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"Finally ... Uncle Alex's condition can return to normal," said Tristan, exclaiming happily when visiting Edward's father in the hospital.

After hearing the news that today Alexander Edgar Olieviera would be returning home, Tristan rushed to the hospital during lunchtime. Together with Jacob and Nicholas, the three deliberately brought unique gifts for the man they considered their parents to enjoy.

Tristan looked pleased. As soon as he got to the hospital, he could see how Alex could sit comfortably. Even move freely like healthy people in general. The worry that had been descending yesterday has now been replaced with immeasurable gratitude. As happy as that, Tristan saw Edward's father's health gradually improve.

"Uncle can be healthy again as he is now thanks to all of your prayers. Thank you again for your prayers, support, and even your daily visits. Edward is lucky to have a friend who loves him so much," said Alex sincerely. His sad eyes seemed to glaze over with emotion and pleasure at the attention given to him.

"They're all nice and reliable, Pa." Edward, sitting peeling fruit next to his father, also chimed in. "Except for Nicholas. There is no history of Edward making up with Nicholas. His presence really doesn't matter in this world. I don't know why God brought him into the world," he sneered.

"Geez, Edward Olieviera. Isn't that between the three of us, you love me that much? You can't live without me, can you?" Nicholas's debate didn't want to lose.

"Don't be crazy, Nicholas. Instead of loving you, I'd rather love Tristan who is clearly more useful in her presence. From the beginning, you only had one job. You always insulted or sneered at whatever I did. How can there be a friend who behaves like you."

Jacob and Tristan immediately shook their heads. It's no wonder that Edward and Nicholas always get into arguments. Behind it all, they both love each other. In the past, Nicholas had even skipped college for two days because he was waiting for Edward, who was admitted to the hospital. Edward had also done the same thing. He was willing to stay up all night to help Nicholas prepare a surprise for Claire's birthday.

"Supposedly, like good friends, you guys help Uncle immediately find Edward a partner so that he can get married soon," exclaimed Alexander. "Honestly, Uncle is tired of seeing his behavior that gets in the news every day because of changing dates. Really, it's not an achievement to be proud of. All that is, is only tarnishing the good name of the family."

Edward, who had finished cutting the fruit, immediately approached his father. With an irritated face, he immediately protested. "Aren't I a playboy like this because I passed down my character from Papa? Don't forget, Mama once told me that Papa was surrounded by many women. The difference is that Papa wasn't as famous as I was. Plus, there haven't been any paparazzi following you. now."

"But in the end, Papa met Mama and got married right away, Ed," Alexander argued. "While you alone? It's as if no one wants to be serious in a relationship with women out there. Besides, it's clear that those who approach you are only after the popularity and wealth you have."

Edward chuckled again and soon put on a severe look on his face. "Dad, calm down. I'm currently close to a woman. I even intend to propose. And maybe this year I'll also marry."

Everyone in the room was immediately taken aback. Jacob, Nicholas, and Tristan know about Edward, who wants to propose to Sophia. But they never thought the man intended to marry her in the same year. While Alexander initially seemed surprised, it didn't take long for the man to smile.

"Papa will be very happy if you really prove what you say. The sooner you get married, the sooner you receive the title of CEO of AlpaBeta, Ed," Alexander said earnestly. "And don't forget, if you manage to propose to your coveted woman, please immediately introduce it to Papa and Mama."

"Take it easy," Edward said confidently. "As soon as I successfully propose to her on Valentine's Day, I will immediately bring her before the big family to introduce her."

Edward's face lit up. The image of Sophia accepting his proposal on Valentine's Day was already dancing in her mind. Yes, Tristan would never let Edward have a relationship with Sophia, let alone marry her. Edward was completely unaware that his own best friend was currently struggling to thwart what was his biggest dream right now.

***

Tristan looks handsome in a black shirt that fits perfectly on his stocky body. Tonight, the man's hair was deliberately styled with an undercut model to support his appearance and make it look more masculine. The spicy scent of Tristan's famous perfume wafted through the room.

Focusing his gaze, Tristan once again confirmed his appearance from behind the mirror. After feeling perfect, he decided to leave the room so he could immediately go to the car and pick up Sophia at his apartment.

Strolling down the stairs, a girl's soft voice greeted Tristan's ears. As soon as he turned around, he found Aurora standing right in front of her room as if to block it.

"Tristan?" Aurora wore a straight face. Once approached, the woman spoke again. "Where are you going to get this neat?" he inquired.

"To pick up Sophia and then take her to dinner," Tristan replied casually, making Aurora gasp immediately.

"To pick up Sophia, then have dinner together?" Aurora nailed Arsen's blue eyes firmly while giving him a look of disbelief. "You mean you two are going on a date tonight?"

Tristan nodded confidently.

"Yes, Aurora. As previously planned, tonight I'm going on a date with Sophia."

"Can't you stop this ridiculous game?"

Aurora took a deep breath until her chest rose and fell. Mixed feelings immediately flooded his brain just like that. I want to protest, but it's useless. Aurora was sure Tristan would not even listen to what he had to say.

"I've come this far, Aurora. It's impossible for me to suddenly stop halfway and let go of everything I was almost holding on to," he said coldly.

Tristan, of course, did not want what he had done to be in vain. He had sacrificed a lot to get Sophia's heart and attention. With just a few more steps, he could get the woman completely.

"Honestly, I would never be able to imagine how cute you are with other women," Aurora said quietly. Her expression suddenly turned gloomy.

Lifting her face, Aurora tried to contain herself so as not to burst into tears. She was determined not to appear weak in front of Tristan. However, everything feels free especially when her future husband can read her unusual movements.

"Aurora, I know you're holding back tears."

Being rebuked thus, Aurora could no longer contain the flow of tears. Her vision immediately blurred, and even his breath was almost caught. Especially when Tristan pulled him into the man's arms, he hugged her tightly and wore a worried expression on his face.

"Why are you crying like this? How many more times do I have to convince you that this is all I did for the sake of one important goal to make it happen. I almost succeeded. Of course it's impossible to just back off."

In Tristan's arms, Aurora didn't move. Instead of calming down, he sobbed more and more. Which behaviour makes Tristan stunned. In his arms again, Aurora's body was shaking violently. While gently stroking the woman's back, Tristan kept whispering.

"Please, stop your crying. You make my heart sad Aurora."

He stretched his arms. Grabbing Aurora's chin, Tristan gently kissed her right cheek.

"I promise, after everything is done, I will marry you immediately."

Tristan then brought his lips to kiss Aurora's forehead for a long time. Breaking the hug, he left to immediately pick up Sophia, who might have been waiting at his apartment.

Tristan immediately brought her feet to rush to Sophia's unit when they arrived at Marylebone Square's Penthouses. Knocking on the door once, he was taken aback when he saw the appearance of the woman he wanted to pick up.

Sophia was so stunning in her shiny black Little Back Dress. She was combined with a matching clutch and heels, adding a glamorous impression to the woman. Not to mention that her black hair was loose, making her look fit and even sexier.

"Tristan?" Sophia's call immediately caught Tristan's consciousness, who had wandered far away. "Shall we go now?" she asked for sure.

Tristan was silent for a moment, staring intently at Sophia's face before answering the woman's question.

"Of course. We're leaving right now."

Travelling approximately 20 minutes, the two arrived at The Shard, the Thomas St district, London. Tonight, Tristan has indeed reserved the Aqua Shard, on the 31st floor of the skyscraper, to enjoy dinner while enjoying the view of London from a height.

Getting down from the car, Tristan immediately reached out his hand, intending to invite Sophia to hold hands. Once they arrived at the restaurant, a waitress led them to the VIP area, which is right on the edge of the glass building. Sophia even had time to be amazed because she could see the beautiful scenery and the twinkling lights of London from a height.

"You're so smart to choose a beautiful place like this," Sophia said in awe after the two of them finished ordering the menu.

"I really have to work extra hard to find the best place to bring a special woman like you, Sophia," said Tristan with a smile. Seconds later, he grabbed her wrist and held it gently.

Sophia lifted her face a little so that their eyes met. Again, Sophia's whole body froze. As soon as Tristan grabbed her hand, it was as if an electric shock had struck her. Tristan's simple treatment always managed to shatter her heart.

"If I'm being honest, you are beautiful tonight, Sophia. Your appearance makes me unable to look away," Tristan muttered honestly. His two blue beads seemed immersed in the charm Sophia showed tonight.

"Tsk." Sophia immediately chuckled. Smiling, the woman responded. "Don't talk. Do you think I wasn't as pretty as tonight?" she accused with a slightly sullen face.

"Not." Tristan shook his head quickly. "You're beautiful every day. I admit it. But tonight, you are different. You look so perfect," said Tristan, looking around the restaurant. "I'm sure the men in this restaurant must look envious of me for having managed to walk with an angel like you."

"Tristan!" Sophia chuckled again. "You're really exaggerating."

Tristan chuckled softly. "For God's sake, I'm not kidding. You really are beautiful."

Sophia just chuckled. The two then chose to eat the dishes that were already available. Accompanied by music, Tristan and Sophia seemed comfortable enjoying their intense dinner ritual.

"I'm guessing there must have been a lot of women you've invited to dinner like this. And they all end up in bed?" Sophia joked while eating the tenderloin steak in her hand.

"You're wrong. Even gravely wrong," argued Tristan. "Until now, I've never even slept with a single woman."

"Are you serious?" For the sake of hearing Tristan's words, Sophia immediately looked up and asked as if she couldn't believe it. "Oh come on, no kidding, Tristan Geraldo." The woman then tilted her face slightly and then whispered very quietly. "So you're still a virgin, hmm?"

While sipping the water in his glass, Tristan nodded. "It's not just me. Jacob, Nicholas, and Edward are just like me. We didn't even think about bringing a woman into bed before we were legally married."

Sophia stopped eating. Between amazed and still couldn't believe the reality he had just heard. In today's times, it is complicated for him to find men who are not having sex with their partners.

"So Edward is still a virgin too?" Sophia asked. "Ah, sorry if my question is too direct and seems curious." Sophia hastily corrected her words.

"It's, ok. But whether you believe it or not, the reality is like that. All of us, including Edward, never made love before getting married."

Sophia nodded. In her heart, she mumbled it wasn't wrong that all this time I had known them, especially Tristan.

"Oh, yes..." Sophia said then. "About the meeting with Papa and Mama, I've already told them. And it seems they are also very enthusiastic to meet."

"I can't wait to meet your parents too, Sophia. Of course I want to get to know the parents of a beautiful woman like you firsthand."

Again, Sophia smiled. Even though Tristan had praised him many times, her face was always red with embarrassment. I don't know what charm Tristan has to be able to bring vibrations to her chest. Before, she had never felt something strange like this. Has she fallen into the trap of love that Tristan has spread?

"Sophia..." Tristan scolded after the two of them finished their dinner. "Before ending this meeting, there is one important thing I want to tell you."

Sophia looked closely at Tristan's face, which turned severe. She nodded, then focused her gaze on the man. Waiting eagerly, what else did Tristan want to tell him this time.

"Please, I'll listen to you carefully," Sophia said quietly.

"Honestly, I am happy with God's destiny that suddenly brought the two of us together. In all my life, I have never had an attraction to a woman like I am attracted to you right now," said Tristan. Taking a deep breath, the man continued his sentence. "You're different from most of the women I know. Not to mention the many things we have in common makes me believe we're actually perfect for each other."

"Wait a minute," Sophia interrupted. "Does this mean you like me?"

Tristan immediately nodded, confirming the guess of the woman in front of him.

"Even really like you."

Sophia's eyes were successful. For a split second, she was stunned by the reality she had just heard. She knew that Tristan had always joked about his feelings. But she didn't think he was earnest about her.

"B-but since when?" Sophia was stunned because she was still shocked by what she had just heard.

"Who knows." Tristan shrugged his shoulders. "I also don't know when exactly I had this feeling. I'm sure I'm totally in love with you, Sophia."

Then seconds later, Tristan grabbed Sophia's right wrist again. He pulled a little, then kissed the back of the woman's hand while whispering.

"Sophia, will you be my real love."