Big Truth

As previously planned, Claudia wanted to invite Mario to have dinner together at Uxbridge which is quite far away. However, as she started to drive the car, the woman's aim finally changed.

It all started when their two old friends who were also in London asked to meet downtown. Be the Chiltern Firehouse they all chose to have their gathering tonight.

After arriving at the restaurant, Mario and Clauida were immediately greeted by their two friends. Hugged for a while, then asked to sit down immediately, ordered food, then continued to let go because they had not seen each other in years.

"Jesus Calvin. I thought we would never meet again." Roland, who was a friend in college, could no longer hide his enthusiasm when he was able to meet Mario again. "If Claudia hadn't told us, maybe we wouldn't have met today."

He smiled too. I'm so happy because today can be said to be having a small reunion with some of his old friends. After accidentally meeting Claudia at the company, today he was no less surprised and happy to meet two other friends.

"It seems I also have to thank Claudia a lot. Because of her, I can meet you too," said Mario with a happy expression.

"Then, what are you up to now, Calvin?" asked Lionel, another friend of Mario.

"Just so you know, Calvin is currently working at Exon. You both know that this company is a large construction company that is known for designing and manufacturing ambitious projects in many countries."

Not Mario but Claudia who answered. It seemed that the woman was very happy to tell what had been Mario's achievements in recent years.

Claudia knows very well that Exon is a prestigious company. Not just anyone can become an employee there. There are many requirements. There are also many selections that must be passed in order to be part of them.

The same goes for choosing a work partner. Exon also applies very high standards. That's why, it's an honor for Claudia to be a part of them.

"Oh my God, Claudia. You're really overreacting," Mario chuckled. It's so uncomfortable to be proud of yourself like this.

Claudia laughed. The woman patted Mario's back in exasperation.

"Gosh, you're so funny. I'm not exaggerating, Calvin. You're really great. Ah, it seemed like you were the best of us all, right?"

"Then I agree, Claudia," Roland chimed in. The man nodded in agreement with Claudia's earlier words. "Already smart, handsome, well-established, it seems we are also lucky to be Calvin's friends. Do you remember when you were in college? When there was an assignment, Calvin became the foundation of our lives."

Mario's three friends laughed. Everyone then remembered the old days when they were in college. Because he is basically a smart kid, Mario is often asked to give a cheat sheet when doing assignments or tests. Fortunately, the man was not the type of stingy student that other students usually didn't like.

Meanwhile, Mario was getting chuckled hearing the story just now. His friends even more compact to continue to praise him.

"You really are too much," he said.

"But by the way, if your career is currently established, do you have a partner yourself?" Roland continued afterwards. He became curious whether a man like Mario already has a partner. Considering the man was close to perfect. There must be a lot of women who like it. "Even when I was in college, I was very jealous of you, who was idolized by many women."

"Who wouldn't be interested in a smart, rich, and handsome man like Mario. He's close to perfect, right?" said Lionel afterwards.

"Yes," said Claudia. "Although handsome, I'm not the least bit interested in our hero on this one."

Roland chuckled in annoyance. For this one he understood why Claudia wasn't the least bit interested in Mario. As far as he knew, she had loved only one man and luckily, they were now engaged.

"If you are the exception, Claudia." Then Roland's gaze returned to focus on Mario. Shortly after, the man spoke again. "But, seriously. I'm curious. Have you got a partner, or are you still single?"

He smiled. The man answered the question put to him.

"Fortunately I already have a partner."

"Oh yes?" Claudia turned her head. He couldn't believe what he had just heard. "Apparently you already have a lover? Who? You don't want to introduce us?"

Mario's smile widened. He did not cover up the information on this one.

"I even married my first love," said Mario proudly. Though, there is one side of his heart hurt. He certainly didn't forget what Aurora had done recently, which had hurt him so much.

But, still. No matter how angry he was right now, Mario could not badmouth his wife. Although at this time he felt very disappointed and angry. Still, the love is still there for Aurora.

"You really surprised us, Calvin. Anyway, next meeting, you should introduce us all to your wife."

"Claudia was right," added Lionel. "Who knows, we can all get along and become a big family, right down to grandparents."

Mario nodded. After that they all started talking again. nostalgia. Discussing, remembering beautiful memories during college. Sharing stories and ending with a vent session discussing life issues, partners, and of course work matters.

Until finally because they were satisfied, they all decided to disband. Mario also chose to immediately return to his apartment accompanied by Claudia.

***

"Thank you for dropping me off. Don't you want to stop first?" Mario offered when the car Claudia was driving had stopped in front of the lobby of the apartment he lived in.

Claudia herself shook her head. Instead of accepting Mario's offer, he politely declined.

"Another time, Calvin. It's late. I'm sure you want to rest. But some other time you really should invite me to dinner at your apartment."

Mario smiled as he nodded. Not the slightest objection to the request Claudia had just made.

"Of course. Whenever you want to stop by, I'd be happy to welcome you. Fine, then I'll head down first. See you next time. Thank you very much for inviting me to dinner and seeing me off safely."

Claudia nodded. Mario hugged briefly then allowed the man to get out of his car.

After making sure Claudia was out of his sight, Mario decided to immediately go to his apartment unit. He thought it would be better after this to take a shower or soak in warm water for a while and then continue to rest. His body already felt sticky and tired because he had not rested all day.

Entering the apartment unit, as usual Mario immediately turned on the main light. As soon as he turned around, walking towards the living room, he gasped in surprise. His nether caught Aurora's figure sitting on the sofa as if she had been waiting for his arrival.

Trying to act calm, Mario walked over. Putting on a cold face, the man threw a fixed gaze while asking a question.

"Are you an intruder? For what purpose would you enter my apartment without permission like this?" snapped Mario. From his face alone, the look of dislike radiated clearly.

Aurora herself stared back. Take a deep breath until your shoulders are lifted. Convinced, he took her hand. Then raised a photo to be shown to Mario.

"What is the meaning of this photo?" he asked in a tone full of emphasis. Hoping that after this Mario gives the answers he needs. "Where did you get it? Or perhaps you are the man with me in this photo?"

Mario continued to stare. Locking Aurora's gaze for a moment before nodding. He thought, today is the right time to reveal and explain to Aurora who he is.

"Yes. That's me," said Mario. "Indeed I was in the photo."

"So y-you are Calvin?" Aurora asked nervously.

"Yes. Calvin Mario Harald. The fat child you helped when you were at school. The fat child who promised to find and marry you in the future. The fat child who promised to love, cherish and protect you until you grow old."

Aurora shook her head in disbelief. There was a feeling of disbelief, a sense of doubt, and at the same time it hurt to hear the explanation that Mario had just given. She really didn't expect that the man she had been looking for was so close to her.

"You are lying!"

Mario smiled slyly. He fully understood that Aurora did not immediately believe the courage he had just revealed.

"Whatever. Whether you believe me or not, I don't care about Aurora anymore. After all, there's no point in it now. I've tried so hard to fulfill my promise. But, you just broke everything."

"But why?" interrupted Aurora. "If you really are the Calvin I've been looking for, why didn't you tell me from the beginning of our meeting? Why have you been silent all this time?"

"You should ask yourself," Mario replied. The man paused for a moment, then resumed speaking. "From the start, you didn't give me even one chance to explain. Have you forgotten that you've been deliberately keeping your distance?"

From the first time he entered Exon, Mario certainly didn't forget that Aurora didn't even look at him once. The woman reprimanded, inviting to speak was just a formality. If there was no need related to work, how could Aurora stare at him.

"Don't even look at me, you don't even want to glance, do you?" continued Mario then. "I really know that in your eyes there is only the figure of Tristan. The man you've been crazy about. What made you so obsessed with having him. In fact, after sleeping with you, getting pregnant, and getting married once, instead of assuming my existence, you're even more angry and hateful. So how do I tell you who I am?"

Aurora fell silent. His lips were stiff. He ran out of vocabulary to refute what Mario said. After all, everything that man said was 100% true.

"But why did you hide your true identity? Why didn't you introduce yourself from the start when you entered Exon? Why?!"

"It's useless, Aurora," muttered Mario then laughed lightly. "Meanwhile, when I was married, it was clear who my full name was written on in the marriage document. So, did you have the chance to read it? Did you realize that? Of course not, right? Because of what? Because my name really isn't in your heart. All this time, I'm the only one who loves you ."

Aurora shook her head. He disagreed with what Mario had just accused him of.

"You're exaggerating. Just so you know, even looking for your whereabouts."

"Oh, yes? May I know what business you have done?" he asked fiercely. Mario's eyes narrowed demanding an explanation. "Ok, maybe at first you were looking for me. But after meeting Tristan, you just forgot about me, right?"

"Mario, you ----"

"It's enough!" cut Mario quickly. He seemed lazy to continue the debate tonight with Aurora. "I'm too lazy to discuss this because it's also useless. After all, you already know who I really am. So, now you better get out of my apartment. I have to rest. I'm tired."

Aurora shook her head in disbelief. He was sure that just now Mario had kicked him out. Even when throwing glances, Aurora believed how affectionate eyes that man used to show, tonight was not a bit visible. Is it true that Mario's feelings can change drastically?

"Mario ... ah, Calvin, we have to solve this problem," Aurora asked.

Mario shook his head. He grabbed Aurora's arm. He led the woman to quickly walk towards the apartment door. Opened, then let the woman whose status is his wife come out.

"Get out. I don't want to see you. There's nothing else for us to discuss or talk about either."

Aurora gaped. With a heavy heart he stepped out of Mario's apartment unit. Then without waiting long, her husband immediately closed the door. It didn't matter in the least with whom or how Aurora came home after this.