SAM POV
I couldn't sleep all night, his words echoed in my mind. "He'll fight for me," I whispered, feeling both comforted and tormented by his promise of unwavering devotion.
He had stirred up emotions I hadn't felt in ages. It was Tristan who had this effect on me. My heart fluttered every time he did something that touched me, even a simple gesture.
I turned on my side, hugging my pillow tight as I tried to make sense of my feelings. Why was my heart reacting this way? Why did his words affect me so much? I had been through so much, had built walls around my heart to protect myself. But Tristan, with his gentle words and sincere gestures, had managed to breach those walls.
 
A sigh escaped my lips as I closed my eyes, trying to calm my racing heart. I didn't want to admit it, but I knew deep down that my heart was responding to him, to his genuine care and concern. Every kind gesture, every comforting word, sent my heart into a frenzy.
 
But admitting it meant risking getting hurt again. It meant taking a leap of faith. Was I ready for that? Could I trust another man, trust myself, to navigate this uncertain path?
"Oh no, not again," I scolded my stubborn heart, feeling it speed up at the memory of Tristan's actions from yesterday. "We can't do this. We've been through enough pain, enough heartache. Why do you insist on finding happiness in the riskiest places?"
My heart, though, was stubborn. It seemed to have its own plan, disregarding my cautions and delighting in the warmth of cherished memories. Each beat resonated with his name, Tristan, and the emotions he stirred in me.
I had to stop this. I couldn't let my heart drag me down a familiar road, one filled with heartbreak and letdowns. I pushed myself to find solace in sleep, hoping it would offer the relief I craved.
Thankfully, sleep came, enveloping me in its comforting embrace. It was a short-lived escape, a momentary break from the inner chaos. Drifting into dreams, I felt a peace wash over me, a calmness I hadn't felt in ages.
When I woke up, everything seemed clearer, like the fog in my mind had lifted. Sunlight streamed through the window, bathing everything in warmth. It was a new day, a chance for a fresh start, and I was determined to seize it.
The next morning, I woke up suddenly, feeling a sense of urgency as I realized I was running late. I hurried through my morning routine, skipping breakfast to catch the second round of the jeep. I was so focused on my rush that I didn't notice the unusual sight outside until I was about to leave the house.
I froze as I saw the fancy car parked in front of our house. It was an odd sight in our modest neighborhood, standing out among the simple houses and narrow streets. But what truly caught my attention was the figure leaning against the car, his gaze fixed on our house. 
Tristan.
My heart, that disloyal organ, jumped at the sight of him. It seemed to dance in my chest, celebrating the unexpected encounter. "Not now," I silently begged it, but it ignored my plead.
Tristan looked as attractive as ever. The morning sunlight highlighted his features, casting a golden glow on his skin. His eyes held a softness that I hadn't noticed before, a warmth that touched my heart.
He was waiting for me. The realization hit me like a wave, leaving me speechless. Why was he here? What did he want? Questions swirled in my mind, each one more confusing than the last.
"Tristan?" I called out, my voice barely audible. I approached him, my mind filled with a blend of astonishment and curiosity. "You're here?"
Tristan gave me a charming smile, his eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "Of course, I'm here," he replied, his tone tinged with amusement. "I couldn't miss the chance to see you again."
"Really?" I muttered quietly, clearly annoyed.
"Are you heading out?." Hercules asked with a smirk as I walked closer, closing the gap between us.
"Isn't it obvious?" I snapped back, more sharply than I meant to. My reply made him chuckle softly, which annoyed me even more.
"And why are you here? Don't you have a job, or are you just here to bother me?" I demanded, folding my arms across my chest.
Tristan chuckled softly again, clearly amused. "Relax, I'm just here to give you a ride."
"Fetch me? What am I, a kid?" I snapped back, my annoyance increasing. "Can you go now because you're wasting my time; I'm going to be late!"
He chuckled again, his eyes twinkling playfully. It was a laugh that annoyed yet interested me. I couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking. Why did he find what I said so funny?
I tried to walk past him, but quickly, he reached out and grabbed my wrist, pulling me close. My heart skipped a beat, pounding hard in my chest.
"I’m here to drive you. Also, I need to tell the old man why you weren't at work yesterday," he said, looking straight into my eyes.
"Oh, if that's true, then why are you still holding my hand?" I asked, attempting to pull my arm free, but his hold was tight.
"I don’t want you to run away again. Last time, you disappeared before I could stop you. If you go missing today, I’ll go crazy looking for you," he said seriously, letting go of my wrist.
What? Did I hear that right? He doesn't want to lose me again? But why? Is he falling in love with me?