Tristan, Raphael, and Aurora looked severe while listening to Mario’s presentation in front of Emaar Properties officials. Today is when they, as selected vendors, convey the work progress of the smart city project that has been running for the last few months.
Even though it was challenging to find a replacement for Beckley, who was blacklisted for their fraud, Emaar ultimately chose BlackHorse to be his replacement until the project was completed. That’s why Jacob and Nicholas sat quietly in their chairs at today’s meeting.
“Seeing that almost 50% of the work has been running, we as vendors are certainly more active in pursuing targets to comply with the approved master plan. For that, at this opportunity, Foxtail as the main worker wants to all discuss and discuss openly, which part is there?” which will be developed after this.”
Mario as the representative of Foxtail Corporation was very confident in delivering his presentation. All meeting participants were even very enthusiastic to hear and at the same time pay attention to what the man explained.
Emaar is also amazed to see the performance of his partner who always gives ideas out of the box or different from the others. They had been in the meeting for almost two hours. Once finished, Tristan immediately decided to return to the room followed by Raphael behind him.
“So you’re going to the owner’s meeting next week in the United Arab Emirates yourself?” asked Raphael as the two of them sat on the sofa in the room.
Tristan seemed to unbutton the coat he was wearing. He took a sip of mineral water in front of him, then answered his father’s question.
“I’ll be the only one attending next week’s meeting. After all, it’s my job to be in charge of this big project.”
Raphael nodded in understanding. After a while, the man spoke again.
“If you need a companion, I can accompany you. My schedule is also empty until next week. So, it’s okay to come with you.”
Tristan smiled. Then after that he shook his head. he thought. he can complete all the tasks and deadlines that Mario has sorted out for him to work on for some time to come.
“No need. I’m sure I can sort it out myself. Besides, Foxtail needs Papa here.”
Raphael was immediately taken aback. He was sure his hearing was fine. Just now he heard clearly how Tristan for the first time called him ‘Papa’ as he had expected all this time.
“Don’t be so surprised,” Tristan scolded as if he could read the expression Raphael was showing him.
“I-I just couldn’t believe what I just heard,” said Raphael, annoyed. It was clear from the look on his face that he was shocked.
“Are you sure you call me —-”
“Papa?” Tristan cut. At the same time the man immediately nodded his head cheerfully. “I believe in what I say. Don’t worry. This is real, not just a dream. When I think about it, it’s good for me to learn to make peace with my heart and myself. It’s no good for me to hold a grudge against Papa. can’t bring the late Papa Andrew and Mama back to life, can you?”
Raphael couldn’t hold back his emotion. Without awkwardness the man approached and for the first time embraced Tristan’s body with his new status as a recognized father.
He did not deny his feelings were so happy when his son wanted to make peace and then accepted his presence as a biological father. Of course this is a big achievement for him.
“Thank you, Tristan. Thank you for accepting me. No matter what, I will never get tired of apologizing to you. Sorry for not being able to fight for you and your Mama. I feel—”
“Shhhhhhh.” Tristan immediately hissed softly as he unraveled his father’s embrace. “There’s no need to continue. Everything has happened. It’s good that the two of us no longer need to discuss the past or previous bitter events. Most importantly, now is the time for us to return to being a solid team to realize the goals that have not been achieved,” Tristan said so wisely.
Even though in his heart he was no less mellow because after a long inner battle and even had enemies, in the end he was able to re-establish a good relationship with his father. Yes, the real father.
“Of course.” Raphael nodded. “For the rest of my life, I will dedicate myself to helping you and Foxtail. I will do whatever it takes to make us even more successful in the future.”
The two of them were silent for a moment as if they had run out of things to talk about. Tristan cleared his throat and then immediately asked questions to lighten the mood.
“For Aurora, how about it? Has he known all along that he is not Papa’s child?”
Raphael leaned his shoulder on the sofa. The man responded to Tristan’s question in a more relaxed sitting position.
“Aurora already knew that she was not Papa’s biological child. Since the age of 10, Papa has been slowly giving explanations. Introducing one by one the figures of his parents even though they are no longer in this world.”
“Aurora isn’t the least bit angry with him, Papa? Feeling cheated or something?”
Tristan’s words containing the question again caught Raphael’s attention. He tried to remember if Aurora had ever been angry or disappointed after what she had done so far. “Dad, Aurora is a very understanding woman, Tristan. When he was 15 years old, Papa again explained his biological parents who had died the first time he was born. At first, he was sad, but over time he understood and finally accepted what God had destined for him. Honestly, Papa is quite proud because he has succeeded in educating him so that he can become the woman who is so independent as now.”
Tristan agreed with Raphael’s words. From the start, he knew Aurora, and the woman looked more mature than her age. Which Tristan sometimes ordered. When he remembered this one, he immediately felt guilty for the woman.
“Then about your promise to marry Aurora, are you going to keep it?” towards the father. “I promised Aurora, Pa. I can’t deny it. After all, Sophia and I will be getting a divorce soon.”
“Divorce?” Raphael’s brow furrowed deeply. He didn’t know anything about this news.
Tristan chuckled. I don’t know what made him suddenly amused after hearing what his father just said.
“I didn’t divorce Sophia, Pa. But Sophia sued me. She can’t stand living with me for long. After all, because he saved my life yesterday, he also lost the baby in his stomach.”
Not to mention that Raphael’s shock about the divorce was gone. This time he was even more shocked. Raphael missed a lot of news about Sophia, who had to miscarry because she helped Tristan.
“So you lost —-”
“Yes, Pa.” Tristan nodded immediately. Confirming Raphael’s guess, which he hadn’t finished saying. “Sophia miscarried. Even her womb became vulnerable and needed extra attention due to this disaster. That’s why he was angry and resentful and wanted to be separated from me as soon as possible. But basically, I do deserve Sophia’s hatred. What I did to him in the past is unforgivable.”
“Oh my God.” Raphael wiped his face furiously. He couldn’t believe how complicated his son was. “Dad really couldn’t understand your story. Hopefully, this problem will be resolved soon. Whatever your decision, Papa believes it is best for you and Sophia to live in the future.”
In the middle of their conversation, Mario suddenly came. The man brought news about Emaar’s officials who wanted to meet and have a special talk with Tristan before they said goodbye and left London.