SAM POV 
I sat stiffly in the passenger seat, staring at the scenery zooming past the window. I didn't look at Tristan, who was driving and trying to get my attention or start a conversation. Each time he spoke, I felt annoyed but also strangely warm, yet I ignored him, my heart filled with too many worries to respond to his attempts to talk.
The idea that he had looked for me again, maybe just to restart something we once had, bothered me a lot. Was this just a game to him? The thought that I might be just another notch on his belt made me feel sick. Yet, a tiny part of me wondered if there might be something real under his playful side. But no, that seemed silly.
"Curse you, Tristan Buenaventura!" I whispered angrily to the passing wind. "You're just like him—like Xander. Another heartless monster hiding behind a charming face." The words tasted bitter in my mouth, the memory of Xander, another smooth-talker who left only pain behind, making me dislike Tristan's behavior even more.
I pressed a hand to my chest, feeling the sharp pain of tears starting to form. Why did this hurt so much? We had nothing, no commitments, no promises. Yet, the idea that I was just another name on his list hurt more than I wanted to admit.
"Because you're falling for him," the small, persistent voice in my head said. I snorted softly at the idea, shaking my head as if to clear it of such silly thoughts.
Me? Fall for him? That was ridiculous. But why did my heart race every time he was close? Why did his smile, even if it was brief, stick in my mind like it was there forever?
"I should just say 'No,'" I thought to myself, feeling a surge of defiance. But instead, I ignored Tristan's question, staring out the window. Why bother with him when it seemed like all he wanted was to charm his way back into my favor?
I couldn't shake the feeling that Tristan's sudden interest in me was just a trick to win me over, to get what he wanted. I wasn't going to be fooled again, not after what I went through with Xander. One encounter with that guy was enough to show me that some men were more trouble than they were worth.
"Hey Sam, are you okay?" Tristan's voice interrupted the silence, sounding concerned. "You're so quiet. Did I say something to upset you? Please, let me know, I'm worried."
I felt guilty at his genuine concern, but I pushed it aside. This was Tristan, after all—charming, charismatic Tristan—who could charm his way into anyone's heart with his smooth talk and charming smile. But I wasn't going to be fooled by him, not this time.
"I'm okay," I answered shortly, avoiding eye contact. "Just thinking."
Tristan frowned, unconvinced by my answer. "Sam, please," he pressed, his tone soft but persistent. "You can talk to me. Whatever's bothering you, I'm here to listen."
I clenched my jaw, annoyed by his persistence. Why couldn't he just leave me be? Didn't he get that I wasn't going to fall for his charm again?
Yet, despite my attempts to stay unaffected, I couldn't ignore the warmth his words stirred within me. Tristan had his flaws, but his concern felt genuine—a sincerity that softened my defenses, tempting me to let him in.
"I said I'm okay," I snapped, my tone harsher than I meant. "Just leave it, alright?"
Tristan went quiet, but his concern lingered in his eyes. I felt his gaze on me, silently urging me to confide in him. But I couldn't—not with Xander's betrayal still fresh in my mind, making it hard to trust anyone.
"Sam," Tristan called after me, his voice gentle but tinged with sadness. "Just know that I'm here for you whenever you want to talk."
"Concerned my ass," I muttered angrily as I stormed towards Tristan. His car had just pulled into the parking lot of my workplace, and I wasted no time in getting out. I couldn't stand another moment in his company, his presence only adding to the chaos in my mind.
I rushed towards the elevator, hoping to create some space between us, but Tristan was fast on my heels. Before I could reach the safety of the elevator, he slipped inside, the doors closing with a soft sound.
I cursed my luck silently as I felt him standing next to me, his closeness overwhelming in the small elevator. With no way to avoid it, I prepared myself for the conversation ahead.
"Sam, please talk to me," Tristan implored, his voice tinged with genuine worry. "What's wrong? If it's about what happened earlier at your house, I apologize. I didn't mean to upset you. Please, Samantha..."
I clenched my jaw, avoiding his eyes as I kept my focus ahead. "Why are you explaining yourself?" I asked tonelessly, my voice lacking any emotion. "What am I to you that my attention matters so much to you?"
Tristan sighed, the sound heavy with regret. "You mean everything to me, Sam," he admitted quietly, his words lingering in the air between us like a heavy fog. "I messed up, and I'm sorry. But I hate seeing you like this, shutting me out."
I turned to face him, my expression still blank despite the turmoil inside me. "You shouldn't apologize," I replied coolly. "There's no issue here, alright! So stop questioning if I'm okay and what's wrong with me, when everything is fine! Instead of asking me, why don't you ask yourself and reflect on why you're doing this?"
I don't want to be angry at people who make an effort for me, especially this man who waited at my house just to give me a ride, but maybe because I'm lost in my thoughts so much and I can't handle what I'm feeling anymore, I can't help it."