“Mom, what should I do with this?”
It was already seven o’clock in the evening. After seeing Mario, Sophia decided to return home instead of working. The woman seemed busy all day looking for tickets directly from her cellphone or even asking for help from a friend who worked at one of the airlines. Hoping to be able to follow Tristan to Paris today as well.
“You can’t find the ticket you’re looking for either?” asked Mikayla. She became dizzy after seeing how the princess, who had been busy looking for tickets, was stressed herself.
“Today’s and tomorrow’s flights are full, Ma. There’s only tomorrow left and it’s scheduled to take off in the afternoon and evening. If I keep taking what I have when I arrive, Tristan is officially married to Aurora.”
Unexpectedly, instead of feeling pity, Mikayla even pinched the princess’s arm with so much excitement.
“It’s your fault, Sophia. So, from the start, listen to Mama’s advice. If you’re still in love, there’s no need to be stubborn and refuse everything. Look, now? It’s your turn to regret, you can’t do anything, can you?”
“Mom.” Sophia sighed as she rubbed her reddened arm. “There’s no point blaming me either. Even if Mama nags until morning, she can’t help me one bit to get to Paris without missing Tristan’s wedding procession.”
The two of them were silent for a moment. They both sighed as they continued to think hard. What steps must Sophia take to catch up to Paris on time and according to calculations?
“Sophia,” Mikayla called. The woman turned and then looked at the princess’s face intently. “Why don’t you just ask Mario for help? Usually, big companies must have a partnership with one of the airlines. Or you can also become a corporate member who can easily get plane tickets, right?”
Sophia nodded. Because he was so confused, she didn’t even think about what her mother had just said. Sophia remembers that Foxtail is an exclusive member of one of the major London-based airlines. Why didn’t he try asking Mario to help find a ticket for him?
“You’re right too. Foxtail is an exclusive member of British Airways.”
“In that case, quickly call Mario right now.”
Sophia hastily grabbed her phone back. Look for the assistant’s contact from her husband, then call immediately. But after many tries, not one of Sophia’s calls Mario picked up. Either the guy on the other end was taking a shower, resting, or maybe he was so busy he didn’t have time to take care of him.”
How?” asked Mikayla curiously.
“Seems hopeless, Ma. Mario doesn’t pick up any of my calls. Either he’s busy or Tristan finds out and forbids him to respond.”
The two children and mother sat down again. It was as if the hope that they had been cultivating was now overflowing. Replaced by helplessness. Not long, Sophia was surprised when her cell phone suddenly rang. Once checked, there is Mario’s name emblazoned on it.
“Oh my God.” The woman reflexively exclaimed. “Mom, Mario called me.”
“Quickly pick up the phone, Sophia. This is your only chance.”
Without waiting for the count to three, the beautiful woman immediately received the callback that Mario had sent to her. As soon as she got up, Sophia couldn’t wait to talk to the man on the other side.
“For God’s sake, Mario. I was going crazy trying to reach you all this time.”
There was laughter on the other side. Not only that, the crowd of people chatting could be heard clearly in Sophia’s ears.
“I’m sorry, madam. I left my cell phone in my room. That’s why I didn’t know you were calling. What’s wrong? Do you need any help?”
“Yes, I really need your help.”
“Just tell me, madam. I’ll help as much as I can.”
“Mario…” the voice of a man that Sophia believed was Raphael’s voice seemed to rebuke the man. “Finish your dinner first. Don’t you want to join the bachelorette party with the others?”
“Yes, Mister. I’ll finish in a moment. I have to receive a call first,” said the man. Then he turned his attention back to Sophia.
“My apologies again, madam. It’s very busy here as all the nuclear families seem to be gathering together for dinner.”
“Are Tristan and Aurora there?” Sophia asked curiously.
“Yes, madam,” said Tristan’s assistant. “The two of them are currently talking to one of the families who just arrived.”
Sophia took a deep breath. Clenching his hands on the phone, he tried to continue talking.
“Mario, I’m begging you, please help me find a ticket to catch Tristan to Paris. I’ve been trying to find one myself. But there aren’t any available for tomorrow morning or tomorrow afternoon.”
“Are you sure you want to follow Mr. Tristan?”
“Yes, Mario.” Without realizing it, Sophia answered while nodding her head. “I have to catch up with Tristan as soon as possible. There’s one thing I have to tell him before the wedding. I beg you, please help me.”
For a split second, Mario was silent and didn’t say anything. Only after Sophia reprimanded him did he speak again.
“I will try, madam. After this, I will try to contact the agent that Foxtail usually uses to book tickets. If I can, I will contact you immediately. However, I can’t make too many promises.”
“I beg of you, Mario,” Sophia said pitifully. She thought Mario was the only one he could hope for now. “No one else can help me.”
“Yes, madam,” said Mario. “I’ll try my best. When there’s news, I’ll contact you right away.”
After Mario gave confidence that he would try to help, Sophia ended the call. At the exact second, Mikayla immediately asked a question as if she couldn’t wait to hear firsthand the development of the problem her daughter was facing.
“Is there any good news?”
Sophia nodded weakly. “Mario will try to work it out, Ma. I hope he manages to get me the tickets I need to catch up to Paris tomorrow.”
Then not long after, Sophia’s cell phone rang again. One short message notification at that time got. Once checked, it turns out that a message contains a photo that seems to have been intentionally sent by Mario.
Opening the letter, Sophia’s eyes immediately blinked painfully. There was a picture of Tristan embracing Aurora so intimately. The smile on their lips also implies that they are indeed happy. So, if Tristan has turned to a new heart, is Sophia’s arrival in Paris still needed? Or maybe it won’t have any effect later.
“Sophia,” said Mikayla, who at that time also saw the contents of the message from Mario. “Don’t worry. If Tristan is really your soul mate, he’ll definitely come back to you.”
“But, Ma. Will what I do not be in vain?”
Mikayla smiled. “Nothing is wasted in this world, Sophia. But I want to ask you one thing. If God did give you a chance to thwart Tristan’s marriage, would you be willing when he invites you back to live together?”
Sophia, without the slightest hesitation, immediately nodded.
“This time I will not refuse the invitation, Ma.”
Mikayla smiled. Seconds later immediately threw a hug towards the princess. Giving support and prayers so the princess’s last efforts can bear fruit.
***
“Madam, sorry if I called you so early.”
Around 8:30 am, Mario suddenly called Sophia. It was as if she suspected that her husband’s assistant would give good news today. From early morning, the beautiful woman was dressed neatly and ready.
“Yeah, how’s Mario?”
“I’ve got the ticket you asked for.”
These words immediately gave Sophia immense joy and relief in her heart.
“So I can catch up to Paris today as well?”
“That’s right,” said Mario. “I’ve reserved two tickets. One for you, one for Alexius.” “Alexius?” Sophia repeated. “So you mean I went to Paris with Alexius?”
“Yes, madam. I can’t possibly let you go alone without an escort. Let Alexius do his job as usual. He’ll be picking you up in no time.”
“Okay,” Sophia replied with a smile. “It’s okay to go with Alexius even once. But I need to know, what time is my flight to Paris scheduled for?”
“Because I couldn’t get a ticket for the first flight, so you can only leave around 12 noon. It’s likely that you’ll be in Paris around two o’clock local time. Once you arrive, it’s a good idea to go straight to the venue.”
“Okay Mario. I’ll pack my things. Don’t forget to tell me the address I need to go to when I get to Paris.”
“With pleasure, madam. In that case, I will put an end to this call. The rest, Alexius will guide and ensure you reach Paris safely.”
As soon as the call was cut off, Sophia rushed to the closet. Grabbing the suitcase, the woman took some clothes and arranged them briefly. she also did not forget to prepare essential documents that must be brought when traveling.
“Sophia? Did Mario get a ticket for you?” asked Mikayla, who suddenly appeared from the direction of the bedroom door.
“Yes, Ma. My plane will take off around 12 o’clock,” the woman replied as she continued to tidy up her things in the suitcase.
“In that case, thank God.” Mikayla walked closer and closer. The woman even entered Sophia’s room, still wearing an apron because she had just finished cooking. He then chose to sit on one side of the bed while watching the princess, who was still busy packing.
“You didn’t prepare a dress to wear to Tristan’s event?”
Mikayla’s question made Sophia’s hand stop. Turning, he then asked back.
“Do you think I should still wear a formal dress?”
Mikayla immediately nodded. “Of course, Sophia. As usual, make people there turn their attention to you. Dress up as if you were a woman worthy of being the wife of a Tristan Quartararo.”
Sophia nodded in agreement. She thought she really should come and look as beautiful as possible. She wouldn’t let Tristan turn his back on her today. That’s why Sophia walked back to the closet as soon as she finished closing the suitcase. Choose which dress fits. When she got it, he folded it and put it in a shopper bag so he could easily pick it up.
“I’ve prepared it. Later I will immediately use it when I get off the plane.”
After all the items were neatly arranged, Mikayla immediately brought the princess to the dining room. She had to make sure Sophia ate the prepared breakfast before letting her leave the house.
“Mama deliberately prepared sushi so that your stomach is full on the way later. Now finish it. Afterward, you can return to get ready to wait for an invite.”
Sophia followed her mother’s orders. He calmly enjoyed the food that had been prepared. Not to mention that he had eaten breakfast, one of the waitpersons came over. Give the news that guests are waiting for him in the living room.
“There’s a Mr. Edward who wants to see you, madam,” said the maid. Sophia put the chopsticks back in her hands. She stared at Mikayla, asking if she needed to see the man. Don’t forget, until this moment, Sophia is still angry with the only son of the Edward’s family.
“Just meet him, Sophia,” said Mikayla when she realized that the princess was currently in a vacillating position. “Also, clarify your relationship with Edward before it’s too late. If you’re sure about returning to Tristan, you should also tell the man the truth.”
Sophia sighed. I was sure Edward would be disappointed after hearing that he had changed his choice.
But no matter what, Mikayla was right. Everything must be resolved before it drags on. For that, Sophia decided to get up immediately. Walking into the living room, she could see how Edward immediately stood up and smiled when she met him.
“Sophia, I miss you,” the man said. From his eyes, it was clear that there was a look of longing wrapped in tremendous guilt for what he had done that had sparked Sophia’s anger.
“What are you doing here, Edward?”
Sophia asked coldly. She chose to sit on the edge of the sofa while looking at Edward’s face, which looked awkward and awkward.
“Sophia, I know you’re still so mad at me. But please, listen to me first. There’s a reason why I’m doing all this.”
Sophia nodded. She stared intently at Edward’s pleading face. She was sure that the man must now be hoping that Sophia would grant his request to be heard. Not wanting to repeat the same mistake, she chose to nod, then let the man on the other end convey his point.
“I don’t have much time. Be brief and detailed, Edward. I’ll hear what you have to say.”
Edward breathed a sigh of relief. Moving on, the man slowly advanced. He was taking a seat a little closer to Sophia. After feeling fit and comfortable, he finally began to talk.
“I admit, I was wrong because it was presumptuous to hide all Tristan’s gifts from you, Sophia. But for God’s sake, I did it all because I was afraid your heart would melt and move back to Tristan.”
“Don’t you know that Tristan has asked me back many times? I haven’t accepted any of his invitations, have I?”
Edward nodded. “Yeah, Sophia. I know that. It’s just—-”
“Just what?” cut off Sophia. “I’m sure you’re aware, too, that I’d prefer to be with you rather than return to a household with Tristan. Then why do you still doubt me? Why did you even lie to me?”
“I’m just afraid of Sophia. I know I’m overly afraid of you.”
Sophia chuckled. For some reason, Edward’s reasons seemed far-fetched in her ears. “How can I live with you if you don’t trust me like this, Ed? Your suspicions are too great for me. I feel even more here; your love for me is like a mere obsession. Not the sincerity I once felt.”
“No, Sophia,” Edward objected. “That’s not true. I sincerely love you. It’s just that the fear of losing in me is too big for you.”
“But because of that fear, you do things beyond the limits that make me uncomfortable. Not to mention you also often manage almost all activities in my life. I feel constrained.”
Edward closed his eyes tightly. Come to think of it, what he did to Sophia was too much. “I’m sorry again, Sophia. I admit I was wrong and want to fix all of this.”
In between the two of them, from the direction of the main door, another man appeared. Politely knocked then threw greetings at Sophia.
“Excuse me, madam.” Sophia and Edward’s focus immediately distracted. Both of them turned simultaneously to the man who was already standing in a formal suit at the threshold of the main door.
“Alexius,” Sophia replied.
“Yes, madam. I’m ready to take you right now.”
Sophia nodded back immediately. “My suitcase is in the living room. You can take him straight to the car.”
Alexius obeyed Sophia’s orders, the man got in immediately, then soon came out with a glossy black suitcase to the car he parked right in front of the house.
“Sophia, where are you going?” he asked. Edward with a confused look on his face
“I have to go, Ed. I think our conversation is over as well.”
“Going? B-but where, Sophia? Where are you going?”
Sophia got up. Grabbing her shopper bag, the woman prepared to follow Alexius.
“I have to go to the airport right now.”
“Airport?”
“Yeah, Ed. I have to go after Tristan right now.”
Edward gasped. What Sophia had just said left her wholly taken aback. If Sophia follows Tristan, does that mean they will reunite?
“What for? You’re not planning on going back to Tristan, are you?”
Sophia looked at Edward with a look that was hard to decipher. He knew what risk he would accept after explaining to the man in front of him.
“I have to go see Tristan, Ed. There’s a misunderstanding I need to explain to him. I don’t want to make the wrong decision that I’ll regret for the rest of my life.”
“Sophia!” Edward immediately exclaimed. “I ask again, do you want to go back to Tristan?”
Sophia nodded. But unexpectedly, Edward grabbed the woman’s wrist and gripped her tightly.
“You can’t go, Sophia. Tristan could hurt you again in the future. I know who that man is. I don’t want you to be hurt a second time.”
“Edward please let go of your hand.”
“Not.” Edward shook his head. “I will not let you go.”
“Edward, please let go.” Sophia pleaded desperately. “You’ve hurt me.”
Then before long, Alexius, who had been there for some time, grabbed Edward’s arm and gripped him back while staring intently at the man.
“Let go of Mrs. Sophia, or I will not hesitate to break your hand, Mr. Edward.”
“Alexius, you have no business here.”
“Let go!” said Alexius as he tightened his grip on his hand. He looked so serious about the threat to break the hand of the man in front of him.
“Edward.” Sophia spoke again. “Please, let me go with Alexius.”
Edward finally relented. Regretfully the man slowly released his grip from Sophia’s hand while saying quietly. ”
Does that mean you’re ending our relationship?”
“I’m sorry, Ed. I can’t continue this relationship any longer.”
Sophia then left. Accompanied by Alexius, the woman walked away, leaving Edward, who was still standing stiffly. I immediately got into the car, getting ready to head to the airport.
Arriving at the airport, everything went as it should. Sophia only took 30 minutes to wait until the plane she was traveling in took off and arrived in Paris on time. Before actually leaving the airport, as previously planned, Sophia chose to stop first to go to the toilet. Change clothes and then apply enough make-up.
Alexius even surprised himself to see the appearance of the lady who used to be normal has now turned so charming.
“How can you dress up in a tight time like this,” said Alexius when the two were already in the car.
“It can’t be helped. I have to hurry, Lex. After all, it’s necessary to look beautiful at every opportunity, right?”
“Yes, madam,” Alexius nodded. “In that case, now it’s your turn to pray that our journey to the venue will not encounter any problems.”
Sophia confirmed what her bodyguard said. It is undeniable that along the way, he was repeatedly seen glancing at the clock listed on the cellphone screen. Not to mention the slight traffic jam when he just got out of the airport complex, she couldn’t help but be nervous.
“Alexius, will this last long?” the woman asked anxiously. “I don’t think so, madam. This traffic jam occurred because of the toll gate in front of us. After we pass, our journey will be smooth again,” explained Alexius trying to calm Sophia.
Sure enough, as soon as I entered the toll road, everything went smoothly. It only took Alexius 45 minutes to drive and finally arrived at Le Meurice. Seeing the number of guests who had gathered, Sophia believed that the event seemed to be starting soon. Ignoring Alexius, he then got out of the car.
Looking around, her eyes were busy scanning the guests who were there one by one. Until soon, from the south, his eyes caught Tristan’s figure. The man wearing a broken white tuxedo seemed to be intimately strolling toward the altar while holding a woman next to him. Sophia took big strides, not wanting to lose time, running a little to catch up.
As the distance got closer, she approached and grabbed Tristan’s arm until the man turned her head towards him. “Tristan, please stop this marriage.”