Chapter 9: With You

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.