Chapter 6: Work Offer

"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.