Chapter Twenty-Three: The Feeling Is Mutual
1030 Words
It was a Saturday, and Lyndsay woke up early. Tristan had promised to take her out for a trip. There was a waterfall within Hacienda Leviste that he used to visit often.
Lyndsay's heart was filled with excitement. At last, she and Tristan would have some time for themselves. Her husband was always busy, constantly traveling between the mansion and Manila throughout the weekdays.
Tristan's stay at the mansion had been good for Don Manuel. The old man's condition had improved significantly. Aside from his heart disease, he was also getting older and often felt weak and exhausted.
Because of Tristan, however, he recovered more quickly. Having his grandson around made him happier and more energetic.
They rode an e-bike to reach the waterfall. Lyndsay could not ride a horse because she was pregnant, so Tristan promised that they could go horseback riding another time.
The waterfall seemed to have become a tourist attraction within the hacienda. There were stairs leading down to the river and the falls, as well as several cottages where visitors could relax and unwind.
Tristan placed the basket of food he had brought on a bamboo table.
Lyndsay looked around in amazement. She had never imagined that such a beautiful place existed right inside the hacienda.
The weather was pleasantly cool, thanks to the trees surrounding the area.
"So, what do you think? Do you like it?" Tristan asked.
"O-of course... It's beautiful here, Tristan. T-thank you for bringing me here," Lyndsay replied, almost stuttering.
She could feel her ears burning, and she knew she was blushing.
They sat together on a bamboo bench. Lyndsay found it difficult to breathe properly. Every glance from Tristan made her feel as if she were melting, and every accidental touch of their skin sent warmth through her body.
Then Tristan gently held her chin and brought his lips to hers.
His lips tasted faintly of mint, and every time he kissed her, Lyndsay felt intoxicated.
She never expected that in such a short time, this man would have such a powerful effect on her.
Whenever he touched her, she felt completely helpless, as though her body could do nothing but respond to him and follow wherever he led.
If marrying a man you barely knew was considered madness, then perhaps she truly was crazy.
But an even greater madness was the fact that Lyndsay's heart was slowly falling for a man who had never promised her love.
Everything had been clear from the beginning.
They got married for the baby.
When their lips finally parted, Lyndsay could not bring herself to meet his gaze.
"Lyndsay... thank you for coming into my life. Thank you for giving me a child. I promise that I will never abandon you and our baby," Tristan whispered.
His words soothed her heart.
Being with Tristan made Lyndsay feel as though she had finally found the peace she had not felt in a very long time—not with any of the men she had dated before.
She gently caressed her husband's face. Every time she looked at him, she could still see traces of sadness in his eyes. She could sense that he carried wounds from his past, though she had no idea what they were.
"Tristan... would you mind... I-I just wanted to ask you something, if that's okay?" she asked hesitantly, afraid of ruining the moment.
But instead of answering, Tristan simply kissed her again.
Before she knew it, the kiss deepened, and it became obvious that her husband wanted more.
Tristan gently kissed her neck and trailed soft kisses down to her shoulders.
Realizing where things were heading, Lyndsay quickly reminded him before they both got carried away.
"Tristan... not here, please," she whispered, her cheeks burning.
"Oh... s-sorry... sorry..." he said with a sheepish laugh.
"It's just hard to resist. Baby, I'm sorry. Did I stress Mommy out?" he joked, letting out a soft chuckle.
Lyndsay did not know whether to laugh or scold him.
"Okay, love. Later, then. Promise?" Tristan whispered near her ear, teasing her.
Lyndsay sighed inwardly.
What exactly did he mean by "later"? Was he really planning to continue what they had started once they returned to their room?
Tristan took some fruit out of the basket and carefully sliced an apple before handing it to her. He said it was good for both her and the baby.
They had also brought fresh coconut juice, one of Lyndsay's biggest cravings. She requested it so often that Tristan always made sure to have some ready for her.
"Lyndsay... can you tell me more about yourself?"
"Like what? That's the first time I've ever heard you ask me that," she teased.
"I want to know you better. I mean, I should get to know the mother of my child, shouldn't I?" Tristan said seriously.
His words suddenly made her self-conscious.
Her husband was becoming more eager to know her.
Then, without warning, Tristan spoke again.
"Well... I think... I think I'm falling in love with you, Lyndsay."
She froze.
She could not answer immediately.
It felt strange. They were already married, yet only now was the father of her child confessing his feelings.
"I'm serious, Lyndsay. Please don't feel pressured. You don't have to answer me right now. I just want you to know that everything I've shown you is real. I truly love you, Lyndsay."
Her heart overflowed with emotions.
Before she realized it, tears were already streaming down her face.
Tears of joy, perhaps.
"Love... I'm sorry. Did I surprise you?" Tristan asked worriedly. Concern was written all over his gentle face.
Lyndsay placed both hands on his cheeks and softly kissed the lips that always seemed to tempt her.
She gazed deeply into his eyes.
"I love you too, Tristan. I never expected it, but somehow... it just happened."
The happiness on Tristan's face was indescribable.
For the first time, Lyndsay saw the sadness in his eyes replaced by genuine joy.
She wrapped her arms tightly around him.
Now she knew.
Her heart had learned to love again.
It had never truly turned to stone after all—not even after Marcus betrayed her.
- Writer
