Several Years Before

A teenage boy sat quietly in a luxurious burial complex with teary eyes. His hand reached out, continuing to stroke the gray gravestone bearing Andrew John Quartararo. Although the feeling of sadness pierced even the heart like a sting, he was as strong as possible to hold back tears.

Just keep praying so that the late father who has just been buried can go quietly. "Come on, Tristan. Don't be sad. I'm sure Papa will be happy in heaven."

The beautiful woman named Gracia Quartararo looked tough. Although her cheeks were still wet from the tears, she tried to look strong in front of her only son.

Certainly not easy. Moreover, she had to lose the husband she loved so much in a car accident. The man who gave a cheerful smile in the morning while asking for permission to go to work had to return home lifeless.

"There is Mama who will continue to take care of you, son. Mama promises to continue to accompany you until you get old." Gracia continues to try to strengthen the child's heart so as not to dissolve in sadness. She knew that her son was close to her husband.

Moreover, Andrew is a father figure that Tristan has admired so far. However, a promise is just a promise. Three months after Andrew pass away, it was Gracia's turn to leave Tristan like her husband.

The beautiful woman had a heart attack while attending an important meeting in her office. Can imagine how broken the heart Tristan, who was not even 20 years old, had to lose both of his parents in the near future. At a young age, he was forced to survive in the face of the harsh world.

"Tristan, don't cry. You are not alone in this world. There is still Uncle Raphael who will look after and care for you. Uncle promises never to leave you once."

Tristan, who had been looking down, immediately looked up. With a sad expression, the young man shook his head slowly.

If he had managed to stop himself from shedding tears at the time of Andrew's death, this time, he couldn't take it anymore. The clear crystal was, in fact, already flowing so fast that it covered both of his cheeks. Fuck, people want to think of him as a crybaby or something.

"Don't promise me anything, Uncle. It's enough for Papa and Mama to leave me. I don't want everyone I love one by one to just leave my life."

"No."

Raphael shook his head back, then stretched out his right hand and patted Tristan's shoulder repeatedly. Strengthen the man's heart so as not to continue to dissolve in sadness.

"Uncle promises not to die before making you successful. Uncle is determined to help you reach the world into your hands. Make the Foxtail Corporations that Andrew has worked so hard to raise again to prosper and thrive. Moreover, you also have to repay the people who have done evil. to your family."

Tristan's hands immediately clenched into fists. Raphael's words just now managed to stir his emotions.

It's true what his uncle said. He can't stay in the dark forever. He had to get up soon. Because after this, there is a challenging task that awaits.

From the front of his parents' graves, Tristan promised in his heart that he would become a successful and unrivaled person. Once all can be obtained, he will make calculations for anyone who has destroyed his family.

"Sooner or later, I have to avenge what they did, Uncle. I will make the Walters family suffer as much as I am feeling right now."

Raphael smirked. The corners of his lips lifted high.

"Of course, son. You deserved to do that. Even after the fatal accident that killed your father, until this moment Alfonso didn't even show his nose to apologize. Maybe he and his family have gone abroad."

The man then patted Tristan's shoulder gently, and then after that, he cheered again.

"From this moment on, Uncle promises to always be by your side. Uncle will also turn you into a truly formidable man in both business and everyday life."

After that, Raphael got up first. Seconds later, he reached out, asking Tristan to get up from his seat too. The two then decided to leave the cemetery complex. He was heading to Tristan's house to start all the plans prepared in such away.

***

A few years later.

Dear Tristan, My Beloved Son.

If you are reading this letter, it means that Mama is no longer by your side.

Do not be sad.

Never feel alone in the slightest.

Remember! There's Uncle Raphael beside you. He will guide you to make your dreams come true one by one.

Mama believes Uncle Raphael can maintain and make you a strong, invincible, even so the significant person in the business world later.

When all of that materializes, Mama's one message, Don't forget the people who have destroyed our family. You have to remember that Alfonso is fully responsible for Papa's death. Once you have it all, Mama, please, crush the man to nothing.

Mama believe you can do it all.

Here, Mama will always watch over you and take care of you.

Love Mama.

*

Tristan stared blankly at the white paper in his right hand. His chest felt tight again when he remembered the events of his parents' deaths one by one. Many years have passed, but still, the feeling of sadness can't just go away.

Sometimes, in the dark of night, Tristan still cries over the departure of his father and mother. He even had thought of wanting to die to catch up with the two of them.

"Don't be crazy, Tristan. Don't ever waste your life doing something ridiculous like this. You can't give up, let alone commit suicide. That man isn't a crybaby! If you die, who will avenge your parents?"

Raphael seemed to exclaim in disappointment. He knew that the man he had cared for all this time was in deep pain. However, not a single thought crossed his mind that Tristan was so desperate to try to end his life.

"Remember, Tristan, and you have to be a strong person and be able to rise when faced with any problems that arise. Not a crybaby, let alone weak like now. Uncle is willing to bet, and you won't succeed if you continue to fall into a slump like this!"

If Raphael hadn't been by his side and kept trying to be strong, Tristan might have gone mad long ago. How can he stand that he is still very young and has to accept the tragic fate repeatedly? When people of his age seem to be enjoying their time playing, it's 180 degrees different from him. He must study diligently.

Maximize hisself so that he can immediately graduate from college and master the basics in the business world at the same time. He did everything he could to prove to the world that he was able to achieve what he had longed for.

"Tristan, are you in there?"

There was a knock on the door with a call. Seconds later, a young woman entered wearing casual clothes. Stepping forward, she approached the position where Tristan was sitting. "What's wrong, Aurora?" asked Tristan without looking back. His eyes were still locked on the sheet of a letter in his right hand.

"Papa called you. He asked us to have dinner together. I hope you don't refuse."

Tristan nodded. Without much thought, he immediately got up. Then followed the woman's steps toward the dining room. Raphael was already sitting there waiting for the two of them. The man invited Tristan to take a position in front of him immediately.

"Sit down. Miriam has cooked your favorite tenderloin steak. Uncle knows you haven't eaten anything since this afternoon. Actually, what are you thinking?" Raphael inquired. He asked while handing the orange juice to the man he considered his child.

Over the years of taking care of Tristan, Raphael has memorized everything he likes to everything his best friend's son doesn't like.

"I'm just missing Mama and Papa, Uncle. Since a few days ago, I've been dreaming of the two of them often," replied Tristan with a downcast face. A sad expression was etched on his handsome face.

"It's OK, kid," said Raphael. “How about tomorrow morning we visit your parents' graves first?"

"Tomorrow morning?" repeated Tristan. Hearing Raphael's words, he immediately looked up. Gazing into the face of the uncle who was so sincere. "Is that possible?"

Raphael smiled, then nodded. "Of course. Uncle thought, there must be a lot you want to tell them. Especially about your recent achievements. Uncle also believes that Andrew and Gracia must be very proud that their son is now able to rise and achieve his dreams one by one."

"Uncle is right. I have to tell them that I can't wait to repay all of Alfonso's actions."

Raphael smiled. He was so pleased to see the sparkle of enthusiasm on the face of the man he had educated for years.

All of Raphael's efforts have finally yielded maximum results. Seen one by one the achievements that Tristan got recently.

"You should also tell Andrew and Gracia about your planned engagement to Aurora."

Tristan immediately nodded. Not the slightest bit of protest when Raphael recently planned an engagement between himself and his uncle's only daughter. Maybe marrying Aurora could pay off all the debt Raphael had given him.

Tristan was nothing if it was his uncle who didn't help. After all, Aurora is also a kind, intelligent, independent, and polite woman.

There's nothing wrong with marrying this woman. Matters of love can be discussed later. Tristan is sure that the feeling of love will gradually come naturally when they are officially together.

"Of course. I will tell everything to the late Papa and Mama. I'm also sure they will agree with my decision."

Tristan then turned to Aurora, who was sitting next to him. Throwing a sincere smile and then choosing to eat the food that has been served

Flashes of flash were immediately apparent when Tristan, Raphael, and Aurora entered the auditorium in the Foxtail Corporation building. All journalists seemed to be competing to cover the process of inaugurating the CEO, who in the future will lead the largest construction company in the United Kingdom.

Tristan, dressed in a navy suit, sat quietly next to Raphael. There wasn't the slightest hint of nervousness on his handsome face. After years of study, apprenticeship, and direct involvement in various tenders with Raphael, Tristan continues to try to convince all shareholders and company officials.

At the age of only 25, he is trying to prove to everyone that he deserves to be in the position his father once held. After two general shareholders' meetings, an agreement was finally reached that Tristan was indeed worthy of the position. For this reason, today, he will be officially inaugurated by the commissioners to carry out his duties correctly immediately.

"Thank you for your presence and the trust that the higher-ups of Foxtail Corporation have given me."

Tristan was now standing confidently in front of the pulpit. Gives his first speech as a CEO. Meanwhile, the media crew present immediately scrambled to capture the best moments from Tristan.

He has indeed attracted the broader public's attention in the past year because of his breakthroughs in the business world. Whatever it is when it comes to Tristan, it must be very in demand for news.

"As a newbie in the business world, of course, it is an honor for me to occupy the CEO position. I have high hopes that after leading this company, Foxtail Corporation will continue to grow. To become the only multinational construction company whose activities have shot up to various parts of the world."

The sound of applause from all the participants in the meeting could be heard filling the room. Flashes of camera lights hit Tristan, who was so fiery in explaining his vision and mission after being officially appointed leader.

"As the new CEO, what's the first thing you're going to do with this company?" asked one of the reporters.

Tristan smiled then answered so calmly. "Recently, I agreed to joint venture offers with several large companies from the Middle East to build the tallest building globally. I am optimistic that this project can be completed on time. international business scene."

Everyone clapped again. So many were amazed by Tristan's flexibility in explaining and dealing with the many questions asked. He looked relaxed, as if he didn't have the slightest burden.

"About the couple..." one of the reporters asked another question. "Does Mr. Tristan already have a potential partner and intends to end his single life soon? Given your current popularity, there must be a lot of women out there waiting in line to become a wife."

Again, Tristan smiled. He kindly answered the one by one the questions are given.

"For now, I haven't thought about getting married. As for my partner, later you will know who the woman who stole my heart was."

After finishing the question and answer session with several reporters, the man accompanied by Raphael and Aurora chose to leave the auditorium. Prepare to go to the CEO's room and start his work for the first time.

***

"Tristan Quartararo, are we bothering you?"

Tristan has just finished his first job as a CEO. Entering the lunch hour, he was surprised by the presence of friends who suddenly came to his office without contacting him first.

"Gosh, why are you guys here all of a sudden?" Tristan hastily got up.

The man then approached three men who seemed to be standing not far from the room's doorway.

"This was Edward's idea," one of them pointed. "That rancid playboy wanted to surprise you on purpose. Just like a child."

The man named Edward immediately chuckled. Then immediately handed over the cake box that he previously held.

"Oh, come on, Nick. Why are you talking so much? Wasn't this the three of us's idea? Why are you making me a scapegoat now?"

"But you were the originator, weren't you?" offense Nicholas. "You're the one who's been whining. In fact, you asked Jacob and I to pick you up immediately and accompany you to buy a birthday cake for Tristan," the man added.

"Is that true?" Tristan's turn to make sure. He looked at each of his friends in disbelief. He often joked that he didn't think his friends could be cute.

"Well . . . fine. I admit it. What Nicholas said is true."

Scratching the back of his neck uncomfortably, Edward finally acknowledged what Nicholas had said. He was closest to Tristan from the start of their friendship among his three friends. They always do something together.

Edward had considered Tristan like his own brother. Jacob and Nicholas even called them are twins.

"Indeed I dragged the two of them to come see you. After all, we really deserved to wish you a birthday and congratulations on your achievements today. Honestly, I'm personally even so proud of you."

Tristan smiled sadly. Without awkwardness, he immediately hugged his friends one by one. Say Thank you because since he first entered college until now, he has been working, and these three friends are always by his side. Not the slightest move in times of trouble or joy.

"Oh my God, I'm really touched by your words." He then asked his three friends to sit on the sofa immediately. There they all began to chit chat casually.

"So, how was your inauguration today? I saw in the headline news, your company's stock went up significantly after you officially became the new CEO," said Jacob. There was a hint of admiration tucked into his words. Of course, as a young CEO, he is also proud of what his friend has achieved.

Tristan immediately nodded. While cutting the birthday cake Edward brought, he casually took Jacob's question.

"I'm also very surprised, Jack. This is really a great achievement for me as a newbie. I didn't know this inauguration would even affect the company's stock. The commissioners also talked about it."

"That means, your existence is really awaited by the public at large."

Nicholas took it seriously. "It seems that they are indeed interested in all your recent endeavors and pursuits. I have to admit, all the brilliant ideas you have shown have brought a breath of fresh air to this business."

"Tristan, you really are proud." This time it was Edward who spoke. The man did not want to lose congratulating his best friend.

"For God's sake, I'm so jealous of you. Hopefully one day, I can occupy the position of CEO of Alexis and shine like you are today," he chuckled in awe.

Then, the three chose to enjoy the cake that Tristan had just cut and handed. While devouring it, they continued to discuss various topics casually.

"By the way, isn't there a small party? Some kind of celebration of your birthday and your success today?" Edward asked, taking a bite of the cake in his hand. It has become a tradition for all of them when celebrate something, and there will be a party. Either on a large scale or privately with close friends.

"Gosh you're right. Since the past few days have been so busy, I didn't even think about going there. But how about we have a party tonight?" Jacob placed her cake plate on the table. Reaching for the teacup, then took a sip of the drink.

The man nodded in agreement with the idea Tristan had just put forward. "I agree. Let's celebrate at the American Bar."

"Yes, Jacob is right. The American Bar is the perfect place for all of us to celebrate this." Nicholas joined in.

"But, can you bring a partner tonight?" Edward asked carefully. "I mean, tonight's party will be just us and we. Or can you bring a girlfriend too?"

Nicholas, who sat across from Edward, immediately put on a cynical face. He knew where his friend's conversation was headed. "So what if I may? You want to bring a partner?"

Edward nodded. "Of course."

"What other woman would you like to bring Edward Oliviera with this time?" asked Nicholas. "There's a woman you eyeing right now. I meant to introduce her to you. I think I get along well with that woman."

Nicholas snorted. He was tired of hearing the pearls of wisdom that Edward often said. Almost on every date Edward introduced, he always said the exact words. "So that you know, I'm even tired of reading, let alone hearing your news on gossip portals that are always rumored to change partners."

"It's called Playboy, isn't it?" debate Edward didn't want to lose. "Besides, it's hard to enjoy life when I'm still young. After all, they're the ones who are always chasing after me. But most importantly of all, I've never cheated on anyone or dated anyone else's partner."

Nicholas chuckled lazily. He knew very well the nature of this one friend. It's no secret that only Edward likes to change partners or date the most among the four of them.

"I pray that one day you get hit by the stone. Who knows, one day you'll have to bother chasing the woman you have a crush on." Edward pressed his lips together tightly. He wanted to swear at the ugly prayer that his best friend had just said.

But because he saw Jacob, who gave a signal not to fight back, Edward could only take a breath and then try to answer casually. "That's not going to happen, Nicholas Alistair."

***

As mutually agreed, the four friends decided to gather at America Bar at precisely eight o'clock in the evening. Tristan himself, this time, brought along Aurora to accompany him.

After making reservations and ordering appetizers, Tristan could see Jacob arriving first at the venue with Tita, his girlfriend with him. Then, not long after, Nicholas was also present, bringing Claire, his fiancée.

"We're not late, are we?" Jacob asked as he pulled out a chair and motioned for his girlfriend to sit down.

"Don't worry. Aurora and I only arrived 10 minutes ago," said Tristan. After that, he sat down and started a conversation.

"Tristan, congratulations on your birthday and your achievements today. I know this gift is not much. But at least Nicholas and I are sincere in giving it to you," Claire said as she handed a black box as a birthday present for Tristan this time.

"Gosh, there's no need to bother. You just came. I'm very grateful," said the man.

"But no matter what, you deserve all this." Tita, in her seat, also added. The woman then took out a parcel then handed it to Tristan.

"It's me and Jacob who chose it specifically. We hope you'll like it."

"Of course." On the sidelines of their conversation, Edward, who had been waiting for so long, finally arrived. With a smile, the man immediately approached the woman he was carrying.

"Sorry, I'm a little late. I have to get a present first," Edward said as he handed over the things he had brought. A box containing a watch he especially gave to his best friend. "Once again, happy birthday Tristan. At your age this time, I hope all the dreams that have not been realized can be rushed."

Tristan, standing at that time, immediately hugged Edward with great emotion. When unraveling the hug, his focus was immediately on the beautiful woman his best friend was carrying.

"Ed, don't you want to introduce this beautiful woman next to you?"

"Oh my gosh. I almost forgot," Edward replied. The man then turned to the woman standing right next to him.

“ Let Me Introducing my friends. This beautiful lady is Sophia Walters."

Tristan stared intently at the brown bead in front of him. Seconds later, he held out his hand while smiling a meaningful smile.

"Tristan Quartararo. Nice to meet you."

Tristan sat pensively. His gaze was straight, watching the rows of skyscrapers from behind the glass of his study.

Sometimes looks like he's smiling. Not without reason. It was as if a spark of joy was running through his heart that had been empty for a long time. This all happened because of yesterday's meeting with the woman Edward brought to his birthday party.

"So Sophia has been living in Germany all this time?" asked Tristan while eating the dinner already on the table. Listening to Edward, who continued to chatter about the pair he brought, Tristan was also curious.

"Yes …" The woman named Sophia nodded. "Since I was a child, I have lived in Germany. I just moved in a year ago and finally decided to settle in London," he explained as he took a sip of Edward's wine.

"By the way, who do you live with? Are you alone or maybe with your family?" Again, Tristan asked a question. He was so enthusiastic about whatever Sophia told him. Not the slightest bit of attention shifted. As if already glued to the beautiful woman sitting next to his best friend.

"Right now I live alone. My parents and sister are in Germany. But soon, they too will follow to move to London."

"It must not be easy living alone in the city you just lived in."

"Yes..." Sophia nodded in agreement. "At first, I found it difficult. But it's okay. Honestly, I'm happy to be living alone in London. Here, I am free to do my job and all my hobbies without anyone disturbing me."

Once again, Tristan silently smiled. Not a happy smile because he met a beautiful woman. But a happy smile seemed happy because the target he had been looking for appeared by itself.

"Mr Tristan, I brought you what you asked for."

From behind the door. There was a knock on the door and the entry of a man whom Tristan knew so well. Stepping slowly, I walked closer to where the man was sitting.

"What information have you got, Mario? Please show me," replied Tristan.

"I have summarized everything in one document. Sorry in advance, there may still be some missing information. But I promise, I will find the rest for you."

Tristan nodded, then grabbed the black map that was handed to him. Start reading carefully. Explore all the information he might need.

"Sophia Walters. The first child of Alfonso Walters and Anna Maria Walters."

Tristan read what was written there. The man glanced and looked deeply into his assistant's face.

"That means, this woman is indeed the person I was looking for."

"It is certain that it is, Sir," said Mario. "From all social media pages. Biodata listed on the agency's website and photos circulating, it can be ascertained that this woman is indeed the daughter of Alfonso Walters; a property entrepreneur from London who is now moving into the construction world and living in Hamburg, Germany."

Tristan looked back at the sheet of paper in his hand. He was looking at some photos while rereading them carefully, as if not wanting to miss a single piece of information.

"Only 24 years old. Single. Modeling by profession and well-known as a social activist. Several relationships with artists. And currently living alone in Marylebone Square's Penthouses."

"That's right, Sir," repeated Mario. "I've tucked in some Miss Sophia's show schedule which was officially released by her agency. I've also attached data on who is close to that woman. And one of them is your own best friend."

Tristan, in his seat, nodded. "Yes, I know. This woman seems to be close to Edward." Tristan's eyebrows rose. The man pulled the corners of his lips meaningfully. "But I won't let them get in any further. Never, Mario."

Tristan's voice was low. But there's a definite undertone of threat tucked in there. His gaze was sharply drawn towards the photo of Sophia he was holding.

Mario could only move in his position. In addition to carrying out his primary duties in the office as a confidant, Tristan also asked him to investigate someone. The young man was willing to pay a high price for a private detective to find the whereabouts of a man named Alfonso Walters and his entire family.

From the first, Mario was curious. But until this moment, he never dared to ask clearly for what purpose the man was looking for Alfonso, who had long moved from London to Hamburg, Germany.

"Thanks for your report, Mario. If you have any other information about the Walters family, please let me know as soon as possible," Tristan pleaded.

Mario nodded politely. After giving what Tristan asked for, he chose to leave the room.

Not even a few minutes before Mario left, there was another knock on Tristan's door. This time it was Raphael's turn to visit the young man.

"Is Uncle interrupting your time?" Raphael asked as he stepped inside.

"Of course not, Uncle Raphael. No matter how busy you are, I'll always have time for you."

There was a sincere tone in Tristan's words. As an orphan, he felt genuinely indebted to Raphael. The man had been patiently taking care of him and even taking care of him.

He cared for and taught him so many things that he could succeed as he is today. Because of the magnitude of this service, Tristan was always determined to obey what Raphael said. He also tried his best not to dispute what his uncle ordered.

"You're really good at touching me," said Raphael. The man then sat quietly in the chair directly opposite Tristan.

"What's so important that Uncle came to see me here?" asked Tristan curiously. "Uncle wants to discuss your engagement with Aurora. In your opinion, when is the right time to hold this sacred procession?"

Tristan was silent for a moment. It seems very clear when is the right time to carry out what his uncle has ordered him to do. He has made a promise, and it is impossible to break. "Actually, I wouldn't mind having the event at any time. However ..." Raphael's brow furrowed deeply. Hearing Tristan deliberately pausing his sentence made him curious now.

"But what?" he asked for sure. "I recently met Sophia Walters. The daughter of Alfonso Walters I've been looking for, Uncle."

The statement from Tristan certainly made Raphael gasp in surprise. He remembered having sent his men to investigate Alfonso and his family.

But, it was a bit difficult for him to get information. And now, suddenly, the daughter of a Alfonso Walters appeared without needing to be searched. It was as if God had deliberately shown his kindness to Tristan, who had been around to look for the woman's whereabouts for a long time.

"Then what are you going to do after this?" he inquired.

Raphael was sure the son of his two best friends had prepared a well-thought-out plan long ago. He knew very well who Tristan was.

The young man was born with strong instincts. Never reckless. Always full of calculation in every action and decision to be taken. This is also what causes Tristan to be able to compete with competitors in the business world that she is currently in.

"I will slowly approach him, Uncle. For that, please allow me to win Sophia's heart first. When all plans are carried out smoothly, I promise to immediately marry Aurora."

Hearing those words, Raphael looked up and made their eyes meet. His emerald green eyes stared into Arsen's piercing blue beads. Trying very hard to read what plan the man was driving. "Are you sure about this plan of yours?"

Tristan nodded his head and gave a respectful gesture. "I've calculated it very carefully, Uncle. This is the only way to destroy Alfonso slowly."

"That's not what I meant," said Raphael. His face looked very worried. "What if you end up falling in love with Alfonso's daughter?"

"That won't be possible, Uncle." Tristan, full of confidence, immediately denied.

"How could I love the daughter of the one who destroyed my family."

Immediately Tristan's cold words eroded Raphael's worries. Especially seeing the look of hatred that didn't budge on the man's face, it was implausible that Tristan would fall in love with the child of his enemy.

"All right. Uncle entrusts everything to you. But you need to remember, Tristan." Raphael looked deeply into the face of the man he considered his son. "In any case, you still have to be careful. Uncle doesn't want anything bad to happen to you."

Tristan nodded again. He grabbed Raphael's wrist and held it tight. As if giving confidence that nothing wrong will happen to him in the future.

"Trust me everything. What Alfonso has done, he is also the one who must be held responsible in the end."

***

Tristan took a sip of the caramel macchiato he just ordered. After finishing all the work, he decided to stop first at one of his regular coffee shops located not far from his office.

While watching the lights and vehicles going back and forth, Tristan enjoyed his solitude tonight. Now and then, the thought of his parents flashed. Showing the memories of happiness that they had been through. Until not long, a woman's rebuke disturbed what he had been doing all this time.

"Tristan," said a beautiful woman whose voice was unfamiliar to Tristan's ears. When he looked up, he found Sophia's figure standing straight in front of the table.

"I didn't expect to meet you here. Can I join you?"

Tristan smiled faintly. Rising from his seat, the man politely invited Sophia to sit down. "With pleasure, please have a seat. I just happen to be alone tonight." Sophia smiled happily. Without hesitation, he sat down.

"Would you like something to drink? I can order it for you," Tristan offered politely.

"Of course." Sophia immediately nodded. "A cappuccino latte seems fitting for me to drink with you tonight."

Tristan then waved a signal to call the waitress who was on guard. After ordering drinks, the man again invited Sophia to talk. "Where are you from? Just finished work?"

"Yes, I do. I just finished a photo shoot at a studio not far from here. You alone? How are you? How long have you been in this cafe?"

Tristan nodded, then stretched out his hand to reach for the caramel macchiato cup he had ordered. Take a sip slowly, then tell a story afterward. "My office is not far from here. Usually before returning home, I stop for a while to just sit and enjoy coffee."

"Oh, yeah? Are you always like this alone? Or sometimes with your partner?" Sophia asked cautiously.

Tristan glanced. Before long, the man chuckled softly. There was a sense of exasperation to see Sophia's face, which was waiting for an answer from her. "Always alone. Incidentally I don't have a partner at the moment."

"Ah, you're really good at bragging," Sophia said with a chuckle. How could he believe that there was a man as handsome as Tristan but without a partner?

"Do handsome men always say that? I mean, always claim to be single to a woman he just met?" "I'm not bragging,"

Tristan replied with a smile. "I'm really not in touch with anyone right now."

"Then who was the beautiful woman you were with that night?" Sophia inquired curiously. He remembered that Tristan seemed close to the woman he was with at the celebration the other day.

"Beautiful woman?" Tristan's brow furrowed for a moment. He tried to remember until soon the man called out softly. "Ah, you mean Aurora? The woman I was with at the birthday party?"

Sophia immediately nodded. "Yeah, he's your girlfriend, right? You two looked really close and got along very well that night."

"But he's not my lover," Tristan insisted. "I can say that Aurora is like my own sister. We are close because we have known each other and have been friends since we were little."

"Ah, I see."

"How About You yourself?" Tristan asked back.

"What do you mean?" Sophia asked, confused.

"Your relationship with Edward. Aren't you guys close at the moment?"

Sophia nodded. She did not deny at all what Tristan said. "In the last few months, the two of us have been really close. But so far we're just friends. Nothing more than that. I haven't thought about being in a relationship with any guy either."

"That means I don't have a chance to get close to you either?" joked Tristan with a small laugh. Which of these words made Sophia pause for a moment. As if digesting what the man had just said.

"Oh my gosh Sophia, I was just kidding." Tristan hastily corrected his sentence.

"You. It just makes me nervous," protested the woman.

The two then started talking again. They discussed light things until they lost track of time and finally decided to go home.

"You have a vehicle?" asked Tristan as she walked with Sophia to the cafe outside.

"No. I rarely use my own vehicle. Maybe soon I'll call the driver to pick me up."

"Then let me take you home," Tristan offered politely. He had to approach her slowly.

"No need. I don't want to bother you."

"Of course not," said Tristan quickly. "Besides, it's very dangerous for a beautiful woman like you to wait to be picked up here by herself." Called beautiful, Sophia's face immediately turned red. She also felt flattered by the sweet attitude of the man who had been with her.

Seeing the sincerity on Tristan's face, those sky-blue eyes blinked for a moment. He seemed to be contemplating whether to accept the offer he had just been given.

Then, a sweet smile spread from Sophia's lips. He thought it was not wrong to accept Tristan's invitation, who was not a random man.

"It's okay if you insist. Besides, there's nothing to lose with a handsome man like you," he said honestly. Yes, Tristan is so handsome in Sophia's eyes. He couldn't deny this fact. Tristan politely guided Sophia to walk toward her car, parked right in front of the cafe. Without hesitation, help open the door and let the woman in. Then escort Sophia to her destination.