“Mr Tristan, are you sure about your decision to leave for Paris in the near future?”
Mario, who was in Tristan’s room then, looked very grumpy. Not without a real reason. This all happened after he heard the news that his boss would be going abroad for an indefinite period of return.
It feels so empty to work without assistance as usual. If you think about it, it’s a man’s right when he decides where to go. However, what troubled Mario’s heart was that Tristan didn’t say when he would return to London.
“Yes, Mario. My decision is unanimous and cannot be contested,” the man replied as he continued to finish the pile of work on his desk. Deliberately speeding so that the existing deadline can be completed before he leaves.
“But how long will you be there? How about Foxtail if you leave? Smart City tender? Or a One-stop Shopping tender? Are you going to leave all that behind?” the man complained.
Tristan ended his activities for a moment. Lifting his face, the man gave a faint smile. He could see how his assistant looked anxiously, waiting for an answer from him.
“I’ll still get all the work done as it should, Mario. Isn’t the times already sophisticated? We can discuss each other via email and teleconference. Besides, here is Mr Raphael, and you can also be relied on.”
Mario sighed. Taking a step forward, the man chose to pull up a chair and then sat down. Hell, if Tristan thinks this is rude. He had to clarify his status in this office while his boss was away.
“How can it be the same, Mister. My abilities are far from yours. Are you sure to hand over a big tender like this to me who doesn’t have much experience? Aren’t you afraid our company will lose money?”
Tristan just laughed. Not the least bit shook by the decision he had taken. After all, he had calculated everything so carefully.
“Who says you’re inexperienced? The proof is that you handled all my duties when I didn’t come to work the other day. Papa doesn’t ever get tired of praising your work in front of the leaders of other divisions and me.”
This time Mario chuckled. What Tristan said was true. Because when the man went on strike for a few days, he would not want to replace Tristan’s role at Raphael’s request. Luckily all the work and deadlines can be resolved properly. But, if he’s the one who keeps handling it, it’s too troublesome.
“Then what about the trial? There are still two more times to attend, Mister. If you don’t attend the third meeting, there will be no fourth trial. Mrs Sophia will automatically become a widow. What do you expect? Be a widow?” said Mario at length. Once again, he didn’t care if he was too meddling. At the same time, Tristan seemed to respond casually. The man’s usual cold face didn’t seem to change.
“It’s okay, Mario. Sophia and I have to finish here. There’s nothing I can do but give up,” he said.
“Give up?” Mario repeated. From his ears, he seemed to hear a tone of despair tucked into the sentence that escaped Tristan’s lips. “A Tristan Quartararo surrendered? Why does it sound like you’re not the usual you?”
The smile did not leave the man’s face in the slightest. Nor did he feel offended by what his assistant had just said.
“It can’t be helped. I’ve not only asked Sophia once. I’ve asked her to give her just one chance to give evidence more than three times. She even asked me to finish all the efforts that I have done and will do. If it’s like this, what should I do? Again, Mario? How can I keep pushing.”
The man with the proportionate body just nodded. Confused about what kind of advice to give. He knew that Tristan had tried to fight for Sophia. Humble yourself and put aside the ego to get the wife’s attention back. But it didn’t work in the slightest.
“So that you know…” Tristan continued. “Sophia even asked me to pray for her happiness with Edward. What does that mean? Her decision to marry Edward is irrevocable. I want to ruin their marriage even once. Is there any guarantee that Sophia will come back with me? don’t want to know me anymore.”
It was clear in his eyes that Mario saw that Tristan seemed to let out a long sigh. It was as if he had poured out all the tightness that filled his chest cavity. The man spoke quietly, but there was emotion tucked into every word that came out.
“I can only tell you to be patient, Mister. The matter you are having with Mrs Sophia is indeed very complicated. If only you hadn’t tortured him in the past, maybe he wouldn’t be this hateful,” Mario said honestly.
Tristan nodded. Realised that what he did in the past was cruel. Maybe this is God’s compensation for his overstepping behaviour.
“That’s why all I can do now is let Sophia go. It’s up to him to marry anyone after this. The important thing is that Sophia is happy. That’s more than enough for me.”
“Your love story is like the old saying goes, Mister,” Mario said.
“Which proverb do you mean?” Tristan asked curiously.
“Love doesn’t have to have. Willing to see his beloved happy with another man.”
Tristan chuckled. At this serious time, at times, the assistant even said things that seemed to mock him.
“But, Mister,” continued Mario. “Once again, I ask, what does that mean you are ready to divorce Mrs Sophia?”
Tristan nodded again. “Ready, not ready, I have to be ready. Oh, I almost forgot. As for the parcel I ordered to send to Sophia, you’re still doing it now, aren’t you?” the man asked suddenly.
“Still, Mister. At your command. Every morning I send flowers, and every three days, I send a red velvet cake to Mrs Sophia.”
“Good. Keep doing it until you get news that Sophia is officially married to another man.” Mario’s brows furrowed. Strangely, he’s been given orders to send Sophia flowers and cakes. Even though the Madam seems indifferent or at least thanked her for the gift. which the master gave.
“You mean I can only stop sending these gifts when Mrs. Sophia is officially another man’s wife?”
“Yes, Mario. You can still do this job, right?” The blonde-haired man nodded. How hard is it to also send flowers and cakes every day?
“Very well, Mister. I will do as ordered.”
Mario then rose from his seat. The man prepared to leave the room to continue his work. But before he could take a step, Tristan even asked him to speak again.
“Oh yeah, almost forgot. Have you seen Aurora in her room?”
Mario shook his head. “Nothing, Mister. Looks like Mrs. Aurora is attending a meeting outside the office today.”
“I see. Even though I have important things to talk about,” he said slowly.
“All right. I’ll talk to him later when I get home.” Mario, instead of leaving, remained motionless in his standing position. Suddenly he felt curious about what business his boss was looking for, Aurora this early.
“Sorry if I’m being presumptuous, what important business do you and Mrs Aurora want to discuss? Is this about work?”
“No.” Tristan shook his head casually. “I’m looking for Aurora because I want to discuss our wedding plans.”
Mario was immediately taken aback by hearing the words that just came from Tristan’s lips. He was sure that his hearing wasn’t the least bit wrong.
“Wedding plans?”
“Yes, Mario.” Tristan answered back confidently. “Don’t tell me Mister is going to marry Mrs. Aurora in Paris. My guess is not true, is it?”
Tristan just smiled. Not confirming but also not denying the guess that Mario put to him. “Marry Aurora or not, it’s none of your business. You just wish us both the best.” Mario chuckles. He hated hearing diplomatic answers like this the most. Instead of being satisfied, it made his curiosity even more thrashing.
“Come on, Mister. Couldn’t you tell me a little bit what it was that you and Mrs. Aurora really wanted to do while in Paris?”
Tristan was silent at first. But because he was constantly pressed, he couldn’t help but tell what he would do when he arrived in Paris. What is certain is that there are many plans that he has made and will work on in the future.
***
After work, Tristan decided to stop first at a cafe in the middle of London. Nicholas and Jacob were already waiting for him while enjoying the coffee and snacks they had ordered earlier.
“Actually, what is it that suddenly invites the two of us to get together like this?” Nicholas asked curiously. They usually have regular meetings every weekend. So it was a bit surprising when Tristan asked the two of them to come to a cafe with the excuse of wanting to convey something very important.
“Let’s just say that our meeting this time is a farewell party,” said Tristan, sitting comfortably in his chair.
“Farewell Party?” Jacob asked as if confused. “Where do you want to go that you have to wear all sorts of farewells?”
Tristan smiled. The man reached for the glass of drink on the table. Take a sip of it first until half, then prepare to answer the curiosity of his two friends.
“The day after tomorrow, I’m leaving for Paris. And maybe stay there for a while.”
“You are crazy!” cried Nicholas. “For what purpose go to Paris? Is this a form of healing for Sophia’s decision to refuse you to refer?”
Tristan shrugged his shoulders. Did not answer what reason until he went all the way to Paris. One of the goals, of course, is to calm yourself down.
“Yes, you can think of it that way.” “What kind of answer is that, Tristan!” growled Nicholas. He hated it when he got an answer that was not clear like this.
“So you really let Sophia go? Allowed her to unite with Edward?” Jacob, who this time questioned with many questions.
“Yeah, Jack,” Tristan nodded. “I’ve run out of ideas for conquering Sophia’s heart. There’s no longer any way to bring her back to my side. I’ve begged many times, but to no avail. I admit, Edward is the winner in this fight.”
Nicholas laughed. It felt a little funny, but it didn’t take long for him to see how Tristan was sad but struggling to be strong with what had happened to him. “Actually this is karma for your own actions. But it can’t be helped. Everything has already happened. By the way, forget about Sophia,” Nicholas said later. Squinting, the man then asked. “What about your job if you stay in Paris indefinitely? Don’t forget. Foxtail is holding a lot of big tenders this year.”
Tristan nodded. He knew that Nicholas would ask this. As fellow businessmen, what they have in mind must be a large project or business.
“No need to worry, Nicholas Alistair. No matter how far, I’m sure I can handle it. Papa and Mario are here after all. They’re also very competent on all these big projects.”
Nicholas then chuckled. “I pray you don’t feel at home in Paris. Once a week has passed, you’ll think about going back to London because you miss us both.”
Laughter immediately fell from Tristan’s lips. He was sad to have to leave his two friends like this. But it’s only temporary until he feels better, then he returns.
“I’ll leave Sophia. If she and Edward end up getting married, please send my congratulations to them both,” Tristan said quietly. Nicholas knew that when his best friend spoke, there was a tone of real displeasure.
“Why don’t you just say it yourself?”
“I couldn’t have done it,” Tristan replied immediately. “That’s why I entrust these words to you.” Nicholas had nothing more to say. Knowing that Tristan’s problems were so complicated, he could only wish his best friend the best.
“If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask us. If you don’t like it, don’t hold back from coming home. Don’t force yourself to do things you don’t like.”
Tristan laughed at Nicholas’ sincere expression. Before deciding to leave, Jacob even left a message to him.
“I know, it seems difficult for you and Edward to be friends again. But my prayer is that we can get back to being as solid as we used to be. I also pray that in Paris you can find a replacement for Sophia soon.”
Tristan chuckled. This time, he immediately threw his arms around his two best friends. Thanks and gratitude because Nicholas and Jacob are always there when he is sad or happy.
***
After meeting with Jacob and Nicholas, Tristan didn’t sleep immediately. The man chose to take his feet and walk to Raphael’s study first. When he entered, Samanta told him his father was waiting there. Not wanting to waste time, he rushed over to her. Once inside, Tristan could see his father was busy reading one of the books in his hand.
“Daddy looking for me?” Tristan asked as he entered the study.
“Sit down. There’s something Papa wants to talk to you about.” Tristan complied. The man immediately took a seat directly opposite his father. He could guess what they would discuss this time.
“What’s important, Pa?”
“Not really that important. Just wanted to confirm when you’re leaving for Paris.”
“Three days from now.”
Raphael nodded. Lowering the reading glasses he was wearing, the man answered again. “Are you sure after your business is done you don’t want to go straight back to London?”
“I don’t think so, Pa. I’ve decided to stay there. Besides, there’s Papa and Mario here who can take care of Foxtail for a while.”
Raphael nodded. In terms of work, he wasn’t that worried. “What about Sophia? Are you sure you want to let her go from your side?”
“It can’t be helped, Pa. There’s no other way I can do to make her want to come back to be my wife. Instead of being depressed, I’d better give in. Let her choose what’s best for her.”
Raphael could do nothing but wish his son the best. It’s also useless to force a will if it’s fate that it’s not with Sophia. No matter how hard it is, they can never be together.
“But speaking of your going to Paris, does Aurora know about this?”
Tristan shook his head. Until this moment, the woman didn’t want to talk to him.
“Not yet, Pa. I plan to tell Aurora tonight as well. Also discuss my promise to marry her.” Hearing the last words from Tristan’s lips made Raphael gasp. Almost forgot that his son had a promise to keep. “So you’re still going to marry her?”
“I will discuss everything tonight with Aurora, Pa.” Raphael took a deep breath. Just surrender to the decision that Tristan will take.
“Whatever it is as long as the best, Papa will always support you.”
After finishing his conversation with his father, Tristan intends to return to the room. When leaving the study, his eyes accidentally caught the figure of Aurora, who had just come home from nowhere. Since he had been looking for the woman this morning, he hurriedly stepped in. Then blocked before the owner of the room closed the door.
“Aurora, wait a minute.” The summoned immediately turned around and gave him a sharp look. A very thick aura of hostility the woman showed to her interlocutor.
“What do you want me to do?” curtly don’t like it. “We have something to talk about. And I think this is very important.”
Aurora smiled mockingly. He’s lazy to serve Tristan at this time. “I’m tired. Besides, there’s nothing more for the two of us to talk about.”
Aurora then enters. Get ready to close the door. But at the same time, Tristan deliberately put his hand on the door to prevent the door from closing Aurora’s room.
“I promise it won’t be long.”
“Not.” Aurora shook her head. “I’m not in the least bit interested in talking to you.”
“But it’s about our wedding plans,” said Tristan suddenly. After saying this, he could feel how Aurora’s hand, which had been so strong pushing the door shut, became weak and slowly slipped out of it. “What do you mean by our marriage?”
“Allow me to come in first. We’ll cover everything tonight.” Aurora was silent for a moment as if considering whether or not to talk to Tristan tonight. But come to think of it, he also had to solve all these problems soon. Explaining the status, which until this moment has been hanged, is not clear.
“All right, you may come in. I also have something to tell you.”
Tristan smiled in relief. Then without much thought, he followed Aurora’s steps to sit in there immediately.