Sophia seemed to be looking here and there for Tristan’s whereabouts while in the courtroom. Today, according to schedule, is the third trial which contains the reading of the lawsuit and the opportunity to appeal if the defendant does not accept the lawsuit.
However, until the time of the trial, he did not find the slightest figure of Tristan. There was only his lawyer there who seemed to represent him. There was a question in my heart, whether the man was deliberately absent because he had given up on all the existing processes.
“How about Mrs Sophia? Are there any other lawsuits you would like to present or add?” asked the Judge after reading through all the charges Sophia had previously made?
“Nothing,” Sophia replied, shaking her head.
“Okay. Then it’s just a matter of reading the compensation given by the defendant to the plaintiff. For this matter, we can hear it directly from the appointed lawyer,” said the Judge. Then let Tristan’s lawyer read out what his client had ordered him to do.
“Thank you for the time and opportunity given. I am Bruce White, a lawyer on Mr Tristan Quartararo’s side, and today I will read some of the compensation that he will give to the plaintiff as a form of responsibility for the marriage that has been carried out for several months. Even though Mrs Sophia is not in the least demanding the property, the defendant will still give what the right of the plaintiff as regulated in our country’s marriage law is.”
Everyone in the courtroom seemed to be seriously listening. No exception, Edward was also present and sat in the front row seat as the plaintiff’s companion.
“In his mandate, Mr Tristan Quartararo will continue to provide one housing unit. The stake and net profit of the Beckley company is 30% for life and a monthly payment of £25000 until Mrs Sophia officially becomes another man’s wife. All will be given after the Judge knocks on the hammer. And formalize the status of both parties at the next trial. On behalf of Mr Tristan, I also open up the maximum opportunity for the plaintiff if he wants to change or add to his rights which may be missed or not stated in the letter of mandate.”
After reading the letter, the Judge again took over the trial. Gazing at Sophia, asked the woman for a response.
“How about Mrs Sophia? Is there anything that needs to be revised, or maybe something is missing?”
Sophia was silent for a moment. Glancing at Edward as if looking for an answer there. Even in his heart, he asked whether he deserved all the treasures that Tristan had given him. Was this all enough to pay for the pain he had inflicted on her heart?
“I think everything is clear and sufficient,” said Sophia. Then the Judge looked back at Bruce White, sitting in the attorney’s chair. Not long ago, another question was asked
“What about the defendant? Do you want to appeal before today’s trial ends?” Bruce shook his head confidently, then replied shortly, “No, Judge. Everything is very clear. Our client accepted today’s decisions without the slightest protest.”
“All right,” continued the Judge. “Because there is nothing else that needs to be read, revised, or added, today’s trial is declared over. We will read the final decision at the trial next week. I hope all parties are present to hear all decisions.”
After the hammer knock sounded, all the trial participants immediately got up. Edward, who had been sitting directly, approached Sophia and then guided the woman to immediately walk to the car.
“Are you sure you want to accept all the treasures Tristan gave you?” Edward asked when the two of them were in the car.
“Yeah,” Sophia said, nodding. “I think it’s fine to accept it. Just think of it as appreciating Tristan’s last gift.”
“Aren’t you afraid that Tristan will be considered materialistic for still receiving treasures from him?”
Sophia immediately turned to Edward. He didn’t expect the man next to him to think that far.
“Jesus, Edward. Tristan hurt me, but I never thought he would think that way. Or maybe you think that of me?” Sophia accused with narrowed eyes.
Edward immediately felt awkward. He was sure what he just said managed to offend the woman in front of him.
“For God’s sake, I didn’t mean it that way, Sophia. I didn’t want you to be in debt to Tristan.”
Sophia immediately laughed blandly. Her expression turned lazy after hearing Edward’s words which she didn’t think were appropriate at this time.
“No one is indebted, whether it’s Tristan or me. As husband and wife who are about to separate, it’s a court order for the man to give what is rightfully his ex-wife. So I don’t think there’s any exaggeration, Ed. What comes later is a simple problem that becomes complicated because you have to worry about everything. I’m sick of having to deal with unimportant things.”
Edward couldn’t say any more. His fault had also provoked Sophia to become emotional like now. He was sure, it would not be easy to restore the woman’s mood as before.
“I’m sorry, Sophia. I’m really sorry for what I said to offend you.”
Sophia exhaled. As if reluctant to say too much. What Edward said bothered her.
“Forget it,” the woman replied curtly. Edward sighed softly. She must have been afraid that she would be offended. Sophia either stops talking or keeps quiet for a long time. No, that, of course shouldn’t happen.
“Again I’m really sorry. After this, we’re still going to have lunch with Mama and Papa, right?” asked the man, trying to change the topic of their conversation. Sophia glanced at the clock that was wrapped in her hand.
Then after a while, she saw the woman nodding slowly.
“Yes, because I have promised to attend, like it or not, I have to keep it.”
Edward breathed a sigh of relief. Without another word, he immediately drove his car to one of the restaurants, where he and his immediate family gathered this afternoon.
After driving for about 10 minutes, they arrived at one of the Japanese restaurants located in the Old Park Lane area. When they arrived, Edward’s parents seemed to have arrived first. They had even ordered drinks while waiting for their son to arrive.
“Pa, Ma,” said Edward, then kissed and hugged the two. “Sorry that Sophia and I got here a little late.”
Alexander, who had returned to his seat, gave a faint smile. to arrive at the restaurant. “No problem. Neither of us have been here that long,” he said. The man’s gaze then turned to Sophia, sitting next to Edward.
“How are you, Sophia? Uncle hope you are in good health.”
Sophia nodded, then smiled back kindly. “I’m fine, Uncle. I hope the same. I hope Uncle and Aunty are healthy too.”
“Why don’t you ever come home to play?” asked Edward’s mother. He took part in speaking this time. “Wouldn’t that little Brandal take you to meet the two of us?” he asked, glancing at Edward.
“Alexander and I hope you come to the house often, Sophia.”
“Mom!” called Edward. “Don’t provoke. It’s not that you don’t want to. But Sophia has been busy lately. When that’s all over, I promise I’ll take her to visit you two often.”
“Reason!” said Liliana. “Let’s just say you’re too lazy to bring her to our house. Whereas before you got close to Sophia, you used to take your date home more often than not.”
“Mama!” cried Edward. He became ashamed of himself when his mother told him about his bad habits. “Don’t talk about the past in front of Sophia. Mama would just embarrass me.”
Everyone seemed to laugh at Edward’s behaviour. Even Sophia, who had been annoyed, slowly began to melt after seeing how warm Edward’s family was.
“I’m sorry Aunty. It’s been really busy lately to catch some photo shoots. Ah, I almost forgot, in the near future there will be a fashion show at one of the convention halls in London. If you’re not busy, you can come to watch me at on the catwalk.”
Alexander smiled. He seemed enthusiastic in responding to Sophia’s invitation.
“Of course. We will definitely come to support you, Sophia. Just let me know when the exact time is.”
Sophia smiled back. Glad to see the response that Alexander and Liliana showed.
“I’ll leave the tickets to Edward. I’ll reserve all of you seats in the front.”
“Don’t worry,” said Liliana. “Like Alexander said. We’ll definitely get a chance to see you.” After talking for a while, everyone ate the lunch that was already available. Once finished, Edward immediately rushed to invite Sophia to say goodbye. He remembered the woman still had a photo shoot that she couldn’t leave behind.
“Unlce, Aunty. Thank you very much for the invitation to lunch. Hope we can meet again some other time.”
Liliana unhesitatingly embraced Sophia’s body and then hugged her affectionately. Satisfied, she spoke again.
“It’s Aunty and Uncle who thank you, Sophia. Don’t forget to let me know when your problem is resolved and you’re ready to talk about engagement with Edward. We’re always waiting for that time.”
Sophia nodded. After saying goodbye, he got into Edward’s car to immediately go to work. Throughout the journey, Sophia chose to remain silent.
Until then, he was surprised when his net accidentally caught the figure of Tristan and Aurora, who had just come out of the wedding boutique. The two of them seemed to be smiling while carrying some paper bags that they didn’t know what they contained. Sophia had time to think, is Tristan preparing for his wedding with Aurora?
***
Tristan just finished all his work. It was his last day at Foxtail before leaving for Paris for quite a while. Rising from his seat, Tristan chose to leave the room. Stepping leisurely, he brought his feet to the place where Aurora was.
“Are you done?”
Tristan asked after opening the door to Aurora’s workspace.
“Yes. All my work is done for today. What’s wrong?”
“So come with me to choose a dress?”
Aurora nodded. Grabbing her sling bag in the closet, the woman got up and walked over to Tristan.
“Of course I have to come. I want to choose for myself what dress I should wear for the sacred event later.”
Tristan smiled. He took his hand and rubbed the top of Aurora’s head affectionately.
“Choose the best dress you like.” Aurora then clasped Tristan’s hand. Pull the man immediately to go to the car. As soon as he entered, her expression suddenly changed to disgust because she found Mario already sitting in the seat next to the driver.
“What did you take Mario for?” Aurora asked Tristan. The look in his eyes was very disapproving.
“For what?” Tristan asked with a confused expression. “Mario is my assistant, Aurora. Doesn’t he always accompany me wherever I go?”
Aurora nodded immediately. “Yes, Tristan. In the context of work Mario is obligated to come with you. But now? We’re on our way to buying a dress. Why did you bring it all?”
Tristan laughed but didn’t care about the protests the woman next to him made.
“Never mind Aurora. Mario’s presence or not, there’s no need to exaggerate. I need his role beside me. Mario won’t bother you either. Besides, why are you suddenly making an issue of his presence? Did something happen between the two of you?” asked Tristan immediately. The man’s expression turned to question.
“W-what do you mean?” replied Aurora, annoyed. “Yes, if there is nothing, why bother?” Aurora took a deep breath. Raising both hands, the woman finally gave in. He was lazy to continue the debate that even cornered his position.
“That’s up to you. I won’t complain anymore.”
“So much the better,” said Tristan with a smile. The man then asked the driver to immediately take them to one of the famous boutiques that provide exclusive wedding dresses. Once arrived, Aurora looked down first. Without waiting for Tristan, she went straight in and looked for the right dress to wear later.
“I want to try that, that, and that,” Aurora pointed at the three dresses on display in the boutique window. Asked the waiter to help bring what he asked for to the changing room.
At the same time, Tristan and Mario were sitting on the sofa. The two decided to wait for Aurora to finish her choice first.
“Tristan, what do you think about this dress?” asked Aurora as she came out of the dressing room. The woman showed her the choice of the first dress she was now wearing. Tristan immediately cast a scanning gaze. Pay attention to Aurora’s appearance from head to toe. Then it didn’t take long to conclude.
“I don’t like it. It’s too simple. You look normal in that dress.”
Aurora sighed softly. Even though this first dress was so fitting, she wore it. But because Tristan said it didn’t fit, he couldn’t help but agree to replace it with the second option. After a few minutes of changing into another dress, Aurora came back out of the dressing room. The woman gracefully walked and then circled in front of Tristan and Mario.
“How about this?”
“Same,” said Tristan. “I don’t think it’s the right fit for you to wear.”
“What if Mrs. Aurora wears a broken white dress over there,” said Mario suddenly. The intention was to advise the two superiors. Grateful to hear them.
“Mario, I don’t need your advice,” said Aurora. “Here, you have no right to give—-” “Which one?” Tristan asked. It looked like he deliberately interrupted Aurora’s words, which sounded emotional.
“That’s mister,” he pointed out. “The one in storefront number two. The model that looks the most glamorous.”
Tristan sharpened his eyes. After meeting what Mario meant, he immediately spoke to Aurora. “That looks good on you, Aurora. There’s no harm in trying.”
“Tristan? Are you sure?”
“Sure.” Tristan nodded casually. “Just try it.” While wearing an annoyed expression, Aurora still tried to obey Tristan’s orders. He half-heartedly tried on the dress. After installing it neatly, he slowly came out and showed it to Tristan.
“I’m sure, this must be ugly on my body,” Aurora muttered. “Oh… My… God… You look Gorgeous.” It wasn’t Tristan but Mario who answered. Full of admiration, the man responded to what he saw at this time.
“I didn’t ask you, Mario!” said Aurora when she heard the opinion of Tristan’s assistant. Tristan shook his head. I wonder why Aurora is acting strangely with her assistant.
“Aurora why should she be mad at Mario? What she said is true. You look perfect in that dress.” Aurora chuckled. Instead of agreeing, he avoided it.
“Then I’ll just change the dress. I’m lazy to wear this one.”
“Do not!” hold Tristan. “That dress fits you perfectly. I swear at the wedding, all eyes will be on you.”
Aurora still put on a lazy expression again. But if Tristan had already chosen, how could he refuse.
“So I’m still wearing this dress?”
Tristan then nodded. “Yeah, just use that.”
The man then rose from his seat. Then walk in the direction where Aurora is standing. “Don’t change it again. Now, it’s just my job to find a suit that matches your dress. Let’s match it up at the event.”
Aurora just nodded, then let Tristan go to a special room that displays collections for men. With full concentration, the man sorts and chooses which suit suits him.
“Which do you think I should use Mario?”
Mario, standing behind Tristan, immediately stepped forward, narrowing his eyes. The man also saw the collection of suits neatly arranged in the window. Once he found the right one, he quickly took it and handed it to Tristan.
“I think both suits suit you, Mister. They match Mrs Aurora’s dress too.” Tristan reached for the two hangers containing the suit Mario had brought him. Look at it carefully, then respond to the suggestions given.
“Looks like I have to try both first. Whether or not it fits my body. Because the collection in this boutique is limited, so one model only provides one size.”
“Then go straight to the changing room, Mister.”
Tristan then, without hesitation headed to the dressing room accompanied by one of the male servants. Meanwhile, Mario again checked the whereabouts of Aurora, who was not seen after trying on the dress he had chosen earlier.
“Excuse me,” said Mario to one of the boutique waiters. “Did you see the female customer who chose the dress here?”
The maid nodded. “If I’m not mistaken, the customer was going to the toilet. He said he wanted to fix his makeup.”
Mario then nodded. Then decided to follow Aurora, who was currently in the toilet. When he arrived and saw no one there, the man went into the women’s restroom without much thought and immediately locked the door.
“Mario, what are you—-”
Mario quickly walked to Aurora. Pushed the woman against the wall. Directing his hand silenced Aurora’s mouth so she wouldn’t be hysterical to see his arrival.
“Ssshhh,” he hissed softly.
“There’s no need to shout. I’m not doing anything bad here,” he said emphatically. “I’ll let go of my hand. But promise me. Don’t scream.”
Aurora nodded. Then slowly, Mario let go of his hand.
“Are you crazy, huh? What are you doing here?”
“I just wanted to make sure, are you really going to marry Mr. Tristan?” Aurora immediately chuckled.
“You’re too presumptuous, Mario! Whether I marry Tristan or not is none of your business.”
“Not.” Mario shook his head. “You can’t marry Mr. Tristan.”
“What did you say? Who are you to dare to forbid me?”
“Aurora, please. Don’t marry Mr. Tristan,” the man pleaded again.
Aurora didn’t care in the slightest. The woman then raised her hands, trying to push Mario away.
However, instead of stepping aside, Mario locked Aurora’s body instead. Advancing face, without much thought, immediately landed a kiss, then bit the lips of the woman in front of him.
Mario’s lips moved slowly. Slowly. Continue to mash and kiss the corner of Aurora’s lips and then give a small bite. Not in the slightest did Mario let Aurora away. Even continued to insist that the woman retaliates for what he did.
Aurora even felt how Mario’s kiss, which was once normal, had become hotter and more intense. Getting excited. He made him almost drown, until not long ago, both were shocked. Surprised when I heard someone knocking on the toilet door from outside repeatedly.