All The Same

The second day after the incident almost took her life, Sophia seemed to be still resting completely in her room. For two days, he did not even see Tristan's whereabouts to visit or enter the room to take work clothes to wear to the office.

Previously, it had crossed Sophia's mind that maybe Tristan had been sleeping in Aurora's room for the last few nights. Even though Aurora had explained that they had nothing to do with it, it was still hard for Sophia to believe it. The bad thoughts still lingered in his brain. It wasn't long before someone else told Sophia what she thought and feared was not proven.

"I have seen Mr. Tristan spending time in the study last night. Last night, around 12 o'clock, he even asked to be delivered coffee to accompany him to finish his work," explained Samanta while delivering food to Sophia's room.

Hearing the assistant's story, Sophia, of course, didn't believe it. Since Tristan lied and betrayed her openly, Sophia has become a person who doesn't easily believe anyone's words.

"Are you sure my husband sleeps in his workspace?" Sophia asked again.

Samanta nodded. While helping Sophia change clothes, she again answered Sophia's question.

"I'm pretty sure, madam. Even this morning your husband asked me to deliver clothes and other supplies to the workspace."

Judging by her eyes, Sophia was sure that her assistant wasn't bragging. At that moment, Sophia wanted to ask Samanta something else, who had devoted herself to the Quartararo family's house for a long time.

"Samanta," Sophia called then. "If I may ask, how long have you been working here?"

While focusing on rubbing the lotion on Sophia's body, Samanta tried to answer the questions that were put to her. "About six years. Or rather one year before Mr. Tristan's parents died."

Sophia nodded. She kept trying to dig up other information. "So when you first started working here, Tristan's parents were still alive?"

"Yes, madam. It was when I first came. Mr. Tristan wasn't even in the house."

Sophia's brows knit together. "You mean?"

"Yes," said Samanta. "In the past, Mr. Tristan was indeed studying abroad. He only arrived when he received news that Mr. Quartararo had a car accident. It is very sad. A few hours after visiting his father, Mr. Quartararo was declared dead. Not to mention the sadness of Mr. Tristan, three months later it was his turn his mother, Mrs Gracia who had to face the creator due to a heart attack."

Sophia took such deep breaths that her shoulders lifted dramatically. Even though hatred is starting to grow in her heart due to Tristan's heinous act, she still feels sorry for him after hearing what Samanta told him.

At that time, Tristan's life must have been very difficult because he had to lose both his parents in the near future and at a very young age.

"Doesn't my husband have other relatives? I mean, after his parents died, no one took care of him?" Sophia asked again.

Samanta shook her head slowly. "As I recall, Mr. and Mrs. Quartararo are both only children. Mr. Quartararo's extended family is in Switzerland. I also wonder why Mr. Tristan didn't want to go with his grandparents who were there. Instead, he chose Mr. Raphael to take care of him. "

"So, after his parents died, did Uncle Raphael take care of Tristan?" Sophia made sure to return.

"Yes, madam," said Samanta. After finishing applying lotion and massaging Sophia's body gently, the woman helped comb Sophia's hair.

"Excuse me, let me trim Madam's hair too." Then Samanta continued to talk with a relaxed expression. "In the past, after Mrs. Gracia died, Mr. Raphael went back and forth to this house to check on Mr. Tristan's condition. Gradually, at the request of your own husband, Mr. Raphael and Miss Aurora finally moved into this house and stayed until now. If I look around , Master Raphael really loves Master Tristan."

Sophia seemed to agree with Samanta's opinion on this one. As seen from the look in Uncle Raphael's eyes at every meeting with him, the man seemed very sincere when speaking to his husband. "Then what about Aurora?"

Sophia finally got to the point. Indeed, this was actually what she wanted to ask her assistant. Seeing the closeness of Aurora and Tristan, she doubted that the two of them did not have a serious relationship.

"Were the two of them really close like now?"

After finishing her task, Samanta took a step back from where Sophia was sitting. Still standing, the woman answered again. "Mr. Tristan has been close since the first time Miss Aurora moved into this house. It is said that they have known each other since childhood. The two often spend time together playing, taking vacations, and doing other activities. If people who don't know them then see the scene. this must think of them like a couple."

"I used to think so too." Sophia reflexively chimed in between Samanta's chatter. "They both behave like that, madam. You don't need to be jealous. From the first, Miss Aurora won often hug, kiss, or cling when the two of them were sitting together. But honestly, I see their chemistry is more like siblings."

Sophia nodded. Suddenly she remembered what Tristan had said before, who always convinced her that their relationship was like siblings. Either Tristan was being honest or just boasting to get Sophia's sympathy.

"Madam..." Samanta called when she found her master suddenly lost in thought. "Now, please eat your breakfast. I beg you, today you must finish it."

Sophia smiled and nodded. The woman then received a portable tray filled with food Samanta had prepared.

"Bulgogi beef?" Sophia muttered as she looked at the assistant's face. She was a little surprised, considering the Asian food menu is her favorite. Not only that, but when noon approached, he received a menu that made him startle again.

"Samanta, did my husband ask you to prepare this meal for me?" Sophia asked curiously. She is not too confident, but only Tristan in the house knows what kind of food he likes. "Yes, madam," replied Samanta with a nod. "Mr Tristan asked me to prepare it especially for you. He even threatened to cut my salary if he couldn't make sure you finished all the food that was served."

Sophia squeaked. Not only that, she even sighed inwardly. Thinking of Tristan's hard-predicted attitude.

What do you want, Tristan Quartararo! Yesterday you acted like the devil. Then now? Suddenly you handed me my favorite food? Seriously!

Samanta could see how his master's wife reached for the spoon on the portable tray. Occasionally nodding silently as if something was on his mind.

Well, you can't be weak, Sophia. You can't lose to Tristan. You should be able to avenge that man's actions. If at this time he is deliberately asking you to play games, you should follow the game to what extent.

"Mrs. Sophia?" call Samanta. "Are you okay?"

Sophia blinked, forcibly pulling her already scattered consciousness.

"Yes, I am doing okay."

"There is one more message from your husband that I must convey," Samanta said later.

Sophia frowned, then looked at Samanta with a curious expression. "What's that?"

"Mr. Tristan asked you to get ready tonight. He's taking him to a dinner where he says your father is."

Sophia looked at her doubtfully, considering whether to obey Tristan's orders to come with him tonight. But before she could speak, Samanta was heard again.

"Your husband also says that he doesn't want to be rejected or denied. So when he comes home, he hopes you're ready. I'll help you pick out a dress for you to wear tonight."

Well, Sophia then grimaced. It seemed that the thing just now wasn't a request but an order that Sophia was obliged to carry out.

"No need, Samanta. Let me pick out the dress myself for tonight."

Meanwhile, in the Foxtail Corporation building, there was Raphael, who seemed overcome with anger. He who just one day arrived from Liverpool had to accept two unpleasant news.

First, Aurora suddenly came to her room this morning to tell her about what happened two days ago to Sophia, who wanted to harm herself. And now, he had yet again received bad news when Fabio came to his room.

"So Julio suddenly died because he was murdered?" he asked irritably. Raphael's breath seemed to rise and fall from holding back the emotions that had peaked. "And you still haven't found where the memory is, Fabio?"

Looking down, Fabio nodded. "My apologies, sir. According to the residents' information, before our arrival, a stranger had already met Julio there. I'm sure Alfonso's people knew about this beforehand that's why they killed Julio."

Raphael could be heard grinding his teeth. The man's face was red from being angry after hearing all the news Fabio had brought.

"It could be that Alfonso is already holding onto that memory. Then what else should I do to block his movements? Maybe he will try to continue to approach Tristan and then take his heart. This can't be allowed, Fabio. Tristan can't side with that man! " cried Raphael then.

"So, what should I do now?" Fabio asked, waiting for orders.

Still filled with anger, Raphael tried to think sanely. Then soon, the man gave orders as usual to Fabio.

"For now, you just keep an eye on Tristan's and Alfonso's movements from a distance. If there's anything suspicious, let me know right away."

***

Sophia has just finished applying dusty pink lip cream on her lips. Turning once in front of the mirror to make sure his appearance is perfect or not.

Tonight, Samanta has helped her prepare a Halter Top dress with a slit that reaches above the knee. Showing off her long smooth legs, as well as a body that is so proportional.

After believing that her appearance was perfect, Sophia immediately grabbed the silver glitter clutch that Samanta had prepared beforehand. Out of the room, then approached Tristan, who had been waiting for him in the living room.

"Why are you wearing a dress like this?"

When Sophia's position was only inches from Tristan, the conditional sentence of protest immediately echoed through the room. "I don't like other people seeing your body!"

Sophia herself didn't budge. There was not the slightest desire from him to answer. Ignoring her husband's words, she continued to choose to leave. And, of course, this action invites resentment within Tristan.

"Sophia, you heard what I said, right?"

Sophia paused for a moment without looking back from her standing position. She then replied in a cold tone.

"Leave now? Or not at all?"

Damn! While cursing, Tristan stepped lazily. If the maids weren't watching them, Tristan might have dragged Sophia back into the room.

The two rushed into the car to immediately go to one of the convention halls in London city hall. Along the way, the husband and wife seemed to be dissolved in silence until the car Tristan was driving was parked neatly in the VVIP area. B

efore letting Sophia out of the car, Tristan purposely grabbed his wife's wrist. Ask the woman to look at him.

"I'm sure you know what you have to do inside, don't you? Act like a happy wife, Sophia. You're being a little stupid, you know the consequences."

Sophia didn't have the slightest interest in answering. He pushed Tristan's hand away from his wrist with a straight face. Seconds later looked away, preferring to get out of the car immediately.

As soon as she wanted to step in, Tristan grabbed his wife's body with all the charm he had. Flank it intimately, then lead the woman like a happy couple who will attend an important meeting.

Sure enough, as soon as they entered the meeting hall, the camera flash of the media crew immediately hit the two without being asked. Not infrequently, several reporters approached and immediately invited Tristan and Sophia to interview for a moment. Tristan warmly greeted them.

After answering a few questions, the two chose to leave because they wanted to join the other guests.

"Tristan, Sophia."

From another angle, it looks like Alfonso and several of his colleagues are calling. The man even walked closer and immediately threw a hug towards his beloved son-in-law and daughter.

"How are you, Tristan?"

"I'm doing very well, Pa," said Tristan after breaking the hug.

Turning to Sophia, Alfonso also gave it to his eldest daughter. "Dad misses you. You're all right, aren't you?"

Sophia was seen hugging her father tightly. She was dying to tell the man how Tristan had been treating him lately. But, when she looked up, she saw how his husband's gaze indicated that he had to maintain her attitude and keep her mouth shut.

"I miss Papa too," Sophia said after she finished hugging his father. "I'm fine. Very happy in fact."

Alfonso breathed a sigh of relief. Reviewing a smile, the man nodded.

"Thank goodness for that. Papa is happy to see you happy with Tristan."

Alfonso's gaze then turned back to Tristan. The man now invites the son-in-law to speak.

"Tristan, if you have time, bring Sophia over to the house. Or give her permission to visit us." It wasn't Tristan, and it was Sophia who answered.

"It's not Tristan's fault, Pa. It's true that I've been busy with photo shoots for a while. Tristan even got angry because we had to postpone our honeymoon schedule for a while because of my busy schedule," Sophia defended deliberately. She lives the role of a real wife.

"Don't overwork yourself, Sophia. Remember, you're married and a wife now. Be smart about your time."

Sophia nodded. It was hard to control himself not misunderstand his father about what he had experienced after becoming the wife of a Tristan Quartararo.

"Dad take it easy. I won't forget."

Then the two of them returned to enjoying the event by walking around greeting other Tristan business colleagues. Many colleagues even praised the harmony and cohesiveness between the two of them.

When the time was getting late, Tristan finally brought Sophia to go home; as soon as they got home and their room, both of them were busy, each cleaning themselves and then changing clothes, getting ready to get some rest.

However, Tristan seemed disturbed. As soon as she was about to close her eyes, Sophia, who had changed into her pajamas, casually walked around the bed, then crawled up and unhesitatingly laid herself down next to Tristan. There wasn't the slightest fear that the husband would throw her out or perhaps commit a violent act like the previous nights.

"What are you doing here?" Tristan straightened up as soon as he found Sophia lying beside him.

"Sleep. What else?" Sophia replied casually. His face was so calm. Not showing the slightest fear.

"Didn't I warn you not to touch my bed?" Tristan replied, not wanting to lose. His face looked very annoyed because of his wife's actions.

"This is also my room. So I have the right to sleep here. If you don't like it, you can go."

Tristan pressed his lips together tightly. His eyes stared intently at Sophia. He was even ready to swear an oath. However, before the words left his lips, Sophia spoke again.

"What?" said the woman in a rising voice, looking her husband in the eye.

"You want to torture me again? Or want to kill me?"

Without Tristan thinking, Sophia, who was in a sitting position, immediately opened the nightstand. She grabbed a pair of scissors from inside and unhesitatingly thrust them towards Tristan.

"If you're sick of me, please kill me right now."

The sentence that came out in a cold voice made Tristan stiffen. Swallowing all his annoyance, he chose to pull the covers off and inched out of bed. Bringing his feet to step onto the sofa, then lays himself there.

Meanwhile, Sophia, who had a cynical face from the start, immediately lay down. She immediately pulled the blanket up at that second to cover her entire body. In silence, she continued to rub his chest, shaking violently because she had managed to fight Tristan tonight.

We'll see how far this game goes, Tristan. One thousand times you hate me, then I swear I will 10,000 times to make you love me in the end.