"No, I will stay here on our apartment, Mom." Samantha turned her back om the kitchen counter and continued unpacking the groceries she bought. She's talking with her Mom though phone call since she's still with his stepfather celebrating their marriage out of the country.
"Honey... Don't you want to get along with your step-brother." Her hands tremble as she puts another bag into the fridge. Just by thinking that Tristan and her will live under the same roof it feels like a weight being put onto her shoulders that will be crushing her in the future."That would be a nightmare, Mom.""Sam... Don't talk like you know Tristan well already. He's a good man. He's hardworking, responsible. Even though he's really a workaholic man, you'll definitely enjoy being with him." Samantha rolled her eyes then whispered..."And he's definitely a play boy, more than a fuck boy.""What? I didn't hear you, Sam." She pursed her lips."N-Nothing, Mom. Just please don't worry about me. I'll be fine here. Just enjoy your honeymoon." Samantha hung up before her mom could say anything else. The moment the line disconnected, Samantha let out the breath she didn't realize she was holding.She tried to forget all the shits that's happening in her life. She hang out with Evelyn, they go to some places to get some rest to all her problems.It's another boring day for Samantha. She's adjusting the towel on her body, when she heard a knocked at the door. Her brows furrowed, wondering who's visiting her."Wait!" she called out loud before rushing to open the door."Sorry, I'm not dressed yet!" Samantha said hurriedly. Her hair was still wet from the shower, dripping onto the floor. She froze after seeing the man standing in front of her now."T-Tristan? What are you d-doing here?"His blue eyes were looking down at her. He's wearing a light grey sweater vest and gray slacks. She swallowed hard, she even doesn't know what to say next."Are you not going to invite me in?" Her left brow lift up. She immediately shook her head, thinking the past about him, she realized that it might be better not to welcome him inside her apartment."No, stay there! I-I'm just going to dress up." As Samantha closed the door, her eyes landed on her cleavage, and she run upstairs with a red face."Hello?""Evelyn, he's here!""What are you talking about, Sam?" Her hands begin to tremble."Who's there?""Tristan. He's here! He's in my apartment!""Really? Why?""Maybe he's there to confront me or to tell how easy to get I am after giving up my virginity to him?""Oh my gosh! Maybe he's also here to seduce me. What should I do? Should I grab a long blanket and pass through the window?" Evelyn laughs at her best friend's reaction."Why are you laughing, Evelyn?I am dying in panic here.""Why you're thinking that he's going to seduce you, Sam? And even if he do that, there's nothing to worry because that'll not going to affect you, unless..""He's your type and you're afraid that you can't resist him." Samantha rolls her eyes."Yuck! He's my step-brother, Evelyn.""That's the point, Sam....""So, you better act normal before he notice that you are acting weird. He might remember what happened between you and him on the past if you keep on reacting like that." Samantha nods slowly, her cheeks are still flushed.~Silence are the only things filling the room. It's been a minute when Samantha decided to let Tristan come inside her apartment, after he accused her of being unrespectful.She immediately stand up from sitting when she saw Tristan move a bit from the couch."Are you going now? Alright, I'll accompany you until the door." Tristan smirked because of what she said."We are not even started talking."Samantha crossed her arms, her mouth was pressed in a thin line. His smirk widened, thinking that she's acting so adorable right now."T-Then tell me now why you are here." She tries her best to act normal like what her best friend advice her to do. Tristan takes his place again on the couch. Samantha remains standing awkwardly in the middle of the living room while staring at him, waiting patiently for an explanation."Your Mom, told me to pick you up here. I need to go home with you. I don't want to disappoint her." Samantha bites her lower lip."We are already talk about that matter. So, you can go now, because I am not going with you." She fake her smile, as Tristan is trying to hold back a laugh."You may leave now," she added."Hey..." Tristan stands up abruptly, his hand reaches out to touch her shoulder. Samantha flinches a bit before taking a few steps backwards. Tristan noticed it."Hmm. You seemed tense. Is there's something wrong?" She shakes her head, and try to laugh, while looking down to avoid eye contact."I-I'm just worried. It's getting late, and I still need to compile all the requirements I'll submit for my work application.""I'll just talk to Mom about it, so you don't need to feel pressured.""A-And I know that you are a busy man, right?" Tristan can't helo but to chuckle a little."Actually, I'm not." Samantha's brows knitted. She doesn't know if Tristan really want to annoy her."Look...""If you're not busy then sorry to tell you but I have some important things to do than talking to you, okay?""I am going to repeat it. I am not going to leave here." Samantha sighed, she's ready to turn around and go upstairs again when her feet were glued to the ground after hearing the words she keeps on trying to avoid."If you are not going with me, then I'll tell to your Mom about our wild one night stand, Sam..." Tristan's deep voice saying her nickname made goosebumps form on her skin, as her hands turned into fist and he gave him a glared."Fine! I'll go with you!"Samantha secretly rolled her eyes while looking on the view outside Tristan's window car. She's sitting in the passenger seat after refusing to seat on the front seat beside Tristan. The space between them filled with long silence. Samantha glance at Tristan arms on the steering wheel, while tapping the fingers on the leather surface lightly. After some hours the car drove inside the tall gate that lead into a mansion.After parking the car outside the house, he turns off the engine and exit the vehicle first. Samantha immediately get out of the car, she didn't wait for him to open the door for her. "I can do that." Samantha get her baggages on Tristan's hands. He raises his eyebrows. "Follow me," Tristan simply stated and walked toward the mansion without saying anything more.They walk through the garden which leads to the grand entrance. There's a beautiful chandelier hanging from the ceiling illuminating everything around her. Samantha's eyes widen in awe as she took a few ste
"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
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
Samantha could hear the waves crash against her earlobe. Her skin seems hugging the coldness that's whispering in her surroundings. "Evelyn, where we actually are? Just make sure you have no hidden anger towards me that you are gonna drown me on the sea." Evelyn chuckle while she's acting as Samantha's support while walking and making sure that her friend will not going to removed her blindfold. "Nah, you can trust me for this, Sam!" Evelyn even giggled. After some time, they already stopped from walking, Samantha then sense that Evelyn already removed her hands from her shoulder. The silent of the surroundings made her heart race. "Evelyn? Should I remove it already?" She asked with a shaky tone, but Evelyn didn't answer her anymore so she decided to slowly removed the blindfold on her eyes. As she opened her eyes, the beauty of the night sky and the lights coming from the decorated lanterns was what greeted her eyes. But her eyes soon focus into one spot. It's a heart shape can
"Tristan, what should we do now?! My daughter's in danger," Nathalie said, panic seeping through her voice, while Evelyn is trying to calm her down. Benjamin then, is already calling some men to come and help to find where Viviana kept Samantha. "I c-can't afford to let her get killed!" Tristan jaw clenched, he quickly picked his car's key and jacket."Tristan, where are you going?" Benjamin asked his son. "Dad, I can't just wait here. I need to do something!" Tristan was about to step out of the mansion when his phone rang, and to their surprised when Tristan answer the video call, it's not only Viviana they see, instead she's with Kristoffer also. "Kristoffer?!" Nathalie can't believe what she's seeing. She even trusted Kristoffer to take care of her daughter, but now he's actually one of the kidnappers. "How dare you, Kristoffer?! Where did you take my daughter!? What have you done with her?!" "Oh, easy, Aunt Nathalie. She's there still breathing." The camera was being zoomed
"How could you do that to me, Viviana?!" Viviana quickly followed Tristan inside their home. "T-Tristan, babe... Please, let me explain.""Damn you! Explain what? Your lies? Maybe you can still fool me if ever I didn't follow Samantha to Kristoffer's house and I didn't hear and see all your lies. You are pregnant, huh?" He spat the last words like they were a curse word.Viviana froze for the second time, she's afraid, too scared that Tristan might just leave her, but she's more than angry, because if only Samantha didn't go there, maybe he won't follow her and discover the truth."So, from the start you are just fooling me? You fucking made me believe that we are really having a child!" Her hands curled into fists as she looked at the other side of the living room. "Tristan, I'm sorry okay? T-That's the only thing I can do to make you marry me." Viviana tried to grab his arm but Tristan pulled away and stepped backward. "And to get my wealth?" Viviana shook her head even it's too
"I'll just pay the bills, just wait me here?" Samantha smiled and nodded at Kristoffer. She can feel the furious gazed of Viviana towards her. She can actually hear her fingers tapping on the tap of the table. "If you are not really going to rest room, then we should go," she heard the words coming from Tristan. Its been half an hour since she's trying to control her hand from trembling because of undeniable nervousness. "No, I really want to, but I just really don't have a good feelings making you wait here." Samantha finally met Viviana's sight, who's not surprisingly still lingering on her. "Viviana..." Tristan whispered like the tone of his voice is fulll of tiredness. "Fine! I'll be back here quickly. Tristan, just sit there, and wait me, okay?" Viviana said while standing up from seating, and even looked back at Samantha with a warning look before walking into the hallway that leads to the rest room. When both of their lovers already out of the picture, Samantha could fee
"Tristan," Viviana approached Tristan and hugged him. She needs to act like a good wife again and not to trigger his anger towards him since their marriage is in a verge of failure because Samantha seems to be entering the picture again, especially now that Kristoffer also told her that before this month end, Samantha will be back here in New York and she doesn't like that news.She knows very well that Tristan is still in love with Samantha, and she won't let them be happy. "I-I'm happy that you are back. Look, I am sorry about our last fight. You don't have to stay away from me babe, especially that it's only a few months before I give birth." She gives him a small smile and caresses his cheek lovingly.Tristan stares at her silently for sometime and then sighs as he pinches the bridge of his nose. He looks tired, and Viviana knows that it's because of his hidden purpose at London. "I'm tired, Viviana. I want to rest." Despite the anger simmering inside of her, she still managed t
Samantha slowly opened her eyes, finding herself inside an unknown place she can't really recognize. Soon enough she realized that she's like in an apartment. She got up from lying on the bed, thinking how she somehow ends up here."Sam..." Her eyes widened as she heard a very familiar voice, the same time she saw Tristan standing by the door of the bedroom. Samantha quickly got up from the bed and find her purse and wear her shoes again. She's about to leave the room when Tristan approached her."Sam..." He hugged her, holding tightly on her waist. "Tristan!" She pushes him away. "What are you doing?! Let me go!" When their eyes met she immediately felt like he's hurt. His face shows that he wants to hold her more. Her heart beat more faster as Tristan held her hands, but she just pushed his arms.She's too shocked to opened her eyes and see him here, like all of this feels like a dreams. She doesn't know how to react, but her feelings can't deny that he's still have an effect on
"I hate him, Kris! But I hate your girlfriend more!" Viviana raised her voice, she's calling her brother, after Tristan left her and telling him about Tristan knowing the truth already that Samantha goes back to New York to witnessed their wedding. "Can you calm your ass, Viviana?" "Calm down? How can I calm down when he seems interested to know the reason why the fucking Samantha go there that time? What if... What if Tristan find her and leave me? I... I'm scared. I don't want any of this! You should have hide that girlfriend of yours and not let him see her," she said while sniffing. Kristoffer doesn't want to see his sister hurting especially because of Tristan because it made his blood boiled. He could do anything just to make her sister happy and no one could prevent him from doing that. "Stop crying, Viviana. I will make sure that Tristan is going nowhere near her and he can't just treat you like you are not his wife." Kristoffer told her with a serious tone and a cold voi
Viviana's bedroom was a sanctuary of luxurious fabrics and adorned with extravagant things, that cast a soft glow upon her surroundings. It was within this lavish haven that Viviana stood, her phone resting on a marble tabletop, its screen displaying Kristoffer's name.She pressed the speaker button, allowing her to still hear his voice, as she gazed upon her reflection in a grandiose mirror. The mirror, framed with ornate golden carvings is reflecting perfect body shape.Kristoffer's voice echoed from the phone, with a confident tone. The timbre of his voice reverberated through the room. "Of course, she can't do that to someone like me, Viviana," he proclaimed, there's an arrogance seeping into his words.She raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk dancing upon her lips as she turned away from the mirror, fixating her gaze on an exquisite vase of orchids. "Psh! You are too confident, Kris," she taunted, her voice tinged with amusement. "Are you sure she's not just using you to cover
"Tristan?" "What are you doing here? And I didn't invite you to come inside already!""Samantha's there during our wedding right?" Evelyn, didn't expect that from Tristan. She doesn't know how Tristan knew it. But then she need to stick on her promise as what Samantha request her to do and that's not to tell anyone about it."W-What are you talking about? How could Samantha possibly there that moment, do you think she'll come back here just for you?""Tristan, you ruined my best friend's life. You are the reason why she suffered from humiliation." "Please, Evelyn... Don't hide it anymore. Tell me, tell me why she was there during that time? Did she plan to stop our wedding because the truth is she still loves me, right?" Tristan's voice quivered with a mixture of desperation and hope. He was searching for answers, clinging onto the possibility that Samantha's presence meant something more than what he had initially believed.Evelyn bit her lip, her eyes darting around the room as if