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.

"Tita, where are Jacob and the others?" asked Tristan to the beautiful woman sitting enjoying the lemon tea in her hands.

As usual, every weekend is a definite schedule for Tristan and his friends to gather. If last week they spent time with dinner together followed by bowling, then tonight, all of them chose Heist Bank in Paddington, West London, to get together and play billiards.

It looks like Jacob and Nicholas brought their respective partners. Whether this time Edward brought a date or not because when he arrived, Tristan only saw the existence of Tita and Claire, who were having a serious conversation.

"Jacob and Nicholas are inside. They are playing billiards," said Tita after sipping her lemon tea.

"Is Edward in there too?"

Tita then shook her head. "Not yet. Maybe it'll be here soon. You know best of all, Edward is always late."

Tristan chuckled softly. What Tita said is true. From the first, for some reason, Edward was very happy to come last. Nicholas even had countless protests against the Scottish-blooded man.

"Don't ever trust Edward if you don't want to be disappointed," Nicholas snorted. His face seemed to be filled with anger.

"So what?" Jacob inquired curiously. "Every time he was invited to meet and asked where he was, that damn boy would always say he was on the way. In fact, he was still lying in bed. Really, Edward was the only friend he couldn't keep his word to."

Even now, it's hard to believe that Edward can come on time. Almost never was the man on time. Whenever planning a meeting, Nicholas always came 30 minutes after the appointed time so as not to wait too long for Edward.

"Tristan, did you come alone? Why don't you bring Aurora?" Jacob scolded when he saw the presence of Tristan, who had just entered the billiards room.

"I'm sure this time we'll be home late at night. I don't like bringing women ---"

"Home too late?" Jacob cut in as if he knew what Tristan was going to say. "Honestly, You're a good Man, Tristan. I'm sure whoever becomes your partner in the future, he will be happy. You really value women."

"It can't be helped, that's what my late mother taught me."

However, no matter what, there wasn't a single one who liked to play with women among the four. All of them are taught to respect and maintain the honor of women. Even though Edward was a jerk, he would never dare bring his date to have sex or sleep together before having a formal bond.

"You must have been waiting for me," joked Edward, who had just arrived at the meeting location. A sweet smile tugged at the man's pink lips. There was no hint of sin or regret for making his friends wait so long.

"Just so you know ..." said Nicholas, aiming for the ball on the pool table. "I didn't even consider your presence tonight."

Edward laughed. The man hastily approached Nicholas and then hugged him from behind awkwardly. He was like this when he was seducing his best friend.

"Oh my gosh, honey. Don't be so angry. You make me love you even more."

"Stop Edward!" cried Nicholas. His face looked disgusted. "You tickle me."

"It can't be helped, I do love you Nicholas Alistair. If you don't marry Claire Roland, I'm ready to take her place."

Nicholas hissed. He was forcing his best friend to unlink his hands from his body. It was amused to be treated in such a way by Edward.

"One more time you dare to hug me, I will break your neck!" the threat is no joke.

Everyone immediately laughed. Edward even raised his hands to signal that he was giving in to Nicholas's threats.

"Are you alone tonight?" asked Tristan, deliberately changing the subject.

"No, I'm with Sophia. She's up front with Tita and Claire."

Tristan nodded. Then approached Jacob and Nicholas to join in starting a game of billiards. They all played for almost an hour. At the same time, the women were busy talking in the cafe while eating the snacks available.

"About your proposal to Sophia, have you told your parents about this important matter?" asked Jacob in between their play.

"Not yet," Edward replied, focusing on playing. "The plan is to tell them after I'm done proposing to Sophia."

"And you're sure Sophia will accept you? Are you a land crocodile Edward Oliviera or if I can call a land dinosaur, maybe you belong to their species," Nicholas sneered unmitigated.

"If I were Sophia, I would reject you outright. What would my marriage be like if I had to pair up with a bad boy like you."

"Luckily, Sophia isn't you. So I'm sure she won't turn me down," Edward mocked, sticking out his tongue. He was happy to reply to his friend's words.

"But Nicholas was right, Ed. Are you sure about Sophia's feelings?" It was Jacob's turn to be skeptical. "Besides, it's not that you two just met. I'm not sure that woman would take you for granted. Except, Sophia is a worldly woman who likes men because of her popularity and wealth."

"Relax," Edward interrupted. "I'm sure Sophia isn't the kind of woman you're accusing her of. In this one month, I'll be intensely approaching her."

Jacob's brow furrowed deeply. The man's eyes immediately narrowed with curiosity at the plan his best friend was working on. "Close to what do you mean?"

"The day after tomorrow, and in the days that follow, I will often ask her out. Give her lots of gifts or maybe surprises. I'm sure, with the intensity of our meeting, Sophia's heart will eventually melt."

While the others were busy discussing in silence, Tristan listened intently. Digest all the plans Edward outlined and then thought, what should he do to distract Sophia's attention to focus on her.

"I'm thirsty," Edward complained. "Let's finish this game. Besides, sorry for the ladies upfront. They must be tired of waiting too long."

"Yes," said Jacob. "I'm also sure Tita will nag after this."

They all agreed to stop the game. Then followed the women who were waiting at the cafe in front. Tristan could see how Sophia looked that night in her casual clothes. As soon as they turned around, the two of them accidentally stared at each other.

Sophia, even without awkwardly smiling, then reprimanded. "Tristan, you're here too."

"Of course, honey."

Instead of Tristan, it was Edward who answered. The man approached and took a seat right next to Sophia. "We're all friends. So, wherever you go, you're always together."

Tristan nodded in agreement with Edward's words. Pulling a chair, the man sat down at one table, even opposite Sophia.

"Have you fine, Sophia?"

"I'm very good," the woman replied with a meaningful smile. "You came alone?"

Tristan nodded. "Yeah, myself. Besides, I don't like taking women away until late."

"Tristan is an old-fashioned man." Edward joined in. "I've even introduced many beautiful and sexy women. But none of them caught his attention."

"Don't poison Tristan to act like you, Edward Oliviera. Tristan is a gentleman. He is typical of loyal men like Jacob and me," Nicholas said sarcastically.

"So you think I'm not a loyal man?"

Nicholas shrugged his shoulders. Lazy to answer the question that Edward gave. When everyone was deep in conversation, suddenly Edward's cell phone rang. An emergency call forced him to leave immediately.

"Everyone, I have to say goodbye now. My father just had an accident. Currently, he is being treated by a team of doctors in one of the hospitals."

Everyone was shocked. Especially Tristan. A look of worry immediately appeared on his face. The thought of the fatal accident that his father had experienced made Tristan instantly haunted by fear. Of course, he didn't want that sad incident to happen again, especially to his own best friend.

"Ed, I'm taking you to the hospital right now. You can't drive your car in this frenzy," Tristan offered. He was ready to get up.

"No." Edward shook his head. "You stay here. I ask that you take Sophia to her house. After confirming Papa's condition, I promise I will call all of you."

"You have to let us know about Uncle Alexander's progress. And when that's possible, we'll all follow you straight to the hospital."

Edward nodded without saying a word. After getting up, the man immediately ran to the car. Leaving all his friends who looked shocked by Edward's news had just conveyed.

***

Tristan had just arrived at his residence at exactly one o'clock. After neatly parking the sports car, he casually stepped into the house. As soon as he was about to climb the stairs to the second floor, Tristan's sense of hearing faintly caught a familiar voice. Like a cry that didn't know where it came from.

Filled with deep curiosity, slowly but Tristan must have sharpened his hearing. Trying to find out where the voice came from. Until that belief emerged, the reading room was Tristan's destination to visit.

And finally, what he was looking for was caught by his blue eyes, with a slightly worried tone of voice. He could see with his eyes where Aurora was. The woman was sitting on the floor with the position of bending both legs while crying.

"What's going on? Why are you crying here?"

Tristan walked over. Approaching and then squatting right in front of the woman. Noticing Tristan's arrival, Aurora looked up. Without saying much, the woman immediately rushed into a hug. Burying his head on Tristan's chest, he sobbed.

"Aurora..." Tristan called once again while gently stroking the woman's brown hair. "What's the matter? Why are you crying like this?" he asked, confused.

This was the first time Tristan had seen the beautiful woman cry in all their years together. "I-I miss the late Mama. For some reason, I've been thinking about her since yesterday. I---"

"Shhhhhhh..." Tristan hissed softly and then tightened his arms around Aurora's body. "I know how you feel. I often feel the same way when I miss my late Papa and Mama. There's nothing I can do right now but pray for them."

"I feel so lonely. There's no place for me to talk anymore. Now ---"

"Gosh, Aurora," Tristan interrupted again in a slightly raised voice. The man stretched his arms. Pulling Aurora's chin, he asked her to look deeply into his eyes. "Do you not consider my existence? You can tell me all the problems of your life without exception. I am ready to listen to whatever it is."

Aurora didn't answer anymore. Her face was lowered again as if he did not want to show her sadness to Tristan. Annoyed by Aurora's behavior, Tristan grabbed the woman's body again. He carried her without permission and then took Aurora to her room and sat her right on the bed.

"No need to be sad anymore. You can tell me anytime if you have something to tell me," Tristan ordered. The man's hand reached out to wipe the tears down Aurora's cheeks. "Thank you," Aurora squeaked.

"Now go to sleep. It's late." Aurora nodded. Follow the orders given. However, before Tristan had time to leave, she grabbed the man's wrist again so he wouldn't leave.

"What else?" asked Tristan gently. "About our marriage," Aurora muttered. The woman paused for a moment, which made Tristan confused.

"What about our wedding?"

"W-will it still goes according to plan?"

With a sigh, Aurora confirmed this one. It was important for him to know whether Tristan would stick with what they had planned long ago or, on the contrary, cancel halfway.

"Of course, Aurora. I made a promise to Uncle as well as to you. You know that I never break a promise, right?"

Aurora nodded. "I know that. But the thing is, Papa said you were currently approaching Sophia Walters. I was just worried that ---"

Tristan immediately put his index finger on Aurora's lips. I asked the woman to stop blabbering, let alone think anything wrong. "What you're worried about will never happen. Didn't I swear to marry you?"

"But what matters is whether you marry me out of necessity or do you love me, Tristan." "There's no need for love if the goal is just to get married."

The words that came out in a cold voice made Aurora gasp slightly. All of his muscles turned stiff to the point where he couldn't move. Aurora gulped. Suddenly his memory drifted to their first meeting. Aurora still clearly remembers how Tristan used to be so depressed. Fall. He has no one, and he was the one who reached out. Hugging and even wiping every tear that welled up—always reassuring Tristan that the man was never alone in this world.

All of Aurora's feelings were devoted to Tristan alone. In his heart even promised his love he would not give except to Tristan. So now? The man calls love unnecessary in their later marriage. Should he be happy hearing this?

"If you care about love, those feelings might grow over time. You need to know, and I married you not because I had to," repeated Tristan.

Aurora's heart seemed to be squeezed when she heard those words. He swallowed back the words of protest that wanted to leave his lips. Chose silence while looking at Tristan's face with teary eyes.

"It's up to you whether you want to love me or not. To be sure, I don't want to lose you." Tristan then embraced Aurora's body. He hugged her tightly, kissing the top of her head repeatedly. Let him cry again in his arms.

"I won't leave you, Aurora. I made a promise to you and won't break it.