In love with a black belt

Episode 6: Unspoken Feelings

It was a bright Saturday morning. The matron of the orphanage gathered the children and teens. She told them to help the cleaners because an important guest was coming.

“A rich businessman’s daughter will visit today,” she announced. “She wants to donate money to renovate this place.”

The news made everyone excited. Lydia and Aria hurried back to their room to clean up. All around the orphanage, children decorated, swept, and polished.

At Tristan’s House

Isabella sat beside her father and twisted his hand playfully. “Dad, please come with me to the orphanage today.”

Tristan raised an eyebrow. “Which orphanage?”

“The one fifteen kilometers from the dojo. I always walk with Aria from there. That’s how I hit my ten thousand steps.”

The name “Aria” made Tristan’s heart tighten. He tried to stay calm. “Which Aria?”

“Aria Winters,” Isabella answered. “The other day I visited her orphanage. Dad, the place is terrible. The ceiling is falling down, and the children don’t have much. I want to donate some of the money I won at the karate national competitions. At least my friend will have a better home. She is kind and sweet.”

Pride shone in Tristan’s eyes. “I’m proud of you, Isabella. You’re just like your mother.”

On the couch, Veronica scrolled through her phone. She rolled her eyes at his words.

“These are things only Alice cared about,” Tristan added softly. He kissed Isabella’s cheek. “I’ll come with you.”

That made Veronica snap. She stood up quickly. “Please take me too, Tristan,” she said in a high, squeaky voice. She tried to hold his hand, but he pulled away fast.

Veronica turned to Isabella instead. “Please, baby. Let me represent your mom.”

Isabella sighed. She didn’t want to argue. She agreed, even though she was already tired of Veronica’s behavior.

At the orphanage

Later, the small hall at the orphanage filled with children, caretakers, and the special guests.

Aria’s eyes widened when she saw who had arrived. Tristan. He looked perfect in a black suit, his white shirt open at the collar without a tie. He pretended to listen as the matron spoke, but his eyes kept searching the crowd. Searching for her.

Veronica noticed his restless eyes and frowned.

Isabella went to the stage. Tears fell as she spoke. She shared the pain of the children whose parents had left them. She thanked God for her father, who never abandoned her after her mother died.

Then it was Tristan’s turn. His deep voice filled the hall.

“I am blessed to have Isabella as my daughter. The way she cares for others is remarkable. I’m very proud of her.”

But as he spoke, his gaze found Aria among the girls. For a moment, the world went quiet. Aria lowered her head, shy and nervous. Lydia, standing beside her, noticed everything. She frowned. Could Aria be in love with Tristan’s son? That would explain her distraction. Lydia smiled to herself, convinced she knew the truth.

The event continued. Gifts were handed out including food, toiletries, blankets, and clothes.

The family walked around taking photos of the building. Veronica clung to Tristan’s hand, trying to act close, but his eyes drifted back to Aria. The moment Aria noticed, her eyes filled with tears. Tristan panicked and pulled his hand away from Veronica.

Aria rushed out of the hall and into the orphanage garden, a quiet place with tall trees and fresh air.

“I need to take a call,” Tristan told Veronica. He patted her back and left.

He searched the garden until he found Aria sitting under a tree, wiping her tears. When she saw him, she forced a smile.

“Why are you here?” she asked. “Your family is waiting inside.”

“I can explain… she is… she is—”

“Sir, why explain yourself?” she cut him off.

“I don’t want you to misunderstand me. Aria, I’m sorry about kissing you the other day.”

“It’s okay,” she whispered. “I’ve decided to focus on my studies. This is my last year of high school, and my last year living here. If I work hard, I can get into college. I have no one in this world. Only education or a job can give me a place to stay.” She tried to smile.

“Why give up?” Tristan asked gently. “You can balance studies and sports. Unless…” He paused, looking at her. “Unless there’s another reason you’re not telling me.”

She looked away. He reached for her hand. At his touch, her heart raced. She loved him,she knew it.

But it couldn’t be.

From a distance, Lydia saw everything. Her eyes widened in shock. She turned and quickly walked away.

Tristan’s voice broke the silence. “See you at the dojo tomorrow.”

“Sir, I can’t.”

“I wasn’t asking. I was telling you.”

Then he stood up and left her sitting there.

A few minutes later, Aria returned to the hall. She tried to look calm, though her mind was spinning.

Isabella handed the matron a large cheque. The room burst into cheers.

Soon after, Tristan and his family left.

Aria and Lydia walked back to their room in silence.