Tristan took off the black shirt that wrapped his body and threw it in any direction. The man’s chest seemed to rise and fall as if he was holding back all emotions.
Lifting his face, Tristan’s eyes soon closed. His mind wandered again, remembering the embarrassing incident he had spent with Sophia a few hours ago.
“Sophia, will you be my real lover?”
Sophia didn’t flinch for long as the soft voice greeted her ears. Her small lips instantly curled into a charming smile. The dim light from the room lamp shone directly above his head. Makes her loose hair look very shiny.
Sophia’s beauty tonight shines through. Although it was very hard to admit, deep in Tristan’s heart, he was amazed when he saw Sophia, who looked fantastic tonight. “Sophia…” Tristan called once more. The man’s eyebrows rose as he repeated the previous sentence. “How? Are you willing to be my lover?”
Sophia blinked. She took a deep breath until his bare shoulders seemed to lift dramatically. Once again, she gave a faint smile before finally answering.
“I can’t deny that you have incredible charm, Tristan Quartararo. To be honest, you are the only man I feel very comfortable with.”
Tristan was flattered by all the compliments Sophia had given him. Hoping that the woman will immediately provide the answer as hee wishes.
“Thanks, Sophia. I’m just doing what I’m supposed to,” Tristan said softly, flashing a charming smile.
“There are many reasons why I can’t reject you,” Sophia said slowly, appraisingly. Her blue beads nailed every expression Tristan made.
“Do you accept my request?” guessed Tristan confidently.
After all, Sophia had already stated her reasoning that she couldn’t possibly refuse. Then what are you waiting for, right? However, Tristan seems to have too high expectations. Instead of nodding, confirming his question, Sophia soon shook her head weakly while speaking quietly.
“I can’t, Tristan. I can’t just be your girlfriend.”
Tristan stared in disbelief. He felt confident that tonight Sophia would accept his offer to be a lover. Tristan has done a lot and sacrificed. Why does reality not match expectations? So what’s the plan he’s been planning all this time? Will it just evaporate?
“I thought, since we’re such a good match and have a lot in common, you’d want to be my girlfriend, Sophia,” Tristan said quietly. The cheerful aura that the man had from the beginning suddenly turned drastically darker.
As if not excited, Tristan just looked down disinterestedly. Noticing the change in Tristan, Sophia pulled back and then grabbed the man’s hand. Squeezing it gently while asking Tristan to look closely at his face.
“It’s not that I don’t want to,” said Sophia.
“So what?” Tristan’s eyes narrowed.
“It’s just, and I need time to think about all of this. You should know I’m not a woman who can easily attach my feelings to other men. There are so many considerations that I have to make. Even though I’m just a lover, I still have to think about it carefully,” she said honestly.
Tristan’s expression was hard to read. Smiling blandly, he spoke again.
“So you mean you need some time to consider my request?”
Sophia nodded immediately. “In a relationship, I always try to be serious. Who knows, later it will continue down the aisle. That’s why it took me a long calculation before finally making a decision.”
“Okay,” Tristan replied then. “Then how long did it take you to think this through, Sophia?” Tristan asked softly. He was willing to do anything as long as he wanted to.
Sophia could fall into the trap she had worked so hard to prepare. While Sophia just shrugged her shoulders. She couldn’t even tell when the right time to answer was. Her heart was wavering.
“I don’t know. To be sure now is not the time.”
Tristan’s expression darkened when he recalled Sophia’s words at the restaurant. Anger seemed to radiate from all sides to make the atmosphere even colder and tenser.
Overpowered by emotion and extreme anger, Tristan brought his right hand and punched the glass in one of the cupboards until it shattered formless. So hard, so emotional. Fresh blood was flowing and smeared his fingers. Glass shards had scattered formless all over the room floor.
Aurora, who heard the sound of the commotion from Tristan’s room, immediately took the initiative to approach. Luckily the man’s room was unlocked, so he could freely enter without knocking on the door.
“TRISTAN!”
As soon as he saw the condition of Tristan’s hands which were covered in blood, Aurora rushed over to him. While shouting in panic, the woman immediately grabbed Tristan’s injured hand. Struggling to try to m clean the glass shards still stuck to the pores of her future husband’s wrist.
“What are you doing? Why do you have to be this angry?” asked Aurora.
The woman forced Tristan and then told him to sit on the side of the bed. Then he ran outside for a moment to reach the medicine box. Go back and immediately sit cross-legged right in front of the man.
Slow and careful. Aurora began to wipe the wound with sterile gauze. When she found a shard of glass that had sunk deep enough, she grabbed a pair of tweezers and pointed it there. Right on the count of three, as fast as lightning, Aurora pulled the glass out perfectly, making Tristan squeal a little.
“Ah!”
“Sorry,” Aurora whispered. Hastily she again wiped the gauze that had been smeared with alcohol. Then soon closed the gaping wound with a plaster. “I’ve treated your wound,” she said later. Looking up, Aurora immediately hit Tristan with a questioning expression. “What’s the matter? Why are you doing something stupid like this? Are you really that crazy, huh? You could lose a lot of blood!”
Tristan sighed softly. Lifting his face, he looked straight ahead. Aurora waited for a long time until the man finally spoke again. “I’m all right, Aurora,” he argued.
“Lie!” said Aurora quickly. “I know who you are, Tristan. I know what you’re like,” she said, a little embarrassed.
“Yeahh…” Tristan replied. “I really can’t lie to you. I was so happy I could ask that woman out on a romantic date tonight.” Tristan begins to tell what happened to Aurora. “You must know the Aqua Shard, right? I even took it there. Reserving the best place to get a view of London.”
Aurora nodded weakly. Of course, he knew the place. Aqua Shard is a dream place she wants to go to when she has a lover or husband in the future. But why did Tristan take Sophia before her?
“Then? Things didn’t go the way you hoped?” Guess Aurora. She seemed to know where the conversation was going tonight.
Tristan nodded. The lines of annoyance and disappointment were still clearly visible on his handsome face. “I was very confident that Sophia would fall into my trap tonight. You know, I’ve calculated everything carefully.”
The man then laughed blandly. Maybe it’s more accurate to laugh at his fate tonight.
“I was very wrong, Aurora. Even though there’s only a little longer, this plan works. After all the sweet attitude I’ve given so far, Sophia doesn’t immediately accept me for being her lover. What am I lacking? Haven’t I been so perfect?”
Aurora’s eyebrows rose high.
“So Sophia rejected you? Rejected a Tristan Quartararo?”
Tristan nodded again. He is like someone who has lost his passion for life. His self-esteem seemed to fall flatly rejected. Yet out there, he was sure. Many women are lining up to be his partner. Who is Sophia to leave him like this?
While Aurora is not pity, even without awkwardly laughing softly. Which of these actions made Tristan astonished.
“What are you laughing at, is there anything funny about my story?” Tristan lowered his gaze. His eyes then narrowed. “Ah, you must be happy that Sophia turned me down, right?”
Still laughing, Aurora just nodded. “That’s one of them. But sorry, I’m funnier seeing your expression right now. You’re just like a kid who couldn’t buy your favorite toy. For God’s sake, you’re so cute.”
“Oh my God, Aurora.” Tristan exclaimed in annoyance. His mouth clicked. He deliberately raised his lips. “I’m angry, and you’re laughing at me? You really are inhumane.”
Laughter fell from Aurora’s lips again. Still kneeling in front of Tristan. She stretched out both hands. Then hugged Tristan tightly. She buried her head in his chest for a moment. Enjoy the comfort that is created, then speak again.
“Then let me hug you tight, so that your anger subsides. Don’t we often do this from the beginning every time one of us is upset, sad, or furious?”
“Yes you’re right.” Tristan nodded. Stretching his arms, the man looked deeply into Aurora’s sparkling blue beads. “Thank you for always being by my side. From the moment I first came into the Smith family’s life until now I can finally be independent.”
Aurora continued to smile. In a short kiss, Tristan’s cheeks then hugged him tightly again. As if what he was doing was the most comfortable thing for him. “I’ll always be by your side, Tristan. I’ll always be there whenever you need help.”
Tristan didn’t answer anymore. The man brought his hand to gently stroke Aurora’s hair. Then soon, he kissed the top of her head affectionately. After that, he hugged Aurora tightly. As if reluctant to part from the woman.
“Thank you again, Aurora. Sorry if I haven’t been able to repay you much for your kindness.”
***
“This file has been acc. If this one is just waiting for Mr. Tristan’s decision,” Mario said while showing Tristan some important pieces of paper in his room.
“Just so you know Mario, in this project, there is one vendor that Emaar Properties says is paying quite a lot of money,” said Tristan.
“You mean Bechtel Company? If that’s the case, you don’t have to worry, if I’m not mistaken, they’re still new. And of course they still have a long way to go under Foxtail,” explained Mario.
Tristan nodded. Since signing the MOU began, he was curious about this one vendor. He had never heard that name before. But why they can get a high place, so you are expected to get paid at the same level as his company?
“Can you help me find out who owns this company? Then how come it got elected to get rid of Besix who clearly already has a name,” Tristan ordered.
“Yes, Mister,” said Mario without the slightest hesitation on his face. In the past few years serving as Tristan’s assistant, he knew exactly what the man wanted. “As soon as possible I will give you the report.”
Busy with a conversation, Jessica, Tristan’s secretary, can be heard knocking. Stepping in, the woman immediately conveyed the purpose of her arrival.
“Sorry if I intruded on your time, Mister,” she said politely.
“Yeah, what’s wrong, Jessica?” Tristan asked then. “There’s a woman looking for you and wants to meet. But she hasn’t made an appointment yet,” she explained later, much to Tristan’s surprise.
“What is the name of the woman who wants to meet me?”
“She said her name was Sophia Walters.”
Tristan nodded in understanding. Then it didn’t take long for his secretary to reply.
“Just tell her to come in. I know that woman well.”
Tristan’s gaze returned to Mario. He then continued the conversation that had been postponed. As soon as Sophia entered the room, it was Mario’s turn to leave because he wanted to give his superiors privacy.
“Hi, Tristan,” said Sophia after the two of them were left in the room.
“Hi,” Tristan replied kindly. “Please have a seat. You can sit on the sofa or here, right in front of me,” Tristan said, pointing to the chair right in front of his desk.
Sophia nodded slowly. Stepping forward, he chose to sit straight in front of Tristan. After all, what’s the point of talking far away from each other? Those who are there will not even hear.
“You are okay?” Sophia asked again, starting the conversation.
Tristan stared straight at Sophia. “Just fine?” he asked with a slightly furrowed brow. “I’m fine, Sophia. What’s wrong?”
Sophia pulled the corners of her lips into a smile. Placing his wrists on the table, she spoke again to Tristan. “About our dinner the other day, I’m sorry again. I know I made you—”
“I’m fine,” Tristan interrupted before Sophia could finish her sentence. “There’s no need to think or feel bad. Most importantly, we can still be friends, right?”
Sophia nodded in agreement. Even though she couldn’t just accept Tristan as his girlfriend, she didn’t want the slightest bit of good relations that had been established to fall apart just like that. What a loss, Sophia thought.
“I thought, you were angry with my decision at that time. Then deliberately to stay away or worse not want to be friends with me anymore,” said Sophia. Tell him what she’s feeling.
“Why should you be angry?” Tristan, with his handsome face, just chuckled softly. He continued to show a friendly attitude.
Sophia seemed to be breathing slowly. Exhaling slowly, the woman prepared to speak again. “I just find it strange, the past few days you haven’t contacted me at all. That’s why I’ve come to the conclusion that you’re mad at me.”
“Not.” Tristan shook his head. Denies Sophia’s accusations. The smile on the man’s lips did not fade in the slightest. The stunning impression of his face intoxicates the eyes of anyone who sees him. “I haven’t been in London for the past few days. Aurora and I took care of a bit of work so we both had to go to Italy.”
“And you didn’t even let me know when you were out of the country?” Sophia asked. There was a hint of disappointment in his words. But still, Tristan responded with a smile.
“Sophia, why should I be obliged to tell you where my position and activities are? Isn’t it that we don’t have any relationship at this time?”
The question was so poignant. Stabbed right into the center of Sophia’s heart. After that, a feeling of shame ran across her beautiful face.
A few days after the tragic dinner, Tristan had been busy with his work. He didn’t even think about contacting his friends, especially Sophia. After all, it was true what he just said.
Who he was that he had to be obliged to tell him all the time where to go and what he was doing out there.
“I-I.” Sophia was upset. He didn’t know what to say. Forgetting that he didn’t have anything to do with Tristan.
“Dont think about it.” Tristan interrupted again. “There’s no need to think like that either. I’m still the same as yesterday. So, you take it easy. There’s no need to feel awkward or uncomfortable.”
Sophia breathed a sigh of relief. But still, the shame can’t just go away.
“By the way, regarding the meeting with my parents that we discussed the other day, I wanted to confirm it again,” she squeaked.
“I’ll definitely come if you invite me.” Tristan immediately answered.
“Yes.” Sophia nodded. “That’s why today I wanted to check back. They will arrive in London the day after tomorrow. It is likely that this weekend we will have dinner with the rest of our friends. To that end, I once again officially invite you.”
“That means you invited Edward too?” Tristan inquired curiously.
“Yes.” Sophia nodded. “Not only Edward but all of you. I also invited Tita and Claire because they are my partners in the modeling world.”
“Okay. I’ll make sure to come to the event,” Tristan answered without hesitation.
Again, in the middle of their conversation, it was Aurora’s turn to enter Tristan’s room. Without much ado, the beautiful woman approached and rebuked the man.
“Tristan, have you finished your work?”
Tristan immediately nodded. “Yes, Princess. Shall we have lunch together?” he asked then. “Sure. I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.”
Tristan then got up. He grabbed the navy coat he had slung behind the chair and put it on succinctly. Don’t forget, before leaving, and he said goodbye to Sophia. There was not the slightest desire for him to invite her to join him for lunch as usual.
“Sophia, I think we’ve had a very clear conversation today. Since we have nothing more to discuss, I’ll say goodbye to lunch first.”
Sophia, who understands, gets up too. Extending her right hand invited Tristan to shake hands. “Thanks for your time. I look forward to seeing you over the weekend.”
Tristan just nodded. Then let Sophia go out of her room.