“Pa, Ma, let me go first. Don’t be sad if I won’t be here for a long time. But, no matter what, my prayers will never be broken for you two.”
Before actually leaving for the airport, Tristan chose to invite Aurora to visit his parents’ graves first. Deliberately want to say goodbye, all ask for prayers for what he will do after this.
“Uncle Andrew and Aunty Gracia don’t need to worry. I will help take good care of Tristan. Just trust me,” said Aurora, sitting right next to Tristan.
“Let’s go first,” continued Tristan. “I’m sure I’ll miss you both.”
After the sentence was thrown out, Tristan rubbed the two grey tombstones. Satisfied, then got up, ready to leave. The two of them got into the car and headed for the airport. When they arrived, they were immediately greeted by Mario, who had been on standby from the start waiting for his boss to arrive.
“Good morning, Mr Tristan.”
“Morning, Mario. Have you taken care of all of my and Aurora’s departure documents?” The man wearing a navy suit immediately nodded.
“I have prepared everything and have taken care of it well. Now, you can immediately wait in the VIP Lounge that has been provided. Your plane will take off in approximately 45 minutes.”
Tristan nodded his head. Seconds later, he and Aurora were immediately directed by Mario to immediately enter the airport to the Lounge that he had intended earlier. Once inside, Tristan accidentally met one of his business colleagues, and they were briefly involved in small talk.
Meanwhile, seeing Aurora, who chose to sit while waiting, made Mario take the initiative to approach. Without hesitation, he immediately sat down right next to the beautiful woman.
“What else do you want to do, Mario?” said Aurora when she realized that Tristan’s assistant was sitting beside her.
“I beg you to stop this madness, Aurora. Please reconsider your decision,” said Mario without turning his head to the other side. He did this on purpose so as not to arouse suspicion from Tristan, who might accidentally look at those sitting down.
“What do you mean madness?”
“Married Mr. Tristan.” Aurora involuntarily laughed. But it sounded more like intentionally mocking. While continuing to play with her cellphone, the woman then responded again.
“Are you stupid or what? How else should I tell you that you’re nobody, Mario. Why would it be presumptuous to rule my life?” snapped the woman.
“I just did what I had to do.”
“All you have to do is shut up!” Aurora debate. Her voice turned disapproving.
“Won’t.” Mario reflexively shook his head. Looking straight ahead, the man spoke cautiously. “Or if I need to, I’ll tell Mr. Tristan what happened between the two of us.”
A small laugh escaped from Aurora’s lips again. Instead of being afraid of Mario’s threat, the woman even challenged the man next to her.
“Go ahead. Just tell Tristan what you want to say. If necessary, say it now. I want to see firsthand what reaction Tristan will show you, Mario. I’ll bet he won’t be mad at me. will kill you immediately.”
Full of confidence and emphasis, Aurora uttered the sentence. It made Mario’s guts, which were once big, instantly shrink.
“Aurora, you—-”
“Mario, please stop your nonsense!” cut Aurora quickly. Didn’t give him the slightest chance to continue.
“Are you a weirdo or what? You should be happy that I don’t care what happened between the two of us. I could sue you. But I didn’t do that, right? Why have you been so dizzy since yesterday?”
There was a brief pause in the sentence that came out. Taking a deep breath, Aurora continued to speak.
“So I beg of you, don’t ever bother me again. Let’s just pretend that nothing ever happened between the two of us. You need to remember too, whether or not I want to marry Tristan, it’s none of your business.”
Before Mario had time to reply, Tristan had already come over. A few minutes later, airport officials asked them to get ready to get on the plane immediately.
“Mario, I’ll leave Foxtail to you first. If there’s something important that you can’t handle, let me know immediately,” Tristan ordered before he left for the plane. “I will definitely do my best. So you don’t have to worry. I wish you a happy holiday. Have a nice trip this time.”
Tristan flashed a smile as he nodded. “Thanks, Aurora and I go first. See you later this weekend.”
As soon as Tristan turned around, Mario glanced back at Aurora. Can only watch how the woman smiled as if mocking her helplessness for not being able to do anything.
“Just you wait, Aurora. I’ll think of a way to get you.”
It took over an hour and forty minutes, and the plane that Tristan and Aurora were on finally arrived in Paris. After waiting for luggage loading and checking documents, both of them left the airport and were immediately greeted by a private driver specifically tasked with picking them up.
Without wasting time, Tristan and Aurora were immediately taken to the Bougival area, located on the outskirts of Paris. The elite area, where the two of them lived while living there. Even when they arrived at their destination, there were already relatives from Andrew Geraldo’s family who greeted the two of them with great enthusiasm.
“Tristan, it’s so nice to see you again. Grandma really misses you.”
Anna Maria, the grandmother, seemed present there. Throwing hugs. Spilling his longing for his grandson. Since the death of his parents, Tristan has never set foot in Paris again. He, who used to go to school and lived with his grandparents, decided to move and then continue his entire education in London. In that period, counted only three times he and his grandmother met.
It was also Anna Maria who had deliberately visited him when Tristan was celebrating his 20th birthday when he was celebrating college graduation, and lastly during a wedding between himself and Sophia.
“I miss Oma too,” said Tristan as he returned the hug. “I hope Grandma is always in good health.”
“Of course. Grandma will always be healthy until you give many great-grandchildren to the Geraldo family.”
Tristan smiled and then took turns greeting the families who were there. There’s nothing wrong with feeling at home because of the warmth given by the distant family.
“You are always welcome in this house, Tristan,” said another woman who was probably the same age as her late mother.
“If you are tired, you and Aurora should just rest immediately. Later there will be a waiter who will deliver lunch directly to the two of you.”
“Thank you Aunty Celia for your concern,” said Tristan politely. “Looks like I really want to get some rest right away. If nothing goes wrong, maybe tonight I’ll be out for a bit to meet some old friends.”
Celia smiled knowingly. Having lived in Paris for quite some time, he believed his nephew must have many old friends he wanted to meet.
“Just enjoy your days in Paris, Tristan. To be sure, tomorrow morning Aunty wants to invite you and Aurora to meet the other big families.”
“Sure, I won’t forget that one schedule, Aunty. Then, I’ll excuse myself.”
Tristan and Aurora then left. Following, the maid led them to the ready room.
***
“Alexius, please take me to Pentonville right now,” Sophia ordered after she got into the car, Alexius was driving.
After clarifying in Edward’s office, with a hurt feeling Sophia continues the original plan to visit her father in Pentonville, Caledonian prison. He was sure his mother must be waiting for his presence there. Along the way, not a single sound of Sophia’s voice was heard. Alexius, curious, ventured to peek from the rearview mirror of the car he was driving.
From there, Alexius could see how the beautiful woman repeatedly wiped the tears that fell down her cheeks. Although trying to hide, the man who works as a personal bodyguard can see feelings of sadness and disappointment have managed to overwhelm his master.
“Madam,” said Alexius. While continuing to focus on driving, the man took a light blue handkerchief from the pocket of his jacket. Raised his hand, then offered what he was holding.
“Use this handkerchief to wipe away your tears.”
Sophia took a deep breath. The woman grabbed a gift from Alexius and said, “Thank you, Alexius.”
“With My Pleasure, Mrs. Geraldo.”
While Alexius continued driving the vehicle, Sophia occasionally glanced at her cellphone, which had been ringing. I don’t know if Edward had contacted him countless times.
She deliberately ignored it. The last call Sophia rejected was very angry with the man. Edward : [Sophia, please, pick up the phone from me. Just give me one chance to explain first]
Edward : [Sophia, I swear, it’s not what you think. It’s just a misunderstanding]
Sophia growled in annoyance as she read the string of messages Edward sent her. Feeling fed up, in the end, she chose to turn off the smart object. Trying to ignore it while waiting for the vehicle she was riding to arrive at its destination.
As soon as Alexius’ car pulled up in the courtyard of Pentonville, the man in the suit rushed down. Around the car, nimbly helped open the door for Sophia.
“Please, madam.” “Thank you, Alexius. Since your business is done, you can go,” Sophia ordered. After all, later, he could go home to be picked up by his family’s private chauffeur.
“No, madam,” said Alexius. “I’ll wait until your business in there is done.”
“No need to overdo it. My mom and I can go home with the usual driver.” Alexius smiled. Once again, trying to persuade Sophia.
“Just this once, madam. Since you’re going with me, let me take you home and make sure you get home safely.”
Sophia sighed. Seeing how begging Alexius was showing, he couldn’t bear to reject the man again.
“Yes, I have. But I’m not responsible if you get tired of waiting for me who might be in there for a long time.”
Alexius laughed softly this time. What Sophia said did not shake what she had already chosen.
“Relax, madam. Never mind waiting a matter of hours. Waiting for a woman for years I can also do it.” Sophia, who had been sad, suddenly burst into laughter. What his bodyguard had just said made her shake her head.
“That’s it. Since I’ve been waiting, I’ll go in first.”
Alexius invited Sophia to leave. As soon as he ensured the woman’s figure was gone, he hurried back into the car.
Meanwhile, Sophia, who had entered the Pentonville building, was immediately directed by two officers to go to Alfonso’s room. As soon as he arrived at the door, after saying thank you, he entered without hesitation and immediately found his parents, who seemed to be involved in a conversation.
“Papa,” Sophia called as she walked closer. Spreading her arms, the beautiful woman immediately threw her arms towards Alfonso, sitting with both hands handcuffed.
“I missed you, Papa.”
Alfonso nodded. The feeling of sadness immediately overtook him. The man even involuntarily shed tears. Feeling so guilty, he managed to harm the princess with his hands and even kill his future grandson.
“Sophia, forgive your Papa. Papa is really sorry for what has happened to you. Because of these hands, you almost lost your life.”
Sophia stretched her arms. Reviewing a smile, the woman wiped the tears that fell on her father’s cheeks. Not seen on the woman’s beautiful face, there was a hint of anger, let alone revenge for the misfortune she had received.
“It’s all happened, Pa. I’m not the least bit mad at you, Papa. Besides, I’m much better now.”
“Yes, Papa is really grateful because God still gives you the opportunity to still be able to see you in good health like now, son. That’s why Papa swears he will never make another mistake. Papa doesn’t want to lose you and your Mama one bit,” said the man with sobs. Mikayla, sitting opposite Alfonso, was also immersed in the emotion. Either way, because of the husband’s fault, their little family will be separated for a while.
“Come on, don’t keep being sad like this,” Mikayla scolded. “Because the time given by the officer is not long, it’s better for us now to enjoy lunch together.”
“Yes, Mama was right,” said Sophia. “Instead of being sad all the time, it’s better for us to enjoy lunch now.” Mikayla then opened the lunch box which she had brought from home. Composing the menu that she had cooked, the woman grabbed a spoon and then fed one of the menus for her husband to eat.
“Eat it, Pa. I know you must be missing home cooking. That’s why I made this favorite dish for you.”
Alfonso nodded. Then welcome the spoonful from his wife. Enjoying lunch with the two most important people in his life with joy. Sophia also did the same thing.
Alternately with the mother, he served his father. Help peel the fruit, then join in the feeding.
“Just so you know, Papa is very happy to be visited and even brought delicious food like this. It crossed my mind that you two were angry and chose to ignore Papa here.”
Sophia, who was still slowly feeding Alfonso an apple, smiled. The beautiful woman then dismissed what her father was worried about.
“Don’t think like that, Pa. No matter what happens, we’ll always be by Papa’s side. Now that we are allowed to visit, Mama and I promise to visit Papa here often.”
“Yes, Sophia is right.” Mikayla also chimed in. “Both of us will be visiting you here often. So don’t worry about feeling lonely or neglected. Sophia and I are waiting for you to be together at the house forever.”
Alfonso smiled. He looked at the face of his wife and daughter in turn. Give thanks in your heart for the infinite gifts that God has given. Even though he has made a big mistake, the two important people in his life have remained faithful to accompany him to this moment. “Mikayla, Sophia, I don’t think it’s enough to say thank you to both of you.”
“Papa is exaggerating,” Sophia joked, making all three laugh simultaneously.
“But by the way, seeing your arrival today in prison, Papa is a little surprised,” said Alfonso to the princess.
“Surprised? Surprised why?” Sophia tidied the empty lunch box on the table and asked her father. “Yeah, Papa thought you were going with Tristan to go abroad today.”
Sophia’s hand stopped right after her father finished his sentence. Turning, Sophia immediately threw a surprised and questioning look. Of course, she was confused about why her father could suddenly talk about Tristan.
“What do you mean, Papa?”
“Yes, Sophia. Isn’t Tristan going on a long overseas trip today?”
Sophia was stunned for a few seconds, and then the woman shook her head.
“No, Pa. I mean why is Papa suddenly talking about Tristan? Even knowing that he’s going to all kinds of foreign countries?”
Seeing the confused face of the princess, Alfonso glanced at Mikayla briefly. Finding the two women in front of him, both showing questioning faces, he decided to speak again.
“You don’t understand what Papa is talking about?”
Again Sophia shook her head. “I was even surprised that Papa suddenly said Tristan’s name as if there was no burden. Could it be that he visited Papa recently?”
“Oh my God.” Alfonso sighed softly. Mastering himself, the man nodded and then continued speaking. “Your husband has even visited Papa twice.”
“Twice?”
“Yes, Sophia. First, it coincided with the investigation process. Tristan stopped by at that time. Forced to meet then suddenly apologized to Papa. Before going home, he even asked permission to take you to Dubai for a week. Then yesterday , Tristan came back here with his lawyer. Handed over all the cases, then said goodbye because he had to go abroad for a long time. Papa thought he brought you along like he was in Dubai yesterday.”
Sophia’s eyes were successful. After yesterday discovering the truth about Tristan, who often sent him gifts, this time, he had to get a different reality. Even more shocking than before.