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."Secondly, handle all my correspondence," ML continued, his eyes still focused on the screen. "Sort them according to priority and ensure that all urgent matters are brought to my attention immediately."Samantha nodded, quickly jotting down the information. When her phone suddenly vibrated, her best friend send her a message. Tristan finally looked away from the screen, his eyes trained on her. She's not sure if the intensity of his stare were supposed to intimidate her but she can feel it."What?" she asked softly. Tristan raised an eyebrow at her, before turning back to his laptop."You always seemed distracted." Samantha's eyes slightly looked at him questionably."What's really wrong with you?" She closed the notebook she's holding and wait for his response."Nothing," he said, his voice colder than ever."Let's just focus on the discussion." Samantha stood up with a creased brows."Come on, if you doesn't want to waste your time trying to teach me how to become your secretary, just tell me. You don't need to slap me with your coldness, Mr. CEO." Samantha huffed out as she get her bag, almost stepped towards the exit of Tristan's office when he suddenly grabbed her wrist, stopping her movements. Samantha looks at him again, this time with a questioning gaze."What?!" she said in irritation. Tristan closed his eyes firmly for a moment. He then took a deep sighed and walk closer to her. He thinks of a better explanation, one that would convince her without confessing the inner conflict he's facing silently right now."I'm...""...sorry.""Look, if you have any problem then tell me! Who knows I can even help you, beside what's the used of being your stepsister if you are going to keep acting so weird?" Tristan stand straight."I'm just dealing with some business rivals," he said though it's not really his reasons. Samantha's expression soften, she then nods in understanding."Hm, let's wrap up our discussion today." Tristan held her wrist again causing her to look up at him."We are going somewhere.""H-Huh?" He didn't respond, instead he opens the door and gestured her outside. Samantha follows him, confusion clear in her features."Wait! Tristan, tell me where we are going?" Tristan ignored her question, leading her to a parking lot. He walks towards his car and open the shotgun seat before taking his own place inside, leaving Samantha puzzled at his actions."If you're not gonna tell me where we are going, I will jump out of this car and-""We're going to one of my favorite restaurants," Tristan said, his voice softer than before. She looked at him in surprise. She was known him for being a workaholic person that's why she thought he doesn't care about having anything other than work done.The restaurant was a beautiful, upscale place with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Tristan led her to a private booth, pulling out her chair before taking a seat across from her.As they perused the menu, he shared stories about his previous visits to the restaurant. He spoke with a warmth and enthusiasm that was completely different from his usual cold demeanor. Samantha listened, fascinated by this new side of him."In fairness, you have a lot of personality," Samantha joked when they reached the end of their meal. Tristan's lips curled into a small smile but soon it disappeared again when he heard what Samantha said next."If you're just going to be like this everyday, then we will be in good siblings relationship." Tristan remained quite after that.After dinner, Tristan suggested they take a walk. They strolled through a nearby park, the city lights reflecting off the tranquil pond. The night was filled with laughter and shared stories. For the first time, Samantha saw a different side of Tristan. She saw a man who was passionate, warm, and caring."Gosh! I really enjoy the rest of this day!" Samantha exclaimed happily, looking up at the sky. Tristan smiled, his arms folded in front of his chest."Especially me, I always had to deal with many businesses issues, that 's why sometimes I forget that I can relax. It's nice, sharing a time together with you." Their eyes met. She saw a faint shade of pink in his cheeks when his eyes fell down on her lips.He move closer, his right palm gently touch her cheek, while his left hand hold her chin. Samantha's heart started racing. His breath tickled her cheek, making her lips part involuntarily, but before Tristan finally close the gap between them she stepped backwards, and tries to hide her embarrassment."Tristan, w-we should probably go home," she said. He blinked before sighing deeply. Tristan nodded."You're right." They are already walking towards the parking lot when his phone vibrated, it's his father who's calling him. Something that isn't usual."Why don't you answer? Samantha suggested. They both stop on their tracks."It just surprising that Dad called me. Just wait for me here, I'll just answer the call. Maybe it's an emergency." Tristan says and she just simply nodded her head.He walked away to his phone, his figure fading in distance."Hello, Dad? Why—""Come home now, Tristan Hilton. You need to explain something to me," his father's voice is stern. Tristan started to get confused. What could his dad possibly have to talk to him about, he's never been one to interfere in his life unless it concerns something major."Alright, I understand. I'll be right there." Tristan ended the call. He's thinking what's the reason behind his father coldness tone of voice as his eyes met hers.The city lights had dimmed, and the evening had given way to a peaceful night when Tristan and Samantha arrived home. As they stepped into the grand foyer, they found Benjamin, her stepfather, waiting for them."Good evening, D-Dad..." Samantha approached her stepfather as he stood before them, hands folded across his chest."Samantha, you must be tired. Why don't you go upstairs and rest?" Her stepfather suggested, his voice filled with fatherly concern. She nodded, her eyes meeting Tristan briefly before she ascended the staircase.Once she was out of earshot, Tristan's father turned to him, his expression serious."We need to talk," he said, his tone grave. He led Tristan into his study, the room filled with the smell of old books and leather.Benjamin sat behind his mahogany desk, his fingers drumming a steady rhythm on the polished surface. He produced a photograph from one of the drawers and slid it across the desk towards Tristan. It was a picture of him and Samantha at the park earlier that evening, their faces close, their expressions filled with an undeniable intimacy."What does it mean?" Tristan's jaw clenched as he meet his father's serious expression.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
The day was off to a rocky start. Tristan's business rival had pulled a fast one, causing a significant setback in his latest project. The office was buzzing with tension, the employees anxious about the future of the company.Tristan sat in his office, his face a mask of cold anger. He was known for his calm demeanor, but today, his anger was evident. He was furious at his rival, but more than that, he was angry at himself for letting his guard down when it comes to Samantha.Samantha's heart pounding on her chest, as she looked for the last time on the mirror inside the restroom. She'd done a little makeup, which didn't make her look tense. It's been just two days after the heated tension between them and her stepfather. She knew that since then Tristan's mood turned more cold. Even though she wants to explain that she only wants the best for him, she can't do that, because it will only make things even more complicated. And she has a job to do as her secretary, which means she'll