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.

Early in the morning, Tristan seemed to be walking in a hurry when he entered St. Hospital. Thomas' Hospital is located on Westminster Bridge Rd, London. After receiving news that Edward's father had been transferred to the treatment room, he immediately rushed off to visit.

All night Tristan even had trouble sleeping just thinking about the condition of his best friend's father. Not too much. However, Tristan didn't want anything wrong to happen to Alexander Edgar Oliviera. He did not wish Edward to feel the same fate as he had felt before. It was enough that he had to lose a father figure due to a tragic accident.

"Edward ..." scolded Tristan as he stood right in front of the VIP room door. Since this morning, his best friend's father has moved to the VIP treatment room.

"Come in," Edward said, waving his hand. There was already Jacob, Nicholas, and even Sophia in the room. They had all come first to visit.

"How is Uncle Alex doing?" whispered Tristan carefully. He was afraid that his voice would disturb Edward's father, who was resting.

"Come on, let's talk on the couch." Edward then led Tristan to move places. Please sit down. Join other friends who have been there for a long time.

"So how? What really happened?" Tristan repeated his question once again. The worried look hasn't left the man's handsome face yet.

"Last night, Papa's car was accidentally grazed by one of the car users while crossing the Covent Garden area. The driver said the incident happened so fast. All of a sudden, the car they were traveling in had swerved and hit the road divider."

"Oh my God." Tristan immediately exclaimed while shaking his head. It was horrifying to imagine what had happened. "But your Papa is all right, right?"

Edward immediately nodded. Grateful when he arrived at the Hospital last night, the doctor informed him that his father's condition was not that serious. Even still conscious when receiving treatment from the medical team.

"Papa is fine. Only a few abrasions and a small tear on the temple from the broken window glass."

Tristan's brow furrowed as he heard Edward's explanation. Suffering from a torn wound is certainly not a small matter. Just as he was about to open his mouth because he wanted to protest, Edward, who was aware of this, hurriedly spoke again. "Calm down, Tristan. You don't need to worry. Papa has been handled well. The team of doctors have also stitched up the injured part of the temple. In fact, the person who grazed him last night has apologized and is responsible for his actions."

Tristan seemed to be breathing a sigh of relief. Although the anxiety didn't completely disappear, hearing Edward's explanation could calm his heart a little. To ascertain Alexander's condition for himself, he was willing to wait for the man to wake up before deciding to go home.

"Uncle is fine, Tristan," Alexander said quietly as soon as he woke up. "You don't have to worry."

Beside him, there was Tristan, who was faithfully waiting while tightly gripping the man's wrist. A warm feeling immediately rose in Tristan's heart when Alexander ensured his condition was not as bad as he had imagined.

For Tristan, Alexander has a special place in his heart. He knew the Oliviera family, Alex, who helped strengthen Tristan's heart to become a strong person. Caring also loved her like Edward. So, there's nothing wrong with Tristan repaying that act by giving more attention like a father. And the attention he had been giving did not escape Sophia's attention in the slightest.

"Thank goodness Uncle is in good shape. I'm just worried that something bad will happen," Tristan muttered. His gaze did not move from Alexander's figure in the slightest. "Just so you know ..." Edward interrupted. "I feel like a mixed child. Or maybe I'm a stepdaughter in the Oliviera family? The chemistry between the two of you is like a real father and son," he said, narrowing his eyes.

"If I look closely, the one who is more appropriate to be uncle Alex's son and has royal blood is Tristan, not you Edward Oliviera," joked Nicholas, who sat right next to Jacob and Sophia. Glad he made fun of his friend.

"Damn it!" Edward cursed, making everyone burst out laughing. After talking, all of Edward's friends, including Sophia, decided to go home, not wanting to disturb Alexander's break.

Tristan seemed to hug Alexander first before leaving the room.

"Uncle, I'll go first. I pray for Uncle's condition to get better. Tomorrow, I will come again to visit," said Tristan after breaking his embrace.

"Thank you Tristan, Nicholas, Jacob and Sophia. Uncle appreciates the extraordinary attention you give. Edward is very lucky to be surrounded by good friends like all of you," said Alexander sincerely.

It's great to find that his son has a loyal friend who is always there in every good and bad moment. Edward then escorted his friends out of the treatment room. Seconds later, he approached Tristan, then gently patted the man's shoulder.

"Tristan, can I ask you another favor?"

Tristan turned. The man then nodded. "Sure. What do you want help with?"

"Please take Sophia back to her apartment. I'm just worried that she'll come home alone."

Hearing her name being called, Sophia immediately looked up. The woman hastily interrupted. "No need, Ed. I can come alone and of course I can go home myself." Edward shook his head.

"No, Sophia. A beautiful woman like you shouldn't be traveling alone. It's very dangerous. Not to mention that recently there have been a lot of crimes where the victims are women. It would be better if Tristan took you home."

"But---"

"It's Okay, Sophia," Tristan interrupted before she could finish her sentence. "I'd be happy to take you home."

Tristan's gaze then returned to focus on Edward. He stepped closer and hugged his best friend as he said goodbye. "I'm going home first. If there's anything, just call me right away."

"Thank you for visiting. I'll leave Sophia," Edward whispered and then broke the hug.

Tristan then immediately led Sophia to the place where her car was parked. Along the way, the two were indeed involved in the conversation. Sophia, who was already in the room, wanted to ask directly what she was hiding in her heart.

"When I look at you, you really care about Edward and his family. You even look like siblings. Have you really been that close all this time?" Sophia asked curiously. While continuing to focus on driving his car, Tristan glanced briefly.

The man smiled, then responded. "Since the first time we met, Uncle Alex and his wife have loved me who is an orphan like their own child. That's why, I was worried when I found out that he had an accident. Same with Edward. If something happens to him, I will also be worried."

Sophia's throat tightened. It wasn't long before he cursed himself. The question just now seemed to open an old wound in Tristan. He even just found out that the man next to him was an orphan.

"Tristan, pardon my presumptuous question. I didn't mean--"

"It's okay, Sophia," the man interrupted. "No need to feel guilty. Just relax."

Sophia nodded in relief. But still, there was a feeling of hopelessness, afraid that Tristan would be offended by the earlier question. To break the awkward atmosphere, she tried to find another topic to discuss together.

"After dropping me off, what are you going to do on a Sunday like this?" Sophia asked carefully. She just wanted to know what a CEO of a big company does when they are off work.

"Not much. Usually filled with relaxing. Gathering with friends. Spending time with family. Or even keep doing pending office work," explained Tristan. "But for today, after dropping you off, I'll go straight to the beach to do some diving or surfing. Followed by a barbeque party at home with my immediate family."

"What did you just say?" Sophia was taken aback. It was unusual to hear what Tristan had just explained.

"Which one?" asked Tristan, turning his head. "Barbeque party at home?"

Sophia immediately shook her head. "That's not it. But about diving and surfing. Do you like marine sports too?" she asked curiously.

"Yeah. I've really liked diving and surfing since I was in college. It's just because now there's not much free time for those hobbies to be neglected."

"You know what? I love diving," Sophia said.

"What about surfing? I also really like this sport. Instead of diving, I do this sport more often. Because it's more adrenaline-challenging."

Sophia nodded. Her face lit up with joy. The expression full of enthusiasm was printed on her beautiful face. She was amazed and happy to find people who had the same hobby. "Just so you know, I'm so crazy about everything related to the sea. I never even thought that we have the same hobby. In terms of sport, this is quite challenging."

Tristan also nodded while continuing to focus on driving his car. "Yeah, maybe we're a match," he said innocently. It made Sophia, who was still laughing, suddenly pause for a moment.

It took him a long time to digest the sentence. But after realizing Tristan, who turned and threw a questioning look, Sophia hastily spoke again. "If you don't mind, I'd like to come with you today." Because of this request, Tristan finally turned the wheel. Turn from the street to the apartment, and change direction to the beach to play surfing.

However, before going far, he once again confirmed the woman's decision next to him. "Are you sure you want to come with me?" Tristan once again confirmed Sophia's decision. At the very least, if she changed her mind, he would immediately take her back to the apartment.

"Jesus, you doubt my decision?" Sophia turned her head and looked at Tristan's blue bead intently. "Fine if you're so sure about going. Then we're going to the beach right now."

***