A few weeks before.
That day was the schedule for Tristan and Sophia to go to Dubai together. After finishing breakfast with Raphael and Aurora, he immediately headed for the car. Mario and the driver were already there waiting for him.
“Good morning, Mister. Before leaving for the airport, do we need to stop somewhere else first?” Mario asked when he found his boss already in and sitting comfortably in the passenger seat.
“Since the flight is still quite long, it’s best if you take me to Pentoville first, Mario. You should know who I want to meet this morning.”
“Your in-laws?” guess Mario. After all, who else, if not Alfonso, is currently in prison? “Yes,” Tristan nodded. “Besides checking the progress of the case, there is something I need to discuss directly with my father-in-law.”
Mario nodded. Instead of asking again, the man immediately asked the driver to speed up their vehicle so they could immediately go to the Caledonian area. It took about 20 minutes, and Tristan’s car finally arrived at its destination. Without being accompanied by Mario, he decided to enter immediately and was immediately greeted by several police officers.
“Good morning, Mr. Tristan. Can we help you?” said one of the officers, then invited Tristan to sit down immediately.
“Thank you. Actually I came here because I wanted to check on the case that I reported a while ago. So where’s the progress?”
The officer smiled. Kindly explain one by one the proceedings of the case involving Alfonso Aledaide. “If there are no obstacles, it should be finished next week. After that the case will be raised and transferred to the court to get a trial schedule.”
Tristan nodded in understanding. I prefer to follow all processes in accordance with applicable procedures. After all, he has appointed an exceptional lawyer to handle this case to completion.
“But by the way,” exclaimed Tristan. “Can I see Alfonso Adelaide today? Just a moment. I have something to tell him.”
The officer nodded in agreement. Not the least bit forbid Tristan, who suddenly wanted to meet the enemy and his father-in-law.
“Please, Mr. Tristan. The officer will take you to a special room to talk directly to the suspect.”
Tristan then walked lightly. Following, an officer led him to a room at the end of the corridor. Upon arrival, the officer opened the door and immediately ushered in.
“To provide privacy and comfort, I’ll just wait outside. If there’s anything or you need anything, you can call me right away,” the officer told Tristan before the man stepped inside.
“Thank you so much for your help.”
As soon as the door to the room was opened, Tristan’s eyes could immediately see the whereabouts of Alfonso, who was sitting in one of the chairs at that time with his hands and feet in handcuffs. Closing the door, the man immediately walked over. He was pulling a chair and sitting in front of his father-in-law with a very relaxed expression. It took Tristan a few seconds to silently watch Alfonso. Clearing his throat, the man then opened the conversation.
“How are you, Pa? It’s been a long time since we haven’t seen each other or seen each other like now.”
Alfonso looked up. He stared back, then flashed a mocking smile.
“There’s no need for further ado. I’m sure you came here to make fun of me, didn’t you?” This time it was Tristan’s turn to smile. The man moved his seat slightly forward with both hands on the table. After feeling comfortable, he looked back at Alfonso while answering slowly, “Don’t think badly first. I came here because I really wanted to see Papa.”
“Nonsense! You talk too much. Just like Raphael.”
Laughter immediately fell from Tristan’s lips. The man was amused to hear Alfonso’s tirade aimed at him. “Yeah, it can’t be helped,” said Tristan.
“The names are also father and son. It’s certain that they have the same nature or character, right? But luckily Sophia doesn’t have the greedy nature of Papa.”
“You—”
“Pa!” cut Tristan in a slightly raised voice. “Never mind. There’s no need to argue. I seriously didn’t come here to make small talk actually. Just so you know, it took sacrifice as well as an inner struggle for me to convince myself to be able to sit quietly in front of Papa like now.”
Hearing Tristan’s words, Alfonso chose to be silent for a moment. Inhaling repeatedly, the man responded.
“Then why did you come to see me today? You’ve won, Tristan. I’ll soon be serving your sentence according to your demands. My family has been destroyed, my daughter almost lost her life. Not to mention my business is also in danger of going bankrupt.”
Alfonso then laughed for a while. Turning, the man’s face raised an eyebrow.
“Isn’t that your goal, to get revenge by making the Adelaide family suffer? Then what else do you want from me?”
Tristan nodded. Justify what Alfonso accused. As the mastermind behind the destruction of his family, Tristan was certainly satisfied to have seen how the man in front of him was adequately rewarded.
“Yes, at first I was satisfied because I succeeded in realizing my goals one by one all this time. But, when I think about it, this is not enough.”
“Turns out you’re more greedy than me, Tristan.” Alfonso said while smiling his characteristic laugh. “What else do you want from me who has nothing? Do you want to take my life too?”
“Blessed,” blurted Tristan, which made Alfonso immediately shocked. “I need your blessing, Pa.”
“What?” asked Alfonso to be sure. The man’s mocking smile returned. “I didn’t hear wrong, did I?”
“No. I’m sure Papa’s hearing is still quite good. I came here because I really wanted to ask Papa to approve my relationship with Sophia.”
Alfonso immediately laughed loudly. As if what Tristan had told him was a joke.
“Don’t be crazy, Tristan! After what you did to Sophia, now you’re asking for my blessing? Why do you sound so shameless?”
“It’s up to Papa to call or think of me as what,” said Tristan. “Even though Sophia is the son of my parents’ murderer, I don’t care anymore, Pa. I just want to atone and correct all the mistakes I’ve made to Sophia. That’s why I want to start everything from scratch and need your blessing as a parent.”
Alfonso, who had laughed and even mocked a few times, showed a doubtful expression. There was no way he could easily believe what Tristan said. No one can guarantee that the man in front of him is sincere. This could be part of a secret plan that Tristan has devised so that he can return to take revenge on his family.
Indeed, Alfonso thought Tristan’s actions were completely unreasonable. How could a man who was once cruel not even hesitate to do evil to the princess? Instead suddenly asked for her blessing to return to a relationship.
“Save your request,” Alfonso said quietly. “Even if I’m guilty of killing your parents, it doesn’t mean I’m giving up my daughter to a man like you, Tristan. No matter what happens, I will never approve of your relationship.”
Alfonso said those words without the slightest hesitation. After all, when you think about it, what’s in it for him to approve of the princess’s relationship with the person who got her in jail like now? “I don’t think we have anything more to talk about,” continued Alfonso. “So you better get out of my sight.”
Tristan didn’t answer anymore. Not long after taking a deep breath, the man seemed to get up from his sitting position.
Alfonso even thought that his son-in-law would obey to leave the room immediately. But his guess turned out to be wrong. Instead of going, Tristan took a step forward. Then unexpectedly, he sat down on his knees beside his father-in-law’s feet. Throwing a deep gaze, the blue-beaded man soon spoke quietly.
“I’m not good at putting words together, Pa. But, for God’s sake, once again allow me to correct all the wrongs I’ve done to Sophia. I could have continued to approach her without involving you. good in the wrong way.”
Putting all ego and feelings of resentment aside, Tristan kept trying to convince Raymond. He is trying very hard so that what he does gets approval. For him, all efforts and plans will not work if Alfonso himself disapproves of their relationship.
Meanwhile, Alfonso himself could only remain silent. From his sitting position, he kept his gaze fixed on his son-in-law. He was tracing the ocean blue beads of the man in front of him to find the gaps in the lies.
“I mean what I say, Pa.” Tristan didn’t seem tired of trying to convince Alfonso, who seemed silent and didn’t respond. “Or … if you still have doubts, I will not continue to insist. Please think and consider my request first.”
Without getting the slightest answer from Alfonso, Tristan reluctantly chose to get up. Self-awareness is also actually not an easy matter to convince someone to be able to immediately believe what we say and promise after a series of events that both of them have experienced. Because it was pressed by time, the tall, slender man prepared to leave.
However, before leaving the room, Tristan seemed not to give up on inviting Alfonso to speak again. Once again, the man delivered a piece of news that he thought was necessary for his father-in-law to know.
“Today I’m going on a business trip to Dubai. I’m allowed to take Sophia to come with me. Papa need not worry, Sophia consciously and voluntarily agreed to come along. Besides, I won’t do anything wrong while I’m there. Pray for both of us safely to our destination and return with maximum results.”
Finished saying that sentence, and Tristan then left. He was leaving Alfonso, who still feels at home in his silence, because he is shocked by the strange treatment he received from his son-in-law.
***
Sophia ran out of vocabulary to hear what her father had just said. Yesterday, she was surprised that Tristan was diligent in sending her gifts. This time she was driven almost mad by another fact. Tristan, whom he had repeatedly rejected, turned out to be reckless. The man deliberately went to prison to meet his father just because he wanted to ask for his blessing and permission to get back into a relationship with him.
From here, she was made even more curious. Was there anything else he could do to win her heart back?
“So, during the first meeting, Papa still didn’t give Tristan his blessing?” Asked that, Alfonso immediately shook his head.
“No, Sophia. How can Papa just believe it. It’s hard to understand Papa how there is no wind and no rain, Tristan came and asked for his blessing.”
Sophia would have thought the same as her father. It’s also strange that after being sworn enemies, he suddenly came and asked for his blessing as if nothing terrible had happened between them.
“But by the way …” continued Alfonso. “At that time did you go with him to Dubai or not?” The silver-haired man asked again. Sophia sighed. Not sure where to start with this story.
“It’s a long story, Pa. To be sure, I had repeatedly refused to come because I felt Tristan was taking advantage of me. But after learning that this project was important and involved the fate of many employees, I changed my mind. I agreed to join, but with one condition. ”
“What conditions?”
“I asked that after returning from Dubai, Tristan signed the divorce papers that I sent earlier.”
This time it was Alfonso who was surprised. He didn’t know that the princess was planning to separate from her daughter-in-law. “So you’re asking Tristan to divorce you?”
Sophia nodded her head. “Yes, Pa. After being discharged from the hospital, assisted by the Cullen family’s attorney, I sued Tristan for immediate divorce. But he didn’t immediately agree. the business trip.”
“Gosh, why is it complicated like this?” complained Alfonso. “And now, has Tristan granted your wish?”
Sophia nodded once. “Our divorce trial has even been held three times. Next week maybe the court’s decision will be read about the two of us’ new status.”
“That’s not all, honey.” Mikayla, who had been silent, suddenly spoke up. “Your daughter is even ready to remarry with the only son of the Cullen family. I don’t know what’s on her mind right now. Alfonso was silent for a few seconds. Slowly digesting the information he just got. After understanding, then the man spoke again.
“Tristan didn’t even talk about your divorce when you met a few times. That’s why Papa thinks your relationship is fine, Sophia.”
The three family members seemed to be silent for a moment. As if they were busy with their thoughts. Then soon, without being confused, Sophia took the initiative to tell a frank story.
“Actually, after returning from Dubai, Tristan had asked to cancel the divorce matter that I sued him. As he told Papa, he promised to make up for his past mistakes. Repeating from the beginning, even willing to do anything as long as I want to accept him back as a husband.”
“Then? You still refuse?” Alfonso asked curiously.
“Of course, your daughter refused.” It wasn’t Sophia, Mikayla who answered. The woman’s expression was very clearly annoyed with the behavior of her husband and daughter, who both had a stubborn attitude-already talked to her. Ask her to give just one chance. But in vain, she is too proud to accept Tristan back into her life. When she saw Tristan with another woman, she was also jealous.”
“Ma,” Sophia scolded. “Don’t embarrass me in front of Papa.”
“But you two behave the same way. I’m sure you and your Papa will regret it after this.” Alfonso shook his head. To end the argument between his wife and daughter, he repeated his question to Sophia.
“So you didn’t give Tristan even a chance?”
Sophia nodded slowly. “Perhaps, more than three times, he begged me, Pa. He has also tried to convey all offers. However, my decision from the start remained the same. I want a divorce from him.”
“Oh my God.” Alfonso was heard exclaiming softly. “Dad thought you two were already living together. At first, Papa also doubted if you just wanted to take him back. But until our final meeting yesterday, he had not the slightest mention of divorce. Tristan even returned what he had taken from our family.”
Alfonso, of course, had not forgotten a single word Tristan said when they met yesterday. Alfonso thought, having previously been ignored, Tristan had no interest in seeing him again. But he was wrong. At the meeting, the son-in-law even brought news that was no less surprising than the previous meeting.
“I know, it’s not easy to get Papa’s blessing. But no problem. I’m not here today to talk about that. This visit is specifically to inform Papa that Beckley, which was 100% owned by Foxtail, from tomorrow I will officially return it to the Adelaide family and change the ownership name to Sophia’s.”
Alfonso, who was looking down lazily, immediately raised his face. Looked at Tristan with a questioning look.
“What do you want?”
“What do you want?” he asked with a smile. “I want Sophia to be happy.”
Alfonso felt that what Tristan said was nothing more than a cliché. Until now, he couldn’t believe that his son-in-law wanted to get back with his daughter. “I know that most of Papa’s important assets except the house are being confiscated by the authorities,” continued Tristan.
“While Papa is in prison, it is certain that no income will go into the Adelaide family’s savings. Previously, I divided the profit by 30% for Sophia and 70% for Foxtail. But, on second thought, Sophia deserved more. That’s why I’d better give Beckley back to you guys instead of keeping Sophia busy at work. Oh, that’s not all. As long as Papa is serving his sentence, all of Mama Mikayla’s needs will be my full responsibility. Including the cost of heart treatment that he routinely does every month.” Alfonso was almost stunned. He really couldn’t guess the way his son-in-law was thinking. So curious, he asked the intent and purpose of the man in front of him directly.
“That’s not what I’m asking you, Tristan. I find it weird. Why are you doing all this? Why are you suddenly being nice to someone who’s destroying your family? You’re not plotting, are you? For God’s sake, if you want revenge, don’t involve Sophia in it anymore. She has suffered enough because of this matter.”
Tristan nodded. A smile appeared on the man’s lips. “I can swear to do this sincerely with no hidden intent or purpose. I’m totally in love with Sophia, Pa.” T
he man sighed. The gaze did not leave Alfonso’s questioning face in the slightest.
“Back then, I really couldn’t forgive you at all. I even kept trying to get revenge. But when you think about it, everyone who does something wrong deserves a second chance, right? So, I think we’re in the same position. Papa deserves a chance. second to atone for past sins, so am I.”
Alfonso could not speak anymore. What Tristan did was entirely out of his mind. He still couldn’t believe that the man who had always looked at him with a vengeful glare today looked at him as if nothing terrible had ever happened between them.
“Don’t worry about it, Pa,” Tristan said again. Today I will not ask or force Papa to bless me like the other day. I’m just here to tell you about Beckley and say goodbye because tomorrow I have to leave again for a long time. I have left everything to the lawyer about Papa’s case and trial. Whatever the judge’s decision, as the complainant, I will accept it without demanding further or re-appealing.”
Sophia immediately massaged her forehead repeatedly. She looked dizzy after hearing what her father had to say. So, while his father was in prison, her husband was the one who cared for her family’s needs.
“You’ll see for yourself, Sophia. What looks evil turns out to be doing the unexpected behind your back,” said Mikayla purposely when she found the princess seemed to be starting to get angry.
“Now, you think for yourself. Do you want to continue holding onto the ego that can destroy you? Or save yourself by following your heart. That’s if you still have a chance to meet him again.”