Hang In There

"Sophia, are you in the room?"

Edward had arrived at his apartment precisely at seven o'clock in the evening. After finishing work, he had a chance to stop first at a law firm to help take care of Sophia's divorce papers.

Edward wasn't kidding. He was earnest about separating the woman from her best friend, who turned out to be a jerk. If he had known Sophia's fate would be like now, maybe from the start, Edward would never have been willing, let alone let Sophia fall into Tristan's hands. His best friend was outrageous in treating the woman he loved.

If on the first day Edward still heard Sophia cry throughout the silence of the night, on this third day, he no longer heard her. Edward had high hopes that what he did could improve the mental condition of the woman he loved so much that it would no longer be as bad as before.

"Sophia, are you all right?"

Once again, Edward chanted Sophia's name in front of the bedroom door when he found the woman didn't answer. Worried that something might happen, he took the initiative to find a spare key and then tried to open the door to Sophia's room.

When the door was opened, Edward could see Sophia curled up in the blanket with an ashen face. He hurriedly approached to check directly what was happening to the woman.

"Jesus," Edward shrieked. Then took a seat right on the right side of Sophia. "What happened to you?"

Edward then held out his hand. Gently caressed Sophia's forehead and cheeks in turn.

"You have a very high temperature, Sophia. You have a high fever. I must call a doctor for you."

He had been worried about slowly opening his eyes with the condition that he looked weak, still trying to smile while answering slowly.

"I'm fine, Edward. There's no need to worry about me."

"Ck!" Edward, that second also chuckled. He was annoyed as well as exasperated with Sophia's answer.

"Why are all women the same, huh? Whenever asked something important, they always say I'm fine, you annoying!" Edward said, licking his lips.

Sophia, who was sick, burst out laughing. At times like this, the man in front of him even nagged like a stepmother.

"I'm fine. I'm sure the heat will subside by tomorrow."

"Not!" Edward immediately shook his head repeatedly. It's tough to persuade this one woman. "I'm going to call the doctor now. If you refuse, I'll take you home tonight to your parents' house."

"But, Ed---"

Edward didn't care. He reached for his cell phone from his trouser pocket. At the exact second, he raised one of his free hands in the air, signaling for Sophia to stop her protest. The man contacted one of the doctors shortly after, asking him to come to the apartment immediately.

It was enough to wait for about 10 minutes. Doctor Julia, whom he had previously contacted, finally arrived at Edward's apartment. Without much ado, he immediately brought the beautiful doctor to Sophia's room.

"Excuse me, let me check first," said Doctor Julia, taking the stethoscope out of her bag.

After checking the condition, Julia's doctor also checked Sophia's blood pressure and body temperature. After getting the results, he concluded and slowly wrote down a prescription for medicine to be redeemed immediately by Edward.

"According to the thermometer, Mrs. Sophia's heat is almost 40 degrees. Even for an adult, this is still quite high. Even her blood pressure is not normal at this time."

"What's with the blood pressure, Doc?" Edward asked curiously. The look of worry was visible on the man's handsome face.

"Her blood pressure is shallow, Mr. Edward. Has Mrs. Sophia not gotten enough rest these past few nights?"

Edward gasped even more. He was afraid that Sophia's condition was getting worse and worse. Of course, he didn't want anything worse to happen to the woman he loved.

"Then what should I do, Doc? Should I take him to the hospital right now?" Doctor Julia smiled faintly. After a while, the woman shook her head. He was trying to calm Edward, who looked so flustered.

"No. For now, you don't need to take her to the doctor. I will prescribe some medicine to drink. Please redeem it at the nearest drugstore. Drink it before going to bed. And tonight, while checking his temperature. If it takes up to three days if the fever doesn't go away, I suggest taking him to the hospital immediately."

Edward nodded in understanding. He was remembering and imprinting in his brain what Julia's doctor had just ordered.

"Remember, Mr. Edward, once every four hours, you must diligently check Mrs. Sophia's temperature. If it rises, immediately take the fever-reducing medication I have prescribed."

"Okay, Doctor," Edward said, nodding.

After he finished checking Sophia's condition and wrote down the redemption prescription, Doctor Julia seemed to get up and walked towards the exit. Before actually leaving, she took the time to say goodbye.

"I wish your wife a speedy recovery and she can return to her normal activities."

"Wife?" repeated Edward looking surprised. He was surprised to hear that one word. But there is undeniable a flowery feeling when he hears that Julia's doctor thinks Sophia is his wife.

"Yes," said Doctor Julia, nodding. "Mrs. Sophia is your wife, isn't she?"

Smiling, Edward shook his head. "No, Sophia is not my wife. Ah, I just didn't mean it. Soon her status will change to become my wife."

Doctor Julia smiled again. "Ah, I see. But to be honest, from my point of view your faces do look so similar and compatible. That's why I thought Mrs Sophia was indeed your wife."

"Is that true?" Edward asked back with a flushed face from being so flattered.

"Of course. The two of you do look good together. For that I wish you good luck until death do you part."

After Julia's doctor go away, Edward asked the maid in his apartment to immediately redeem the medicine. While waiting, he chose to clean himself for a moment, then returned to Sophia's room while bringing the woman a portable tray containing the dinner menu.

"Sophia, you need to eat first. Then take the medicine the doctor has prescribed for you."

Sophia nodded. With the help of Edward, the woman slowly straightened up and leaned against the headboard of the mattress. When he was about to reach for the spoon lying on the portable tray, Edward quickly grabbed it and took over.

"Let me help feed you food."

"I can do it myself, Ed."

Edward shook his head disapprovingly. "Come on, just enjoy your fate. If you bribe your own food, I'm sure you won't finish it. Women are usually like that, aren't they?"

In a flaccid state, Sophia could be heard snorting a little. Her heart thumped, realizing how talkative and caring Edward was. For God's sake, if she hadn't made the wrong choice in the past, she might be living happily with that man now.

"Sophia," Edward rebuked when he found the woman in front of him was lost in thought. "Let's eat quickly. You'll catch a cold. After this, you must take the medicine that the doctor has prescribed for you."

Sophia nodded resignedly. Just accept all the orders that Edward gave her. What else can we do? If she wanted to stay in the man's house long, she had to do what Edward said. Just like what the man had said earlier, having finished feeding all the food until there was nothing left, he now had to ensure Sophia took a sip of some of the medicine her maid had redeemed.

"Since you've done everything, it's time for bed, Sophia. Get some rest. I hope your fever has subsided by tomorrow."

Sophia nodded. Slowly lay back down her body. She pulled the blanket up to her neck, then tried to close her eyes until he finally fell asleep.

While Edward chose to continue to survive in Sophia's room. He had taken some work files from his room, and now he seems to be sitting relaxed on the chair next to the bed while reading the report.

Now and then, Edward reached out to caress Sophia's forehead to check her temperature. Make sure carefully whether it is still high or has gradually decreased.

"Sleep well, Sophia," Edward whispered as he kept stroking Sophia's hair and cheeks alternately. "I hope all the sadness you are feeling right now will fade away. Sooner or later, I will snatch you from Tristan. I promise when you are with me, you will live happily."

Just as Edward was about to pull his hand away, Sophia suddenly opened her eyes and accidentally grabbed Edward's wrist. Hold on tight. Not in the slightest let the man go anywhere.

"Don't leave me," she whispered, shaking her head.

"I'll be right here, Sophia. I'll never leave you again."

Braving himself, Edward then put his face forward. He kissed Sophia's forehead briefly, then whispered again.

"Have sweet dreams tonight. Don't be afraid, I'm always by your side."

***

Edward hurriedly walked towards the door of his apartment unit when he heard the bell ringing. Opening the door, he found Alfonso already standing there. Previously, Edward had deliberately contacted the man.

He thought it would not be good to hide the news of Sophia's illness from her parents. That's why, when he woke up this morning, Edward immediately called, giving information about the current conditions that befell Sophia.

"Edward, where's Sophia? Can Uncle see her right now?" asked Alfonso impatiently as Edward opened the door for him.

"Of course, Uncle," Edward replied, nodding. Hastily led, Alfonso immediately walked to the room where Sophia was resting. Once they arrived, the two could see how Sophia was still lying down watching television.

"Sophia ..."

The woman immediately turned her head. Seeing his father's presence, she was surprised for a few seconds. But soon, she immediately straightened up. Spreading both hands, a sign asking Alfonso to hug him.

"Oh my God, what happened, honey?" asked Alfonso, hugging the princess tightly. "Nothing's happened, Papa. I just have a common cold. Edward must have told me all sorts of things to get Papa here."

Sophia then glanced at Edward. She looked annoyed because the man had leaked the secret about her whereabouts to her father.

"Edward hasn't even said anything yet," said Alfonso, stretching his arms. "Why are you suddenly here? Even if it hurts like this, we better go home, okay?" bargained the man immediately. How could he see her beautiful daughter be sick like now?

However, Sophia shook her head instead of agreeing to her father's request. She turned down the offer made to her.

"It's a long story. When I get better, I'll tell Papa everything. For now, let me stay at Edward's place until I'm completely healed and comfortable."

Seeing Sophia's pleading look, Alfonso couldn't help but refuse his daughter's request. He nodded, then hugged her tightly again.

"You have a lot to thank Edward for taking the trouble of taking care of you who are sick like this. If you need anything, ask Papa immediately. Don't burden the nice man with your requests that sometimes sound ridiculous," joked Alfonso, pointing at Edward.

"Dad take it easy. Edward is a nice guy. He won't be the least bit angry, let alone complain about taking care of me here." Sophia then glanced back at Edward with a smile. "Isn't that right, Mr Edward?"

Edward nodded, then smiled back. "Don't worry, Uncle. I've never been bothered. I'll take care of Sophia until she's much better."

Alfonso heaved a sigh of relief. Judging from his face, he was very sure that Edward was so sincere in helping his daughter.

"That's it. Now you continue your rest. Don't forget to eat and take medicine. Now, let Papa go to work first. Later this afternoon or later tonight, Papa will come back with Mama."

Sophia agreed to her father's orders. Before letting the man go, she again threw herself into a tight hug. After feeling satisfied, then she let Alfonso leave her room.

"Edward, what really happened. Why is Sophia in your apartment?" inquired Alfonso curiously when they were out of the room.

Before answering, Edward first invited Alfonso to sit on the sofa in the living room. Making sure his guests are comfortable, then he responds.

"As Sophia mentioned inside, Uncle. It's quite a long story. I was even surprised when Sophia suddenly called me that night."

"A moment." Alfonso seemed to interrupt. "So how long has Sophia lived with you?"

Edward rolled his eyes. Counts for a moment, then reply.

"With today, the total becomes four days."

Alfonso immediately gasped. That means that he didn't know what was happening to the princess all that time.

"Please explain to me just the gist of it why Sophia suddenly came out of her husband's house?"

Edward took a deep breath. He was slowly trying to explain. Even though he knew it was not in his capacity to tell, hiding the facts from Uncle Alfonso was also not the right choice.

"So, Sophia told me that since the first day she married Tristan, she was always being tortured physically, verbally, and mentally. Finally, before running away from home, she witnessed Tristan making out with another woman. Because she couldn't take it anymore, Sophia finally decided to leave. out without Tristan's knowledge."

"Bastard!"

In that instant, Edward could hear how Alfonso shouted angrily. The man's white face immediately turned red because he was immediately ignited by emotion. This happened to Edward when he heard Sophia tell the story for the first time.

"So all this time Tristan tortured Sophia?"

Edward awkwardly nodded.

"I'm sorry my friend, Uncle. I know this is not a commendable act. I can't even understand why Tristan turned out like this."

Alfonso clenched his jaw. He was angry with what Tristan had done to his daughter.

"Why are you apologizing, Edward? It's not your fault. Uncle is even grateful that Sophia can be here with you. There must be a reason why she chose your place to take refuge from her husband."

Edward agreed with Alfonso's words. He was sure that Sophia would feel comfortable to the point that she chose to take refuge and live in her apartment.

"But Uncle don't worry. I beat Tristan a few days ago. That guy wouldn't even dare to meet, let alone pick up Sophia here."

Alfonso breathed a sigh of relief. At least for now, he felt his daughter was with the right person.

"Then let her stay here, Ed. You don't mind, do you? When she gets better, Uncle will persuade her to come home soon."

"Of course," Edward answered confidently. "I don't mind in the least looking after, tending, and keeping an eye on Sophia. If anything happens, I'll call Uncle right away."

Meanwhile, in a different place, Raphael seems to be sitting on the sofa waiting for Tristan to arrive, who has been attending a meeting. Today, he is determined to take the man seriously.

Even though he believes Tristan won't listen to what he has to say, Raphael doesn't. He will keep trying until what he wants to say is immediately conveyed.

"Finally you are done too," said Raphael when he found Tristan, who had entered his workspace.

"What do you want Uncle to my room?" His work immediately cast a probing gaze at the man standing before him.

"We have something to talk about, Tristan. And Uncle think this is very important for you to know."

Tristan raised an eyebrow. The man responded with a cold tone to what he was talking about.

"Oh, yes? But I don't seem the least bit interested in Uncle's ramblings. I am busy. So Uncle'd better get out of my room right away."

"But, Tristan. You really should listen to all of this. You should know so you don't misunderstand ---"

"Misunderstood in what?"

From the direction of the entrance, another figure interrupted Raphael's sentence. Both turned their heads. Both of them saw Alfonso's presence there. Both here.

"That means I don't have to go to the trouble of gathering you guys."

Raphael who was still standing still in his position immediately chuckled. Putting on a wary attitude as Alfonso got closer and closer to his position.

"You'd better not interfere, Alfonso. After all, your presence is not expected here."

Alfonso laughed amused. Ignoring Raphael, he now turned to Tristan.

"My purpose in coming here is to meet Tristan. I want to make calculations with you, young man. You've made a big mistake playing with my daughter."

Tristan smirked. Leaning his shoulders back on the chair, the man looked so relaxed as if innocent. Not the least bit concerned with Alfonso's words that sounded like threats.

"Doesn't Sophia deserve that? Besides, the pain he's feeling is nothing compared to what I used to feel."

"Oh, come on, Tristan," Alfonso said. "Your revenge was misguided. I've said many times I'm not Andrew's killer. Why don't you suspect Raphael? Didn't he already clearly betrayed by having a relationship with Gracia?"

"Stop it, Alfonso!" As he stood, Raphael immediately shouted. Asking Alfonso to finish his sentence. "Don't mess with me."

"You think I'm scared?" replied Alfonso. nonchalantly. Then the man turned his head back to Tristan. "Don't you know that Raphael keeps many secrets from you?"

"Unfortunately I don't care anymore," Tristan replied, no less indifferent.

"Are you sure?" This time Alfonso threw a look that was difficult to interpret. Smirking sharply, the man continued his sentence.

"Don't you want to hear the fact that Raphael Gamaliel Smith is your real father?"

"Alfonso, stop it!" Raphael shouted. The man even came forward to grab the collar of Alfonso's coat.

At the same time, Tristan seemed silent in his seat. He was trying to digest what his senses of hearing had just captured.