Tristan

I jolted awake, feeling as though I’d barely closed my eyes. The clock blinked 7:00 AM, and I groaned, frustrated by the restless night I’d had. Victoria’s visit and the way she seemed to fit so effortlessly into Grayson’s world had left a deep, uncomfortable mark on me.

Groggily, I made my way downstairs, where the house was eerily quiet. Grayson had already left for the office, and the solitude made my frustration feel even heavier.

Determined to channel my irritation into something productive, I decided to cook. As I prepared a quick breakfast of toast and scrambled eggs, my phone rang. I glanced at the screen and saw it was Riverview Hospital. I quickly wiped my hands and answered.

“Hello, Elina Spencer speaking.”

“Mrs. Spencer, this is Dr. Hayes from Riverview Hospital. I’m calling to inform you that your brother Dan’s condition has improved significantly. We’re seeing some positive changes.”

A wave of relief washed over me. “Oh, Dr. Hayes, that’s wonderful news! Thank you so much for letting me know. I’ll make sure to visit today.”

“We look forward to seeing you. Dan’s progress is encouraging, and we’re hopeful for continued improvement.”

After ending the call, I felt a bit more at ease. I finished my quick breakfast, then decided to drop off some lunch for Gray. It was my way of making sure he had a good meal and maybe brightening his day a little.

I grabbed the lunch I’d prepared, which included a simple yet delicious dish of Spanish-style stuffed bell peppers. It was warm and hearty, perfect for a midday break.

As I approached Gray’s office, the familiar hum of the bustling office environment gave way to a quieter, more intimate scene. I noticed through the glass walls that Grayson was seated at his desk, but it wasn’t the usual solitary figure I expected. Instead, he was sharing lunch with someone, and as I drew closer, I could see her clearly.

Victoria.

The sight struck me immediately. She was leaning in, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm, while Gray’s laughter filled the room with a warmth that felt almost tangible. They were engaged in what appeared to be a lively conversation, their faces illuminated with genuine happiness and relaxation.

Grayson looked effortlessly charming, his usual confident demeanor enhanced by the easy camaraderie between them. Victoria, for her part, seemed perfectly at ease, contributing to the exchange with a playful smile and animated gestures.

A pang of jealousy and discomfort twisted in my chest as I watched them. The scene before me felt like a cruel echo of the night Victoria had visited us. The same unsettling emotions rose within me, a complex blend of sadness and frustration.

Why was it that this woman, who had so rudely intruded into our lives, seemed to fit so seamlessly into this part of Gray’s world?

Oh, yeah. I forgot. They were childhood friends—That’s more of childhood sweethearts.

I tried to steady my breath, forcing myself to remember that I had no claim to how Grayson interacted with others, even if it felt deeply personal. It was difficult to reconcile the image of their camaraderie with the bitterness of my own feelings. My stomach churned as I felt an overwhelming sense of displacement.

I took a deep breath, willing myself to remain composed. There was no point in confronting the situation now, especially when I knew it wouldn’t change anything. I had come here to deliver lunch and support Grayson, not to get entangled in my insecurities and assumptions. It was clear that this was a moment for them, and intruding on it would only heighten my own discomfort.

I turned away, feeling a lump in my throat as I tried to ignore the unease gnawing at me. I headed towards Macey’s desk, forcing a polite smile as I approached, “Hi, Macey. I’ve brought some lunch.”

Macey looked up with a friendly smile. “Oh, thanks, Mrs. Spencer. I’ll make sure this gets to Mr. Spencer, I think he has a visitor,”

“Oh, no. Have it for yourself, Grayson has his own food now, don’t worry about it, it’s okay, he told me he had a visitor, and I’m also running lat to my appointment,”

“You don’t have to, but thanks! Take care on your way back,”

I nodded and handed her the container with a forced smile. “No problem. I’ll leave you to it.” With that, I turned and walked out, my heart heavy and my mind racing. I needed to step away from this moment, to clear my head and regain my composure before the day wore on.

After leaving Gray’s office, I felt an unsettling heaviness in my chest. I knew I needed to regain my composure, so I decided to visit my brother, Dan, at Riverview Hospital. Even though he was asleep, I wanted to be there for him in any way I could.

I quietly entered his room and pulled up a chair beside his bed. The room was much quieter now compared to before, with no machines or equipment beeping incessantly. Just the gentle rise and fall of his chest as he slept.

“Hey, Dan,” I whispered, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. “I missed you. It’s been a tough day, but I’m here now. I just wanted you to know that I love you and I’m thinking of you.”

I sat there for a while, the room filled with a peaceful silence that I cherished. Even though he didn’t respond, it was comforting to be near him, to feel like I was still a part of his recovery journey.

After leaving the hospital, I decided to visit my parents’ grave. It was a serene spot, with flowers gently swaying in the breeze. I knelt beside their resting place, placing a fresh bouquet of roses on the grave.

“Mom, Dad,” I began, my voice soft and filled with emotion. “I miss you both so much. Things have been hard lately, and I wish you were here to help guide me. I hope you’re watching over us, and I promise to keep trying my best, for you and for myself.”

With a final prayer, I stood up and took a deep breath. I always found solace in visiting their grave, and today was no exception. It gave me the strength to move forward, even when things felt overwhelming.

Next on my agenda was buying some new clothes for my upcoming job. I had always enjoyed shopping, but today, it felt more like a necessity to refresh my wardrobe. As I made my way to the mall, the sky darkened unexpectedly, and soon, rain began to pour heavily.

I dashed towards the nearest store, but the downpour was relentless. Just as I was considering how to handle the situation, I saw a familiar face approaching. It was Tristan, Grayson’s cousin, who I had had a few awkward encounters with in the past.

Tristan pulled up in his car, his expression a mix of surprise and concern. “Elina? What are you doing out in this storm?”

I sighed, feeling a bit embarrassed. “Just caught in the rain, I guess. I was on my way to buy some clothes and now I’m completely soaked.”

Tristan chuckled, shaking his head. “Well, you’re in luck. I’m headed that way too. How about I give you a ride? You look like you could use some dry clothes.”

I hesitated for a moment, remembering our less-than-stellar interactions in the past. But the rain was relentless, and I didn’t want to stand around getting wetter. “Alright, thanks. I could use a ride.”

He handed me a spare jacket he had in the car. “Here, put this on. It’s not the warmest, but it’ll keep you dry for now.”

I took the jacket gratefully and slipped it on, feeling a bit more comfortable. “Thanks, Tristan. I appreciate it.”

As we drove to the mall, I noticed Tristan’s usual demeanor—playful yet kind. We exchanged a few light-hearted comments about the weather and our mutual dislike for unexpected rainstorms. Despite the awkwardness of our past encounters, it was oddly comforting to have someone to talk to, even if it was Tristan.

When we arrived at the mall, I thanked him again. “I really appreciate the ride. I was about to be drenched and miserable.”

Tristan grinned, a mischievous glint in his eye. “No problem. It’s always nice to help out a friend, even if it’s someone who’s had a rough start with me.”

I smiled, grateful for his unexpected kindness. “Well, I guess we’re even now. I’m going to head inside and do some shopping.”

Just as I was about to leave, my stomach let out a loud growl. I blushed, feeling embarrassed. “Uh, sorry about that. I didn’t realize I was so hungry.”

Tristan laughed heartily. “No need to apologize. Why don’t we grab a bite to eat before you go shopping? There’s a great little diner nearby.”

I hesitated, but the idea of food was too tempting. “Okay, that sounds good. Lead the way.”

We went to the diner, and over a meal of hearty sandwiches and fries, the atmosphere felt surprisingly relaxed.

Tristan and I continued our playful banter, and I found myself enjoying his company more than I expected. Maybe things between us didn’t have to be so awkward after all.