"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."

***

Sophia kept telling stories all the way home. He kept on discussing his first experience of diving and surfing with Tristan. "I'm really happy and enjoying our trip today."

Tristan smiled faintly. The man then replied. "If you want, we can schedule this sport every week or month."

"Certain." Sophia turned to look directly at Tristan's face. The woman immediately nodded. "I agree that we go diving and surfing once a week or two together. I'm very happy to have a sports partner like you."

"I like you too, Sophia. Really like you," Tristan muttered with a bland smile. The look on his face was hard to tell. Which even made Sophia dizzy.

"What did you just say?" Tristan glanced, then shook his head. "Nothing. I'm just saying that I'm also happy to have a sports partner like you."

Sophia nodded. Believe what Tristan just said. "Do you want me to take you directly to the apartment? Or do you want to stop by my house first?"

"Your house?" Sophia asked in disbelief. It is nothing. He is fairly new to the figure of Tristan. Then now, being invited to stop at his house made Sophia a little awkward.

"Yes, to my house. Right now, there must be a barbecue party. Who knows you'll want to join," Tristan offered once again.

"No need, Tristan. I don't like it when I suddenly stop by your house. Surely later, your family will ask a lot of questions to yourself or me," Sophia politely refused.

"Don't worry. My family is very nice. They won't interrogate you with all kinds of questions either." Sophia was silent for a moment. She was considering whether to accept Tristan's invitation this time to stop by. "You'll be fine, Sophia. I just stopped by to get to know my family. Who knows you'll fit in? We can get married the day after tomorrow," joked Tristan carefree.

Which of these words almost made Sophia's heart drop instantly. "Marry?"

Seeing the confused look on Sophia's face, laughter immediately escaped from Tristan's lips. "I'm just kidding."

"Oh my, Tristan!" Sophia squeaked as she pinched the arm of the man next to her. "You're giving me a heart attack."

"But, if you take it seriously, I'm fine too."

Once again, Tristan made Sophia's heart beat wildly. She was sure, and her face must have turned red from the shame of being teased constantly like this. "Arsene!"

"Yes, yes." The man laughed. "So how about it? Want to stop by my house for a bit?" "Okay, if you insist. But I can't stay too long."

Tristan nodded in understanding. The man then increased the speed of his car to get to his residence as soon as possible. Entering the housing complex in Kensington, London, Sophia could guess that Tristan was indeed a man from a very wealthy class.

Only prominent businessmen can afford to own a house in an elite area like this. And when the man's car had entered the courtyard of one of the houses, Sophia hastily grabbed her shopper bag, which was in the back seat. Rechecked the makeup and smoothed a little hairdo.

"We have arrived." Tristan got out of the car first. Walk around, then help open the door for Sophia.

"Thank you very much."

"My pleasure."

Tristan then led Sophia to enter the house into the back garden immediately. Over there, there was Raphael with his two friends and Aurora, who was also with one of his best friends.

"Tristan, you're home?" Raphael scolded when his eyes caught the blue-eyed man's presence. "Yes, Uncle. Just arrived."

"You don't want to introduce us to the beautiful woman you're bringing with you?"

Tristan nodded. He motioned for Sophia to step forward, approaching the position where his family was gathered. "Introducing, Uncle, this beautiful woman named Sophia,"

Raphael smiled. The man kindly reached out his hand, inviting Sophia to shake hands. "Nice to meet you Sophia. I'm Raphael Gamaliel Smith. I'm both an uncle and a parent to take care of Tristan."

Sophia nodded. Politely welcome Raphael's hand. "Sophia Walters Walters. Nice to meet Uncle."

"Walters? Are you Alfonso Craigh Walters's daughter?" guessed Raphael. "Yes." Sophia nodded. Correcting Raphael's guess. "Uncle know my Papa?" Now it was Raphael's turn to shake with a faint smile. "Of course I know. Who doesn't know a successful businessman like Alfonso," he said. "Then please enjoy the food that is already on the table, Sophia. Make yourself at home," the man continued kindly.

Getting good treatment from the Tristan family made Sophia breathe a sigh of relief. She had imagined the no-no before. After getting acquainted with Raphael, Tristan also invites Sophia to familiarize themselves with Aurora. It's the same with Raphael, the woman with long hair is also friendly to Sophia.

"Nice to meet you Sophia. I hope we can be good friends."

Satisfied with getting acquainted with all his family members, Tristan invited Sophia to tour the house. Shows the woman where are the best spots that Tristan often goes to spend time, relax and contemplate.

"Your house is very comfortable. Plus your harmonious family must be very pleasant living here." Tristan nodded in agreement.

"Of course it's fun. Especially if I can bring you into this house. Then lock and torture you to my heart's content," Tristan muttered. But instead of saying that, he said the opposite. "I also feel grateful, even though I don't have parents, at least I can still feel immeasurable happiness." "In that case, thank God." Sophia then glanced at the clock on her wrist; it was already seven in the evening. He had said before that he couldn't stay at the man's house for long. "It's late. Can I go home now?"

"I'll take you."

After saying goodbye, the two immediately left the Tristan residence. Raphael seemed to continue to watch the two until their shadows disappeared from view. Reaching a cell phone from his trouser pocket, Raphael called someone. When the call was picked up, he spoke hastily.

"Keep an eye on Tristan. He just came out of the house. I don't want you to be careless in the slightest. Tell me all the moves he makes out there," he order.