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.

Tristan : [Sophia, are you resting?]

Tristan : [I happen to be not far from your agency location. Do you mind if I take you to lunch?]

Sophia : [Hi. I'm currently relaxed. Of course, I don't care]

Tristan : [Then get ready. Maybe in five minutes I will arrive at the location]

Sophia : [OK. I'll be waiting for you in the lobby].

Tristan smiled as he watched the short messages he had just sent. Right at the last meeting between him and Sophia, he quickly got the beautiful woman's cellphone number.

"Thank you, Tristan. You went to the trouble of walking me to the apartment." Sophia said as she unbuckled the seat belt around her body. After wholly detaching, the woman grabbed her shopper bag in the back seat.

"You're welcome. There's no need to hesitate Sophia. I'm just doing what a gentleman should do."

Sophia laughed. She was amused by what she had just heard. This, of course, caught Tristan's attention.

"Why are you even laughing? Is there anything funny?"

Sophia shook her head hastily. A sweet smile still etched beautifully on her face.

"No. I was just imagining how many women you've seduced with this sweet attitude."

Tristan's brow furrowed deeply. Pointing his index finger, the man immediately pointed at his face.

"I seduce a lot of women? Oh my goodness, Sophia. I'm not a man who likes to spit sweet words to all the women I know," he said with a witty smile.

"You sure?" Sophia's face had an expression of doubt. Her blue beads twitched, searching for any lies that might be tucked away in Tristan's pair of blue dots.

"What are you looking at, Sophia? You doubt what I'm saying?" Tristan scolds when she realizes that Sophia is seriously looking at his face.

"I just wanted to make sure you were serious or bragging."

A smile was still growing on Tristan's handsome face. The man turned his seat to face Sophia directly. When he was comfortable, he then spoke again. It is necessary to clarify this one thing.

"If you like watching television or gossip shows, it's Edward Oliviera, not Tristan Quartararo, who always appears in the media."

While chuckling softly, Sophia agreed to the man's words next to her. What Tristan said was true. So far, what is often hot news is Edward's glamorous life and likes to change partners.

Meanwhile, Tristan is mostly reported in business affairs and all the achievements he can get. "I guess I really have to believe you."

Hearing that, Tristan laughed softly again. Not long after, Sophia said goodbye to get out of the car.

"Thank you again for your kind heart for taking me home. I hope we can meet again another time."

Tristan nodded in agreement. "Of course. But by the way, the next time I take you out to lunch or dinner, would you mind?"

"Sure. Why, not?"

Sophia answered without hesitation. After all, according to him, Tristan is a good and polite person. There was no reason to refuse the man's invitation.

"OK. If I have free time I'll call and treat you to a meal."

Hearing Tristan's words on this one, Sophia's eyes immediately narrowed.

"Is this some kind of mode of asking for a cell phone number?"

The man shyly nodded. "If you do not mind."

Sophia then reached into her purse from the bag she was carrying. She took out a business card and handed it to Tristan.

"Here's my business card along with my cell phone number. Please write it down and keep it safe. You can call me anytime."

Since that night, Tristan has occasionally contacted Sophia, even though she only greeted the woman via text message. And it was only today that he dared to invite us to go out to lunch together directly.

Tristan thought he should approach Sophia as naturally as possible. Slowly attracting attention, creating a comfortable and deep impression that will make the woman never forget what she did.

"Hi, sorry if I kept you waiting."

Lowering the car window slightly, Tristan immediately greeted Sophia. The woman seemed to be waiting for him directly right in front of the lobby of the agency building.

"It's OK."

Sophia then entered and sat quietly beside Tristan. Let the man take him to a restaurant to have lunch together.

"I didn't expect you to actually invite me to have lunch together," Sophia scolded when the two of them arrived and were choosing the menu to eat.

Tristan turned. The man smiled. "You thought I was just making small talk before?"

Sophia shrugged her shoulders. "I told you, who knows you're just a mode because you want to ask for my cell phone number."

Tristan smiled again. I don't know how many smiles he gave to look cute in front of Sophia. "But the proof is I'm not like that, right? I told you too, I don't have the talent to be a playboy, Sophia."

"OK... OK..." Sophia giggled, amused at Tristan's expression. "From now on, I'll learn to trust that you're not a playboy like Edward."

The two of them then laughed together. Get into the conversation. She was exchanging stories while enjoying the lunch they had ordered.

Sophia needs to admit that Tristan is a fun person to talk to. Broadminded. Even understand almost all the topics that Sophia brings up. There was a bit of amazement in his heart.

"After this do you want me to take you back to work or straight back to the apartment?" asked Tristan when the two of them had finished their lunch.

Sophia glanced at the clock in her hand, and it was already one in the afternoon. That means she has to go back to the agency building to continue her work.

"I still have one more photo shoot. Today I collaborated with Tita, your best friend's lover," she said.

"Then, I'll take you right now so it's not too late."

Sophia didn't refuse. She chose to get up from her seat and followed Tristan's steps toward the restaurant parking area. Going down the stairs to the car, Sophia suddenly slipped, walking a little hastily. Luckily, Tristan, right behind him, immediately held the woman's body so she wouldn't fall.

"Sophia, are you OK?" Tristan shouted while holding Sophia's body.

"I'm fine," the woman replied confidently.

However, when she was about to step back, Sophia reflexively screamed. There was an excruciating pain that ran through her right leg.

"Sophia, are you OK?"

Sophia grimaced. The look on her face was that of someone who was in pain. She didn't know what's going on with her leg. "I don't know. My leg hurts a lot," she said, grinning.

Tristan, without much to say, immediately looked down. He was grabbing Sophia's right leg as if checking something there. "Your legs look red. Can't you walk at all?"

Sophia slowly raised her right leg. She was trying to check if he could step back. At least to Tristan's car, probably less than 50 meters from where he was standing.

"Ouch!" Once again, Sophia screeched. The pain in his legs was utterly intolerable.

"I think I sprained my leg."

Seeing the woman next to her groaning in pain, without asking for permission again, Tristan grabbed Sophia's body. Seconds later, he carried her carefully to the car.

Of course, what Tristan did make Sophia gasp. She never imagined that Tristan would care for her so much.

"You shouldn't have bothered to carry me," Sophia scolded as she settled into the driver's seat.

"How could I let you walk alone, while your legs are sore like now," said Tristan in a worried tone. "In that case, I'll take you to the hospital to see if the pain is serious or not." Sophia shook her head. She refused Arsene's offer, this time to take her to the hospital.

After all, Sophia believes that her leg can heal independently without being treated by any doctor. "No need. Just take me to the apartment. I just need some rest."

Tristan was silent for a moment. He seemed to be considering whether to obey Sophia's words or keep insisting on taking the woman to the hospital.

"I'm fine," Sophia said once again when she saw Tristan's worried expression. "You don't have to worry so much."

Tristan finally nodded, then complied with Sophia's request. Even though there was a feeling of doubt, he still couldn't force his will on the woman.

"OK, then I'll take you home right now."

Then Tristan helped Sophia fasten her seat belt. Pulling the hook, then looping it carefully around the woman's body. Being so close to Tristan made Sophia feel breathless.

Not to mention the citrus woody scent of the perfume that Tristan wears wafting sharply to disturb the sense of smell. It felt like he wanted to lean on Tristan's body to take a deep breath of the perfume.

Why does this man smell so good, he thought. While Tristan was focused on driving, Oliva seemed to rub his chest once in a while. Trying to seduce his crazed heartbeat to return to a normal beat.

But unfortunately, the heart seemed to refuse to cooperate. Still beating so fast that it overwhelmed Sophia. "Oh my heart, cooperate. If this continues, I might die suddenly by you."

***

After taking Sophia home, Tristan did not immediately return to the office. The man turned the wheel to meet his friends gathered in one of the cafes in the middle of London.

It has become a routine schedule for all of them. Every weekend, they will get together for a while, even if it's to eat lunch or dinner together.

"Sorry I'm a little late." The three men who were talking spontaneously turned their heads simultaneously. Edward immediately patted the sofa's surface he was sitting on, asking Tristan to join him and sit next to him immediately.

"Not really. We just got here," Nicholas replied, taking a sip of the caramel frappuccino. "What are you guys discussing? From the front I see how fun it is?" asked Tristan curiously. He took a sip of the Raspberry Blackcurrent that Edward had ordered. His best friend knew what kind of drink or food he liked the most.

"We're talking about valentines," Jacob replied.

"Valentines?" Tristan repeated as he turned to the oriental-looking man.

"Isn't that a long time ago?"

"Yeah, still a month to go." Jacob replied. "It's just that, we are discussing what interesting gifts to give to each partner. As you know, Tita and Claire already have a lot of luxury items. That's why, we wanted to give something unusual."

Tristan nodded in understanding. This time the man's gaze shifted to the figure of Edward, who had been sitting quietly next to him.

"What about yourself, which woman this time are you going to go on a date abroad?" investigate Tristan.

"It's not that you always act the same. Always bring your date to go on vacation together, hmmm?"

"Edward isn't going on vacation this time," interjected Nicholas as if he knew best.

"Oh, yes? Then what will this playboy do?"

"Edward wants to propose to someone."

Hearing Nicholas's answer, Tristan immediately gasped. He did not know about this one news. As he recalled, the man did not want to commit or have a serious relationship before he turned 30. Then, who is the woman who managed to change the mind of Edward Oliviera?

"You want to propose to your lover? Who?" Tristan's expression was that of a confused person. "It's not serious, is it?"

When asked that, Edward just smiled lopsidedly. The man didn't deny what his best friend said in the slightest. Without hesitation and enthusiastically told her wishes.

"I want to propose to Sophia Walters on Valentine's Day next month."

Tristan immediately pulled his face in. "Huh? Sophia Walters? Are you really sure?"

Edward nodded in response. This expression made Tristan ask another question.

"Oh come on, Edward. You don't even know her. Are you sure she feels the same way as you?"

Edward smiled again. He realized that his best friend would doubt this news.

"Out of the many women I've been close to and dated, for some reason I feel like Sophia is the one that fits my personality the best."

"Gosh! You even say that to all women, Ed," Nicholas glared, not accepting his friend's words that seemed to be boasting.

"I'm serious, Nicholas Alistair. This time I'm really serious. Sophia is completely different from most other women. She is so special. There are so many similarities between the two of us that make me feel comfortable and don't want to be away from her. been separated for a long time," he said at length.

"You're hyperbole. You're exaggerating, Edward Oliviera." Again, Nicholas sneered at his best friend.

"So you really want to propose to Sophia? I mean are you sure that woman has the same feelings as you?" Tristan resumed his delayed question.

"I mean it," Edward answered quickly. "I also feel that Sophia has the same feelings as me." feeling the doubtful expression that did not fade from Tristan's face, Edward immediately reached out his hand.

He was gently patting the shoulder of the man next to him while chanting words that might be able to relieve the anxiety that arose. "No need to worry. Just pray that my good intentions can be carried out according to what I expect."

Tristan nodded slowly. The man awkwardly threw a hug toward his best friend.

"Yeah, I'll always wish you the best, Ed."

"I even pray that you are able to meet a woman who really fits and is good for you. Not a murderous child like Sophia. That's why I have to act fast before it's too late," thought Tristan.

After breaking the hug, they continued to chat. At the same time, Tristan seemed a lot silent. He had many plans in mind right now. Her target, for now, was only one, to get Sophia's attention as much as possible so she could stay away from Edward. Of course, he didn't want her to have a serious relationship with a man he considered his brother. Will never!

Blackcurrant and Red Velvet fan.

Vegetable salad enthusiast and Asian cuisine.

Enjoys diving and cycling.

Doesn't like sleeping late.

Really love men who are romantic, caring, and full of surprises.

Most hate being ignored.

Tristan went back to reading one by one the summary of the results of Mario's investigation some time ago. He was trying to remember what he likes and doesn't like about Sophia Walters Walters, imprinting it in his brain and mind.

Not without reason, Tristan bothered to do all this. He wants to look perfect to attract and melt Sophia's heart before Edward overtakes her. Tristan was determined. He would not let his best friend have a relationship with Sophia.

"I think..." Mario muttered. "The moment you carried Sophia in the restaurant parking lot yesterday must have caught Sophia's attention a little. Women all over the world are the same, Sir. It's so nice to get your name noticed, let alone spoiled by men. It's a cliche, but it really works."

Tristan agreed with his assistant's words. Leaning his shoulder on the chair, the man's gaze hasn't even moved from the sheet of paper he was holding.

"I'm of the same belief, Mario. Sophia must be starting to react with my existence. That's why I have to move fast. My deadline has to be done before Valentine arrives."

"So how?" asked Mario. "Is Mister going to visit the woman at his apartment today?"

Tristan nodded confidently. As a gentleman, he has to show concern for the woman he is targeting. Moreover, Sophia is sick right now.

"Of course. Please order me a bucket of red roses. After work, I'll surprise by visiting Sophia"

"All right, Mister," said Mario quickly.

There was a short pause before Tristan spoke again. Rolling his eyes, the man seemed to think. As if something was missing before he finally remembered something.

"Ah, please besides roses, you also prepare a box of premium red velvet. Maybe these two items can impress Sophia even more."

Hearing the order, Mario nodded then hurriedly replied. What Tristan said was an order that he must immediately do. "I'll have everything ready. I'll find the best roses and red velvet for you to bring tonight."

So in the afternoon, after his work was finished, Tristan hurriedly stepped from his room to the lobby. When he got out of the elevator, he accidentally bumped into Aurora, preparing to go home.

"Tristan," Aurora called.

Those who were called by his name immediately turned around. He gave a friendly smile, then walked over to her.

"Are you done with your work?"

Aurora nodded slowly. "Of course. That's why I'm now getting ready to go home."

"Want to come home with me?" Tristan bargains.

Actually, the two of them lived together at the Tristan residence. It's just that every morning everyone leaves in their car. Sometimes Aurora was with Raphael, and sometimes they went with a chauffeur.

Tristan himself has always brought his car. For some reason, he feels more accessible than being with the driver who delivers.

"No, if I come with you, how about the driver?" refused Aurora gently. She doesn't like to bother other people. From a young age, her father taught her to be independent and not dependent on others.

"But they haven't picked you up, have they?"

Aurora shook her head this time. Then he looked around to confirm whether the driver who used to pick him up had arrived or not in the lobby.

"Maybe soon."

"Then just come with me. I don't like seeing women bother waiting," said Tristan as he put his arm around Aurora's shoulder. He was bringing the woman to walk immediately to her car.

Kindly too, the man helped to open the door and then invited the beautiful woman to enter. Along the way home, Aurora occasionally observed the man focused on driving next to her.

As an ordinary woman, she knew how beautiful Tristan was. Fair skin. Has a high body posture. Broad chest, straight and wide back, thin red lips like a woman wearing lipstick because Tristan is not a smoker.

Not to mention a pair of sharp and cold blue beads, adding to the level of the man's handsomeness. Not only handsome and charming, but Tristan is also a kind and caring man.

In all the years they lived together, the man had never once annoyed Aurora. Even always trying to maintain and protect it.

"We've arrived," said Tristan when his car was correctly parked right in the yard of their house. "Aurora," Tristan called once more when the woman next to him didn't answer.

"Ah, y-yes," replied Aurora, confused when she woke up from her daydream. The woman hastily grabbed her shopper bag, then went downstairs together with Tristan.

"What are you thinking? Why to lose focus like that?" asked Tristan as he stepped into the house.

"Nothing," Aurora replied, shaking her head. "Nothing more important, to be precise." When he was inside the house, Aurora stopped walking. Turning to Tristan, she then spoke again. "What do you want for dinner today? Want me to prepare something?"

Tristan shook her head. He remembered that tonight he had to visit Sophia at his apartment. "Looks like I can't come to dinner with you tonight. After changing, I have to meet someone."

Nodding in understanding, Aurora answered slowly. "I see. The important thing is that you don't miss your dinner."

"Of course, Princess," replied Tristan, pinching Aurora's cheek affectionately. "Thanks for reminding me. I won't forget. So you don't have to worry," he smiled as he ruffled Aurora's hair. Seconds later, the man continued his steps towards the room, leaving Aurora, who also turned towards her room.

After cleaning up and preparing all the necessities, Tristan immediately drove his car to Sophia's apartment. Without much thought, he took significant strides and knocked on the woman's apartment door until finally, someone came to open it.

"Good Afternoon," said Tristan with a smile.

"Tristan ... gosh, what are you doing here?"

Sophia asked in a surprised tone. There was no news, let alone pleasantries. Suddenly, the man was already at the door of her residence. Of course, this made Sophia shocked.

"I came to see you. I want to make sure whether your condition has improved or is still sick like yesterday," said the man.

"Oh, Lord." Once again, Sophia called out. "Then please come in."

Not to mention the preparedness that appeared on Sophia's face, Tristan again made him gasp. Especially when the man handed over the things he had brought.

"I don't know what you like. What is certain is that I sincerely give this rose and red velvet cake to you," the man boasted. He told Mario to investigate what Sophia liked and didn't like to get her attention.

Sophia was speechless. Tristan's sweet demeanor made her think that the man had more value in her eyes. "You don't have to bother bringing me stuff like this," Sophia squeaked as they sat down on the guest sofa together. They chatted casually while enjoying the red velvet that Tristan had brought. "And again, so that you know, all the stuff you brought me today is my favorite. For God's sake, I'm not lying. Are you a psychic? How can you know what I like?"

Tristan smiled in satisfaction. At the very least, the two's plan to attract Sophia's attention was sure to have worked. While shoving the cake into his mouth, the man again responded to Sophia's words. "I am indeed a good observer. I'm also quite relieved and grateful that you like it. Next time, I'll bring it back for you."

Sophia quickly shook her head. He was feeling bad for the man next to her. "Don't overdo it. You don't have to bother, Tristan."

Tristan's brow furrowed. "Why not? Besides, it wouldn't hurt to give flowers and a cake to a woman as beautiful as you, Sophia."

Sophia chuckled. Even awkward. Her face turned red because she was flattered by Tristan's sweet attitude. "Bastard crap."

"I mean it, Sophia. Why is it so hard for you to trust me?"

Sophia chuckled again and put on an amused expression. "Yeah, I believe you're not a playboy like Edward."

"Exactly. Please separate the two of us," said Tristan, laughing. "But by the way, while you were resting, how was your job? Didn't your agency protest? Because, as I recall, didn't you have a photo session yesterday?"

Sophia shook her head. "The good news is that they understand my condition. I was asked to take complete rest until I can return to normal activities. So yesterday's shoot was postponed and will probably resume next week."

"Thank God." Tristan breathed a sigh of relief. "And during your rest, did anyone visit you besides me?" asked Tristan carefully.

Sophia said. "Nothing. You're the only one who just visited me. Besides, I don't like to tell people about my condition. I'm not the type of woman who likes to share her sorrows."

Tristan nodded in understanding. A slight smirk spread across his handsome face. That meant Edward didn't even know how Sophia was now. This, of course, gave him an advantage. attention and melted Sophia's heart as soon as possible before Edward came and proposed to her.

***

A woman seemed to be walking with sure steps towards the study in one of the elite housing in Kensington district, London. Knocking twice, she immediately turned the door lever and, without hesitation, stepped into the room owner, who was sitting waiting while reading the book in his hand.

"Papa called me?"

The man looked up. Closing the book, he immediately replied, "Sit down. There's something Papa wants to talk to you about."

The voice sounded so calm, but it felt so domineering. It was heart-pounding. It created a bit of an eerie air as if the air supply in the room had suddenly run out, making it gasp for breath.

Raphael Gamaliel Smith had a handsome face for his age. Who is no longer young. A sturdy and big body posture. A firm jaw complete with a pair of sharp blue eyes like an eagle. He was making anyone whose prey would immediately shudder in fear when faced with him for too long.

The word ambitious might be appropriate to be attached to a man who is not young. How has he been doing so far in building a business? Especially the way he has educated Tristan to rise and shine like he is now. All of that did not escape the cold hands of an Raphael.

"Is this about work?" guessed Aurora, who had taken a seat right the next to his father. "No," he said as he removed the reading glasses perched on the floor I faced. "It's about Tristan."

Aurora's eyebrows almost knit together. There's a matter especially that his father called and now invites him to discuss Tristan's question. Was there something wrong the man was doing?

"What's with Tristan?" Aurora asked curiously.

"Did you know that Tristan is currently trying to get close to Sophia, Alfonso Walters's daughter?"

Aurora was taken aback, and then she shook her head hastily.

"I don't know anything about this. Besides, it's not my business, Pa. So I shouldn't interfere."

Raphael nodded with a smile. He felt proud of his successful upbringing of Aurora. Teach women to be independent. Respect and do not interfere in other people's business. And most importantly, he instilled in his daughter to try her best to achieve what she wanted and dreamed of. A little ambitious indeed. But if we are not strong, it will be an oppressed position.

"For this one, you still have to know. Because in the end, you are the one who will marry Tristan," Raphael said coldly. All the expressions of the princess did not escape his eyes in the slightest.

Meanwhile, Aurora herself didn't move. Choose to be quiet for a moment and think. Years living with Tristan made her fall in love with him. Not to mention Tristan's gentle and caring attitude makes him even more complacent.

Hearing the news that her father had just conveyed, for some reason, made Aurora a little reluctant. Yes, any woman would not be willing if the person she loves is close to another woman.

"Then what should I do after this? I'm sure Tristan approached Sophia for a specific purpose. Not serious about a relationship like a couple."

Raphael immediately nodded. Justify what his daughter said. "You're right, son. Tristan did approach Sophia to take revenge on Alfonso, her father. But as Papa said before, you still have to pay attention to Tristan. Don't let him fall in love with her for real."

"Impossible." Aurora shook her head. "I know who Tristan is, Pa. He can't possibly fall in love with his target of revenge," Aurora said confidently.

"Daddy hopes so. To be sure, after all the plans are implemented. You have to get ready to marry Tristan. Because Papa knows from the first, you love him. Papa will also do anything to protect and protect this family."

Aurora closed her eyes dramatically. He was digesting well what her father ordered. If she wanted Tristan to be hers, she had to watch the man's movements so they wouldn't be too far apart, let alone until he fell in love with Sophia.No, Aurora wouldn't let that happen.