“This is what I hate when I make appointments with Edward. It’s always like this!” lamented Nicholas with a frown on his face. Why did he want to be toyed with by his best friend?
This afternoon, Edward suggested to his three friends to gather in one of the shooting ranges. Tired of riding, bowling, or billiards, he finally decided to try another sport this week.
Instead of coming first, Edward remained as usual. He arrived too late to ignite Nicholas’ emotions that were already at the top of his head.
“Even though you can read Edward’s temper, you still innocently came on time, didn’t you?” Tristan sneered with a laugh. He was happy to see his friend look annoyed now.
At the same time, Nicholas could only exhale roughly. What Tristan said was true. Even though he was often annoyed, he always came when his best friend asked him to. I don’t know if this is called loyal friend or stupid.
“It can’t be helped. I’m used to come on time. If I didn’t think of you as a brother, I’d have beaten that one bastard!” he cursed angrily.
Not long after, the person they had been waiting for finally arrived at the shooting range. Without sinning and feeling the least bit guilty, Edward immediately joined his friends. Participate in choosing a weapon to shoot today.
“Actually, for what purpose did you suddenly invite us all to practice shooting?” astonished Nicholas. He was sure there must be a secret mission if his best friend displayed unusual behavior. Nicholas also remembered that shooting was a sport they hadn’t played in a long time.
While Edward focused on choosing a weapon, the man looked indifferent as usual. After finding what he was looking for, he slowly answered the curiosity that was evident on Nicholas’ face.
“You must know that Sophia invited us all to dinner with her parents tonight, right?”
Nicholas and Jacob nodded in unison, then one of them asked again. “Then what does dinner have to do with the shooting, Ed?” Don’t tell me after dinner, and you’re going to point a gun at everyone at the venue,” Nicholas accused.
“Don’t be crazy!” Edward chuckled. Then asked his three friends to come closer to hear what he had to say. “I Brought you all here so we can practice together. It is said that from a reliable source, it is said that Sophia’s father likes hunting wild animals.”
This time Nicholas pulled his face in. He was confused about what exactly the plan Edward was making. His best friend had been babbling, not a single point in the story had made him understand. where was their meeting this afternoon headed.
“Jesus, Edward. Just get to the point. Don’t beat around the bush.”
Edward snorted. Very excited by Nicholas’ attitude, which seemed impatient. Bringing the weapon he had chosen to the arena, Edward immediately took a stance. Pointed it at the target and fired one shot there. After that, he only returned to responding to Nicholas’ previous question.
“You know I’m planning a strategy to win Sophia’s heart, right?” Nicholas nodded innocently. “Yes, I know. You are like a soldier about to go down to the battlefield. Approaching women alone must use all kinds of strategies!”
Edward chuckled at Nicholas’ protest. Lazy to ignore it. The man continued to tell his mission. “We are all invited to dinner and meet Sophia’s parents tonight. I’d like to impress his dad by discussing the ins and outs of hunting wild animals. That’s why my goal is to invite you guys to shoot today as a warm-up. And I also have plans to take Sophia’s dad out for a live jungle hunt next Sunday.”
“Oh my gosh,” Jacob exclaimed. “You’re wrong, Edward Cullen. If you want to hunt, why not just bring Tristan, whose hobby is the same as yours. Or take—”
“Lucas?” Edward continued quickly. “Do you agree that I bring your great brother to join us all?” he chuckled then.
Jacob immediately shook his head. Hearing the name Lucas, he felt sick. Suitable and often involved in many fights, making Jacob reluctant to approach his biological brother. In fact, until this moment, he did not want to have anything to do with Lucas.
Much different from Edward. He, who is just a friend, is even closer and often spends time with Lucas. That’s why Nicholas said they both behaved like twins.
“Are you sure you can win Sophia’s father’s heart?” Nicholas asked again.
“Of course.” Edward nodded confidently.
“Okay, if Sophia’s father sided with you, it doesn’t necessarily mean that Sophia has a crush on you or even accepts you as a partner. Don’t be too confident, Edward,” Nicholas mocked. He was also embarrassed to see his friend’s behavior which was too overconfident.
Edward took a deep breath. He was trying to hold back his emotions, facing his friend’s behavior that was so annoying.
“For some reason, I’m sure Sophia will accept me on Valentine’s Day.”
“But if I were Sophia, I’d rather be Tristan’s lover than you,” Nicholas interrupted intentionally. “Anyway, if you look closely, Sophia is a woman. good.”
“So you’re saying I’m not a nice guy? Is that so?” Edward immediately glared at him in disapproval. Damn this, Nicholas, and his mouth is getting softer and softer. If it weren’t for just friends, maybe Edward would have kicked him out of the arena.
“It’s not like that.” Nicholas shook his head. The tall man continued his sentence. “I’m just sorry if he chooses you, Ed. Look at your behavior so far, which has often been in the gossip news because of your hobby of changing partners.”
“If I were to become your lover officially and future husband, of course there would never be news again, Nicholas. I told you, this time, I want to have a relationship with Sophia.” Edward’s gaze then turned to Jacob and Tristan, who had been listening for a while. “You two, please just lock this brown-haired man. Why has it been so hard to see me happy?”
Tristan just shook his head. At the same time, Jacob laughed at Edward, who looked abused. “Never mind, Nicholas, stop mocking me,” Edward said. “I pray that one day, your life will be tragic because you get a lover. who likes to change partners.”
Nicholas laughed sarcastically as he answered Edward’s prayer. “That would never happen. After all, misfortune will never happen to a good man like me.” Satisfied with the fun with each other, the trio returned to their positions to continue shooting.
Meanwhile, Tristan, the man, chose to step aside.
Sophia : [Tristan, where are you? Why aren’t you picking up my phone?]
Sophia : [Are you avoiding me on purpose?]
Sophia : [Oh, come on. Don’t be like this. Can’t we have a warm relationship like before]
Tristan’s lips are raised when she reads the messages that Sophia had just sent? His way of avoiding that woman the past few days seemed to have stirred Sophia’s feelings. The proof is that she is always looking for Tristan’s whereabouts. No longer ashamed to call first just to ask how things are. Tristan deliberately did this. He wanted to tug at Sophia’s feelings until finally, she was trapped and could no longer get out r of all the traps he set.
Tristan : [Sorry, I just read your message. My cell phone lives in the bag. I’m currently working out with other friends]
Tristan seems to be deliberately replying to Sophia’s message in moderation. As predicted, it didn’t take long, and a call came straight into Tristan’s cell phone. Sophia’s name was prominently on the screen, asking to be picked up immediately.
“Hello, Sophia. What are you looking for?” Tristan asked to the point. He was determined, playing this time. He didn’t want to talk with the woman he was targeting. What Tristan wanted now was Sophia chasing after him.
“Am I interfering with your activities?” Sophia asked timidly.
“Of course, you don’t bother me at all. What are you looking for? Do you need my help?” Tristan asked then.
“No,” Sophia squeaked. “I don’t need anything. I just miss having a long chat with you. You’ve been avoiding me for the past few days.”
A small laugh immediately escaped from Tristan’s lips. He was cheering in his heart to get Sophia into his game. “That’s just how you feel, Sophia. Besides, I’ve been busy these past few days.”
“Yeah, I know you’re busy,” Sophia said. “But by the way, about the dinner I’m having tonight, you must be coming, right?” Sophia asked hopefully. You can hear the words that come out of his mouth. “Of course. I’ll come. Didn’t I promise you long ago?”
“I’m grateful.” Sophia was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief. It was indeed the man’s presence that she had hoped for tonight.
“Tristan! Join quickly. Why are you so busy alone?”
Edward was heard calling from the arena on the sidelines of his calling. Tristan hastily turned to signal that he was receiving a call from someone.
“Sophia, I’m sorry I have to end this call. You heard it yourself, Edward just called me. You don’t have to worry about dinner. I’ll be there tonight.”
“Well then, I look forward to seeing you at Le Meridien Hotel tonight.”
Tristan immediately ended the call. After putting away his cell phone, he ran toward his friends. Back to resume the game that had been delayed.
***
“Aurora, are you in there?” called Tristan after knocking on the woman’s bedroom door. Coming home from shooting practice, Tristan first wanted to rush into the room to prepare.
But, as soon as he passed Aurora’s room, he thought of something. He asks why not take the woman along to join Sophia’s dinner. Who knows, his presence tonight with Aurora could spark jealousy towards the woman he is after.
“Yeah, what’s up, Tristan?” asked Aurora as she opened the door. The woman gave him a questioning look.
“Do you have a show tonight?”
Aurora immediately shook her head. “Nothing. Why?”
“Then hurry up and change into some pretty clothes and make-up.”
Hearing Tristan’s orders, Aurora’s eyebrows immediately knit together. In her mind, she wondered what the man wanted her to do to dress up.
“Dress up? For what?” Tristan chuckles. Instead of answering, the man brought his hands together to bring Aurora’s body into the room. Guiding the woman to immediately sit in the chair right in front of the dressing table.
“I’d like to take you to dinner Sophia is hosting.”
Aurora directly looked up, staring intently at the ocean blue net of the man beside her. Trying to read slowly what plan Tristan is making right now.
“Why should I come?” Aurora’s eyes then narrowed sharply. “Don’t tell me you want to use me as bait to make that woman jealous.”
Tristan laughed and then pinched Aurora’s cheek in exasperation. Years of living together, making this beautiful woman can easily read his thoughts.
“Come on. Help me just this once,” Tristan pleaded in a spoiled tone. He deliberately hugged Aurora from behind, so the woman melted with his request. “Who else wants to help me besides you, Aurora.”
“You seductress! You think I will agree to your request with a hug like this?” Tristan immediately opened his arms. Bringing his hands together, he turned Aurora’s body to face him directly. Seconds later, he immediately sat down on his knees under the woman’s feet.
“Do I need to kiss you before you grant my wish?” Tristan rolled his eyes. Deliberately teasing Aurora.
“Don’t be crazy! I do love you, Tristan Quartararo. But that doesn’t mean you can just kiss or touch me.”
Tristan didn’t care. Once again, he embraced Aurora’s body and hugged her passionately while tickling the woman’s body, which made Aurora scream in annoyance because the man knew very well which was her weakness.
“Okay… okay! You won. I’ll do as you wish. Now stop what you’re doing, Tristan!” cried Aurora resentfully. She always loses when Tristan tickles her body.
“Yes!” Tristan squealed with delight. The man then got up and prepared to leave Aurora’s room. “Please make a pretty dress. Make Sophia insecure with your appearance tonight, Princess.”
“Haiss! So that you know. I am indeed more beautiful than the woman you are after.”
The woman then replied to Tristan’s words. If you look around, Aurora is beautiful from the first. Tristan never even denied this one thing.
“Yeahhh, you are indeed beautiful. That’s why only I can marry you later.”
Aurora just chuckled. Taking her hand, she pushed Tristan out of his room.
“Please go. Give me 30 minutes to prepare.”
Tristan nodded, then let Aurora continue what she wanted to do. Meanwhile, he immediately took significant steps toward the room.
Considering very carefully, Tristan again chose a black shirt with matching colored pants to wear to Sophia’s dinner. After making sure his appearance was perfect, Tristan hurried down the stairs. Walked a little hastily, then knocked on Aurora’s door.
“Aurora, are you ready?” he asked from behind the door.
“Don’t worry, and I’m done.” Right after saying those words, Aurora opened the door to her room. Walking out gracefully, Tristan was stunned to see how charming she looked tonight.
“Jesus. If you look beautiful like this, maybe all the men there will fall in love with you, Aurora,” Tristan muttered without taking his eyes away. He enjoyed Aurora’s appearance, which tonight was far different from usual.
“Don’t overdo it,” said Aurora, pinching Tristan’s waist because he was uncomfortable being looked at by the man.
“So can we go now?” Tristan asked, holding out his hand. Aurora nodded, then welcomed Tristan’s outstretched hand.
“Of course.”
Meanwhile, at the Le Meridien Hotel in Piccadilly, Sophia seemed busy welcoming the friends she had invited to enjoy dinner together. There, Edward was seen with Jacob and Nicholas, who also brought their respective partners. They seemed to be having a friendly conversation with Sophia’s parents, who had been there from the start.
“It’s so nice to be able to spend an intimate dinner like this with Sophia’s parents,”
Edward said with a gleam. He did his best to get the attention of Sophia’s parents. Edward even deliberately brought a gift from a famous brand of wine to give that night.
“Uncle should be the one who feels happy because he can meet good people who always take care of Sophia while in London,” said Alfonso. “Sophia even tells us all about you every time she calls us in Germany. She says that all of you have helped her a lot over the years.”
“You’re welcome, Uncle. We should have done that.”
Everyone seemed to be raising their glasses. Get ready to sip the wine that has been served. “Let’s have a toast to today’s meeting,” continued Alfonso. “Uncle hope that your friendship with Sophia can last forever.”
After taking a sip of the drink, Sophia could see Tristan’s presence from the corner of her eye. With all the charisma, the man stepped firmly into the restaurant. There was a feeling of a little unwillingness in his heart to see how Tristan was so intimately holding Aurora to approach them all.
“Everyone, I’m sorry I’m a little late tonight.” Sophia rose from her seat. Come, then invited Tristan and Aurora to sit right in front of him. After it was felt that all had gathered completely, it was his turn to introduce the man to his father.
“Papa, this is the kind man I talk about often.”
Alfonso nodded. Raising his glass, he turned to Tristan and gave him a friendly smile. “You must be Tristan, right? Sophia talks about you a lot. She says you’ve been very good to her all along.” Alfonso then gave the code to everyone to return the toast. After taking a sip of the wine in his hand.
Tristan smiled back at Alfonso. Politely, the man introduced himself. “Uncle’s right. My name is Tristan or Tristan Quartararo, son of the late Andrew John Quartararo, owner of Foxtail Corporation.”
Immediately, Alfonso choked on the wine he was drinking. While wiping his wet lips, he continued to stare at the face of the young man in front of him while thinking to himself, “Is it really my destiny to have to meet Quartararo’s descendants?”