him feel a pang of discomfort."We are just having some chat with each other, Sir. It's surprising that Ms. Samantha is not just a pretty lady, she's also an approachable one," one of the guys spoke up."Break's over, everyone," he said, his voice stern as Samantha's eyes turned wide open when Tristan grabbed her wrist and they began walking there away.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
The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow on Tristan and Samantha. She was the one who woke first, as she noticed an unfamiliar scent surrounding her. Her eyes landed on her naked body as she immediately sat up on her bed and fixed herself, just to hurriedly leave him there. Evelyn, her friend looked at her in disbelief with sympathy. "What you did is indeed wrong, Sam... What if your parents know about what happened between the both you? Do you think everything will still be alright?" Evelyn said worriedly."I tried to avoid him, Evelyn. I really did walk away from him to save our relationship as a step siblings. I do my best to resist the desires I am feeling towards him, Evelyn. B-But...""But you still end up on that situation? Come on, Sam! You committed a sin." "I never wanted this, Evelyn. But my heart easily gave in especially when he also confessed her feelings for me." "That doesn't sound good, Sam..." Evelyn sighed and rubbed the bridge of her
"I can't find my desired choice, so I'll stay here without doing anything on what you want." Samantha's eyes widened on Tristan's answer. Though she doesn't want to feel relief and happy inside, she can't help herself. "Excuse me." The same time Tristan opened the door, it's her mother standing outside."Oh? I'm just finding you, Benjamin. But looks like you are having a meeting here." Her mother smiled at them, unaware about the tension on the surroundings. "Tris—" Samantha's mother try to called him, but Tristan quickly stepped out. Samantha swallowed hard. "What happened? Did you two quarrel over something, darling?" Tristan's father glanced at her, before turning to Samantha again, who's hands are getting cold. I know what her stepfather looks wants to say. Even though he still treat her softly after what he knew, she can feel that he's not pleased with the thought of her possibly having feelings with Tristan. "I-I will convince, Tristan. Mom, D-Dad, excuse me." Without sparin