Up In The Air

Tristan was stunned for a long time. His eyes were fixed on the row of skyscrapers he saw through his study glass.

While closing his eyes, Tristan gently brought his right hand to massage his forehead, which was throbbing in pain. Some of the events that have occurred recently are indeed so draining the brain and emotions.

"I thought we were friends. You hurt my feelings, Tristan. You're doing all this to me on purpose."

Edward's words from last night kept ringing in Tristan's head. It hurts her heart to have to face the fact of being hated by the man she has considered a brother. Everything Tristan does is not without reason.

After all, he thought that Sophia was not worthy of accompanying Edward, who was so sincere and kind. Because he was so busy thinking about Edward, Tristan couldn't concentrate on all his work. Even though he knew his best friend would never stay angry for long, he still thought about it.

Even Mario felt the same way. He could also see that today's boss looked so different. The man was not focused on completing the work piled up. Of course, this was not Tristan's habit.

"If you're sick, you'd better go home, Mister."

Mario gave advice. He thought Tristan needed time to calm down to improve his mood, which might be chaotic.

"I'm fine, Mario," Tristan argued. Turning, the man gave his assistant a flat look. "It's just, and I've been thinking a lot lately.

Mario nodded. He realized that, at Tristan's relatively young age, he faced many decisions and big problems alone. That's why he tried to understand and help him. as much as possible to lighten the burden of the man who has been his boss for quite a long time.

"Then, I'll just handle all the work today. Later, Mister, just check and sign when everything is done," Mario offered as he tidied up some scattered files on Tristan's desk.

"Yeah, that seems like a good idea." Tristan leaned back. He was staring back out the window. Then the man suddenly remembered something. "Speaking of work, has our supply schedule for the smart city project been checked and approved by Mr. Raphael? If I'm not mistaken, the rest of him hasn't signed, right?"

Mario, while tidying up some files in the folder, immediately nodded. He took back the tablet that he had previously placed on the table. I opened the agenda folder, then checked what homework was done or not. completed.

"According to records, there are two documents that Mr. Raphael has not approved. I'll go to him in his room."

Tristan shook his head. Hastily interrupted the assistant's words.

"No need. Let me just go to his room now. Besides, there's something important I want to talk to him about."

"Okay," said Mario. "Then I'll excuse myself. I will send all reports that have been completed by email at the latest tonight."

Shortly after Mario left, Tristan immediately took the coat he had previously slung behind the chair. Wearing it briefly, then hurriedly went out to immediately go to Raphael's room, one floor above it.

Meanwhile, Raphael looks serious in discussing with Fabio Saragossa in his study. His confidant came today with so much important news that he had been researching for a long time.

"My God, why is this kid so rash!" Raphael's chest seemed to rise and fall because he held back anger. The news that Fabio had just conveyed made him almost lose his mind.

"So Tristan is serious about making Sophia his girlfriend?"

The question that came out in a cold voice made Fabio gasp. Even though it sounded normal, he was sure. there was a tone of extreme disappointment tucked in there.

"Yes, sir. Last night, Miss Sophia officially became Mr. Tristan's lover. In the folder you are holding, I even attached pictures of the two of them making out in the car."

Again, Raphael pursed his lips tightly. He squeezed the entire collection of photos of Fabio that he had just seen. Then, just throw it into the trash can not far from where his feet stand.

"Don't let Aurora see these photos. It can still hurt my daughter's heart even if it's just camouflage or pretending."

Fabio nodded, understanding Raphael's order.

"I apologize. I will be more careful in the future, sir." There was a short pause before Raphael spoke again. He glanced again at the report that Fabio had submitted, then, before long the man gasped slightly. Then, without looking at his confidant, Raphael spoke again in a high-pitched voice.

"What kind of nonsense is this! Are you sure about everything that's written in this report?" the man asked for sure.

Hearing that, Fabio immediately looked up until their eyes met. His brown bead stared intently at Raphael's sharp blue bead, which looked shrouded in vengeance.

"I am 100% sure, sir. I have even investigated directly to ensure this news's truth."

Raphael pursed his lips. He was confused by what he had just heard.

"So, the driver who drove Alfonso's car until the accident occurred is still alive today?"

Fabio nodded, confirming Raphael's guess.

"True, sir. But for the exact position where the man is at this time, I have not been able to find him," Fabio regretfully.

"How is that possible? The doctor even said at the time that the driver was bleeding quite seriously and had no hope of living," Raphael argued angrily. The expression on the man's face suddenly turned sour. "But, Fabio, I don't care what the motive behind this is. For sure, your task will increase. From now on, please mobilize all your men to find the whereabouts of that driver. dash camera from Raymon's car which was in an accident the other day. Don't let Alfonso find it first. Remember! All the answers to Andrew's death are in that memory."

Fabio nodded his head. He had devoted himself to Raphael for a long time. That's why there was no doubt on his face when he accepted his Master's strict orders. Either way, Fabio manages to run and deliver what Raphael asked for.

"I will do my best to bring you what you asked for, sir."

While Raphael and Mario were busy discussing, someone overheard their conversation from behind the room door. For a long time, the man stood right behind the main entrance. Instead of entering, the man walked away with mixed feelings.

***

Tristan had just parked his car in front of the Chiltern Firehouse. As promised last night, today, he would invite Sophia to eat lunch together. As soon as they arrived, Tristan hurried down. Taking significant steps, he entered the restaurant while looking around the room. Trying to find out where Sophia is.

"Tristan ..."

The man immediately turned around when a soft voice followed by a wave caught his blue bead. He smiled and went straight to Sophia, who had probably been sitting there all this time.

"Hello, honey," said Tristan, giving Sophia a short kiss on the top of the head, then sat down directly in front of the woman. "Sorry I kept you waiting."

Instead of responding, Sophia drifted into the cradle of Tristan's soft voice. Both of the woman's cheeks seemed to be flushed red. And this was caught by Tristan's blue bead, who had been watching.

"Hey... why do you keep smiling like that? Is there something wrong with my appearance?" Tristan asked curiously.

Sophia blinked, forcibly pulling her consciousness that had wandered off to nowhere. It was difficult for him to hide his admiration for the charm of a Tristan Quartararo. Even though this wasn't the first time the two of them had spent time intensely, Sophia was always mesmerized by all the surprises he gave her.

"I was just blown away by what you just said," Sophia muttered without taking her eyes off Tristan's ocean blue beads.

"Saying?" Tristan seemed to be frowning and trying to remember which words made the woman bewitched. "Which words do you mean?" he asked, giving in.

"Honey," Sophia said. "You said the word 'darling' to me. Really, I'm flattered to hear those words."

His blue eyes lit up, and his smile widened again. Tristan immediately grabbed Sophia's wrist and lovingly kissed her hand's back, which confused Sophia's heart. Oh my God, why is this man so cute?

"Aren't we officially lovers? I should call you dear, right? Besides, I really do love you," said Tristan slightly teasingly. Though in his heart, he wanted to throw up with this one boast.

"Oh come on, Tristan," Sophia squeaked. "Don't tease me like that. You're making my face blush even more with embarrassment."

Laughter escaped Tristan's lips. Excited and amused at the same time seeing how Sophia occasionally seemed to wave her hands in the air because she was stiflingly teased by herself.

"I'm serious, Sophia. I've been crazy about you for a long time. If you wanted, I could kiss you right here in front of the rest of the restaurant diners."

Sophia glared. He pulled the wrist Tristan had been holding to pinch the man's waist in disgust.

"Don't be silly, Tristan! I know you're a reckless man. But please don't be crazy!"

They both laughed. Then afterward, while enjoying lunch, the two occasionally exchanged stories about their respective activities and finally went back to discussing Edward.

"So you saw Edward last night?" Sophia asked as she scooped the ice cream into her mouth.

"Yes. I found him in one of the bars. The man looked drunk last night."

Sophia took a deep breath. Feelings of guilt can not just disappear from inside him. Sophia was sure Edward would be very disappointed with what he did. For a moment, he thought, if only it didn't give him hope from the start, maybe the problem wouldn't be as complicated as it is now.

"Sophia ..." Tristan called when he found his lover seemed suddenly silent. "What is it, honey? You still feel guilty for choosing me?"

Sophia nodded. She forced his lips to reveal a sweet smile, even though his eyes were already starting to tear up.

"Was I wrong in choosing you?" he asked quietly.

"Of course not." Tristan put down the knife and fork he was holding earlier. He grabbed Sophia's wrist again and squeezed it gently. "Love can't be forced, Sophia. We can't even choose who our hearts end up with. It's not your fault if you really love me."

Sophia closed. Immediately, a drop of clear crystal fell down his cheek. Tristan, who saw this, immediately raised his hand, wiping the tears that fell while speaking quietly again.

"There's no need to blame yourself, Sophia. You should be sure that one day Edward will find his own happiness."

Sophia nodded, then looked up shortly. She looked deeply into Tristan's face and then spoke softly.

"Are you sure Edward will be okay? Is there any chance I could still be friends with that guy?"

Tristan nodded. He wrote a charming smile to reassure Sophia so she wouldn't continue to be sad. "Of course. I told you, Edward is a forgiving man. You just need to give him some space to be alone. When he gets better, he'll definitely come back to you. Trust me, Sophia."

Hearing Tristan's explanation, Sophia looked relieved. At the very least, when things got a little better, she wanted to go back and apologize directly to Edward. "Hopefully Edward will really forgive me."

"Oh, yes," continued Tristan. "By the way, there's something really important I want to tell you, Sophia," the man said later.

"What's important?" While managing her feelings, Sophia tried to focus on responding to her lover's words.

"It's really important. And I want to say this in front of your parents too. For that, will I be able to meet the two of them this afternoon or evening?"

Sophia was taken aback. Curiosity immediately filled his brain and mind. Of course, he wondered why Tristan suddenly wanted to see his parents. What a surprise that man had prepared. "Meeting Papa and Mama? For what purpose?" Sophia asked curiously.

"You'll find out later what I'm going to do with them," Tristan replied with a mysterious smile, making Sophia even more embarrassed.

Even when Sophia agreed to Tristan's request for a meeting with his parents, the man finally came to the Adelaide family's residence just after dinner. Greeted so friendly, Tristan was immediately invited to enter and join the family room.

"Nice to finally see you again, Tristan." Alfonso greeted with a happy smile. It was clear from the look on his face that the man was speaking very sincerely.

"I'm even very flattered to be allowed to meet Sophia's parents tonight," Tristan said, no less happy.

Sophia, who was also there, smiled happily at the closeness between her father and her lover. Immediately after that, she took a seat next to Tristan, intending to listen to what the man next to him would discuss that he wanted to meet her parents.

"By the way, Sophia said you two just officially became a couple. Honestly, Uncle was happy to hear this news."

"Daddy!" Sophia immediately interrupted. Her face looked embarrassed after hearing her father's honest expression. "Don't embarrass me in front of Tristan."

"No, Sophia," said Alfonso with a laugh. "Papa didn't embarrass you. Papa is even very happy that you two are actually a couple now."

A happy expression is clearly shown on Alfonso's handsome face. He spoke as if he had been expecting this to happen for a long time. The man's hunch said that Tristan's figure was indeed suitable to accompany the princess.

"Thank you very much Uncle for supporting our relationship. Because of this, I'm here now," said Tristan. His calm demeanor is enough to attract the attention of Alfonso and his wife. I'm curious as to what he wanted to say tonight.

"So..." Tristan resumed his conversation. "My arrival tonight, of course, brought one important goal. I hope this wish can be realized and will be realized soon," he said.

"Tristan..." called Sophia, sitting right next to the man. "What do you really want to tell Papa and Mama?"

Tristan turned to Sophia and smiled. He grabbed the woman's wrist. Holding it tightly, Tristan's gaze returned to Alfonso. For a moment, he took a breath. After making sure he was ready, the man slowly spoke again.

"Since our relationship is based on seriousness, for that tonight let me convey my intention to propose to Sophia. I want to marry immediately and make her a lady Quartararo."

Everyone gasped in surprise. Sophia never thought that Tristan could propose so quickly and want to marry her.

"Tristan." Again Sophia called. "You----"

"Yes, Sophia," Tristan interrupted quickly. "I'm serious about this relationship. That's why, today I accidentally met Unlce Alfonso and Auntie Mikayla to ask permission to propose and marry you."

Tristan spoke confidently. Even from the gaze to the body expression that the man showed, it showed seriousness. So after convincing Sophia, it was Tristan's turn to turn around to look directly at Alfonso.

"Uncle, I mean what I said. Would Uncle give permission for both of us to get married soon?"

Alfonso didn't budge. He stared deeply into Tristan's blue beads. He was trying to weigh and convince himself whether this young man in front of him had hidden plans or was severe with his goal of making Sophia Quartararo's mistress.

But if you think about it, he can freely even have an excellent opportunity to win the young man's heart to side with his camp by marrying Sophia and Tristan. But if the slightest misstep, a big risk also awaits. It might endanger his position and his family. This also makes Alfonso seem to take a long time to determine the answer.

"Uncle ..." Tristan scolded when he found Alfonso, who was just silent. "How? Did Uncle give me permission to marry Sophia?"

In his sitting position, Alfonso repeatedly sighed. After struggling with his own heart, he soon gave a response in the form of an answer. He was sure of his decision.

"Uncle knows, your relationship may not be long. But seeing how Sophia looks at you, how enthusiastically my daughter is in telling everything related to you, Uncle is sure she loves you very much. The same goes for you, Tristan. Seeing how you treat Sophia, Uncle is sure you both they really suit each other, that's why Uncle thought it would be fine if you two wanted to get married soon."

Hearing Alfonso's answer, Tristan and Sophia looked at each other. Before long, the two embraced awkwardly like a couple in love because they had just received the blessing of their parents.

"So Uncle agrees?" Tristan asked again to confirm.

"Yes, I hereby bless you to be my son-in-law."