Camuflage

Early in the morning, Tristan seemed to be walking in a hurry when he entered St. Hospital. Thomas' Hospital is located on Westminster Bridge Rd, London. After receiving news that Edward's father had been transferred to the treatment room, he immediately rushed off to visit.

All night Tristan even had trouble sleeping just thinking about the condition of his best friend's father. Not too much. However, Tristan didn't want anything wrong to happen to Alexander Edgar Oliviera. He did not wish Edward to feel the same fate as he had felt before. It was enough that he had to lose a father figure due to a tragic accident.

"Edward ..." scolded Tristan as he stood right in front of the VIP room door. Since this morning, his best friend's father has moved to the VIP treatment room.

"Come in," Edward said, waving his hand. There were already Jacob, Nicholas, and even Sophia in the room. They had all come first to visit.

"How is Uncle Alex doing?" whispered Tristan carefully. He was afraid that his voice would disturb Edward's father, who was resting.

"Come on, let's talk on the couch." Edward then led Tristan to move places. Please sit down. Join other friends who have been there for a long time.

"So how? What happened?" Tristan repeated his question once again. The worried look hasn't left the man's handsome face yet.

"Last night, Papa's car was accidentally grazed by one of the car users while crossing the Covent Garden area. The driver said the incident happened so fast. All of a sudden, the car they were traveling in swerved and hit the road divider."

"Oh, my God." Tristan immediately exclaimed while shaking his head. It was horrifying to imagine what had happened. "But your Papa is all right, right?"

Edward immediately nodded. Grateful when he arrived at the Hospital last night, the doctor informed him that his father's condition was not that serious. Even still conscious when receiving treatment from the medical team.

"Papa is fine. Only a few abrasions and a small tear on the temple from the broken window glass."

Tristan's brow furrowed as he heard Edward's explanation. Suffering from a torn wound is certainly not a small matter. Just as he was about to open his mouth because he wanted to protest, Edward, who was aware of this, hurriedly spoke again. "Calm down, Tristan. You don't need to worry. Papa has been handled well. The team of doctors has also stitched up the injured part of the temple. In fact, the person who grazed him last night has apologized and is responsible for his actions."

Tristan seemed to be breathing a sigh of relief. Although the anxiety didn't completely disappear, hearing Edward's explanation could calm his heart a little. To ascertain Alexander's condition for himself, he was willing to wait for the man to wake up before deciding to go home.

"Uncle is fine, Tristan," Alexander said quietly as soon as he woke up. "You don't have to worry."

Beside him, there was Tristan, who was faithfully waiting while tightly gripping the man's wrist. A warm feeling immediately rose in Tristan's heart when Alexander ensured his condition was not as bad as he had imagined.

For Tristan, Alexander has a special place in his heart. He knew the Oliviera family, Alex, who helped strengthen Tristan's heart to become a strong person. Caring also loved her like Edward. So, there's nothing wrong with Tristan repaying that act by giving more attention like a father. And the attention he had been giving did not escape Sophia's attention in the slightest.

"Thank goodness Uncle is in good shape. I'm just worried that something bad will happen," Tristan muttered. His gaze did not move from Alexander's figure in the slightest. "Just so you know ..." Edward interrupted. "I feel like a mixed child. Or maybe I'm a stepdaughter in the Oliviera family? The chemistry between the two of you is like a real father and son," he said, narrowing his eyes.

"If I look closely, the one who is more appropriate to be uncle Alex's son and has royal blood is Tristan, not you Edward Oliviera," joked Nicholas, who sat right next to Jacob and Sophia. Glad he made fun of his friend.

"Damn it!" Edward cursed, making everyone burst out laughing. After talking, all of Edward's friends, including Sophia, decided to go home, not wanting to disturb Alexander's break.

Tristan seemed to hug Alexander first before leaving the room.

"Uncle, I'll go first. I pray for Uncle's condition to get better. Tomorrow, I will come again to visit," said Tristan after breaking his embrace.

"Thank you, Tristan, Nicholas, Jacob, and Sophia. Uncle appreciates the extraordinary attention you give. Edward is very lucky to be surrounded by good friends like all of you," said Alexander sincerely.

It's great to find that his son has a loyal friend who is always there in every good and bad moment. Edward then escorted his friends out of the treatment room. Seconds later, he approached Tristan, then gently patted the man's shoulder.

"Tristan, can I ask you another favor?"

Tristan turned. The man then nodded. "Sure. What do you want help with?"

"Please take Sophia back to her apartment. I'm just worried that she'll come home alone."

Hearing her name being called, Sophia immediately looked up. The woman hastily interrupted. "No need, Ed. I can come alone and of course, I can go home myself." Edward shook his head.

"No, Sophia. A beautiful woman like you shouldn't be traveling alone. It's very dangerous. Not to mention that recently there have been a lot of crimes where the victims are women. It would be better if Tristan took you home."

"But---"

"It's Okay, Sophia," Tristan interrupted before she could finish her sentence. "I'd be happy to take you home."

Tristan's gaze then returned to focus on Edward. He stepped closer and hugged his best friend as he said goodbye. "I'm going home first. If there's anything, just call me right away."

"Thank you for visiting. I'll leave Sophia," Edward whispered and then broke the hug.

Tristan then immediately led Sophia to the place where her car was parked. Along the way, the two were indeed involved in the conversation. Sophia, who was already in the room, wanted to ask directly what she was hiding in her heart.

"When I look at you, you care about Edward and his family. You even look like siblings. Have you really been that close all this time?" Sophia asked curiously. While continuing to focus on driving his car, Tristan glanced briefly.

The man smiled, then responded. "Since the first time we met, Uncle Alex and his wife have loved me who is an orphan like their own child. That's why I was worried when I found out that he had an accident. Same with Edward. If something happens to him, I will also be worried."

Sophia's throat tightened. It wasn't long before he cursed himself. The question just now seemed to open an old wound in Tristan. He even just found out that the man next to him was an orphan.

"Tristan, pardon my presumptuous question. I didn't mean--"

"It's okay, Sophia," the man interrupted. "No need to feel guilty. Just relax."

Sophia nodded in relief. But still, there was a feeling of hopelessness, afraid that Tristan would be offended by the earlier question. To break the awkward atmosphere, she tried to find another topic to discuss together.

"After dropping me off, what are you going to do on a Sunday like this?" Sophia asked carefully. She just wanted to know what a CEO of a big company does when they are off work.

"Not much. Usually filled with relaxation. Gathering with friends. Spending time with family. Or even keep doing pending office work," explained Tristan. "But for today, after dropping you off, I'll go straight to the beach to do some diving or surfing. Followed by a barbeque party at home with my immediate family."

"What did you just say?" Sophia was taken aback. It was unusual to hear what Tristan had just explained.

"Which one?" asked Tristan, turning his head. "Barbeque party at home?"

Sophia immediately shook her head. "That's not it. But about diving and surfing. Do you like marine sports too?" she asked curiously.

"Yeah. I've really liked diving and surfing since I was in college. It's just because now there's not much free time for those hobbies to be neglected."

"You know what? I love diving," Sophia said.

"What about surfing? I also really like this sport. Instead of diving, I do this sport more often. Because it's more adrenaline-challenging."

Sophia nodded. Her face lit up with joy. The expression full of enthusiasm was printed on her beautiful face. She was amazed and happy to find people who had the same hobby. "Just so you know, I'm so crazy about everything related to the sea. I never even thought that we had the same hobby. In terms of sport, this is quite challenging."

Tristan also nodded while continuing to focus on driving his car. "Yeah, maybe we're a match," he said innocently. It made Sophia, who was still laughing, suddenly pause for a moment.

It took him a long time to digest the sentence. But after realizing Tristan, who turned and threw a questioning look, Sophia hastily spoke again. "If you don't mind, I'd like to come with you today." Because of this request, Tristan finally turned the wheel. Turn from the street to the apartment, and change direction to the beach to play surfing.

However, before going far, he once again confirmed the woman's decision next to him. "Are you sure you want to come with me?" Tristan once again confirmed Sophia's decision. At the very least, if she changed her mind, he would immediately take her back to the apartment.

"Jesus, you doubt my decision?" Sophia turned her head and looked at Tristan's blue bead intently. "Fine if you're so sure about going. Then we're going to the beach right now."

***

Sophia kept telling stories all the way home. He kept on discussing his first experience of diving and surfing with Tristan. "I'm really happy and enjoying our trip today."

Tristan smiled faintly. The man then replied. "If you want, we can schedule this sport every week or month."

"Certain." Sophia turned to look directly at Tristan's face. The woman immediately nodded. "I agree that we go diving and surfing once a week or two together. I'm very happy to have a sports partner like you."

"I like you too, Sophia. Really like you," Tristan muttered with a bland smile. The look on his face was hard to tell. Which even made Sophia dizzy.

"What did you just say?" Tristan glanced, then shook his head. "Nothing. I'm just saying that I'm also happy to have a sports partner like you."

Sophia nodded. Believe what Tristan just said. "Do you want me to take you directly to the apartment? Or do you want to stop by my house first?"

"Your house?" Sophia asked in disbelief. It is nothing. He is fairly new to the figure of Tristan. Then now, being invited to stop at his house made Sophia a little awkward.

"Yes, to my house. Right now, there must be a barbecue party. Who knows you'll want to join," Tristan offered once again.

"No need, Tristan. I don't like it when I suddenly stop by your house. Surely later, your family will ask a lot of questions of you or me," Sophia politely refused.

"Don't worry. My family is very nice. They won't interrogate you with all kinds of questions either." Sophia was silent for a moment. She was considering whether to accept Tristan's invitation this time to stop by. "You'll be fine, Sophia. I just stopped by to get to know my family. Who knows if you'll fit in? We can get married the day after tomorrow," joked Tristan carefree.

These words almost made Sophia's heart drop instantly. "Marry?"

Seeing the confused look on Sophia's face, laughter immediately escaped from Tristan's lips. "I'm just kidding."

"Oh my, Tristan!" Sophia squeaked as she pinched the arm of the man next to her. "You're giving me a heart attack."

"But, if you take it seriously, I'm fine too."

Once again, Tristan made Sophia's heart beat wildly. She was sure, and her face must have turned red from the shame of being teased constantly like this. "Arsene!"

"Yes, yes." The man laughed. "So how about it? Want to stop by my house for a bit?" "Okay, if you insist. But I can't stay too long."

Tristan nodded in understanding. The man then increased the speed of his car to get to his residence as soon as possible. Entering the housing complex in Kensington, London, Sophia could guess that Tristan was indeed a man from a very wealthy class.

Only prominent businessmen can afford a house in an elite area like this. And when the man's car entered the courtyard of one of the houses, Sophia hastily grabbed her shopper bag, which was in the back seat. Rechecked the makeup and smoothed a little hairdo.

"We have arrived." Tristan got out of the car first. Walk around, then help open the door for Sophia.

"Thank you very much."

"My pleasure."

Tristan then led Sophia to enter the house into the back garden immediately. Over there, there was Raphael with his two friends and Aurora, who was also with one of his best friends.

"Tristan, you're home?" Raphael scolded when his eyes caught the blue-eyed man's presence. "Yes, Uncle. Just arrived."

"You don't want to introduce us to the beautiful woman you're bringing with you?"

Tristan nodded. He motioned for Sophia to step forward, approaching the position where his family was gathered. "Introducing, Uncle, this beautiful woman named Sophia,"

Raphael smiled. The man kindly reached out his hand, inviting Sophia to shake hands. "Nice to meet you, Sophia. I'm Raphael Gamaliel Smith. I'm both an uncle and a parent to take care of Tristan."

Sophia nodded. Politely welcome Raphael's hand. "Sophia Walters Walters. Nice to meet Uncle."

"Walters? Are you Alfonso Craigh Walters's daughter?" guessed Raphael. "Yes." Sophia nodded. Correcting Raphael's guess. "Uncle know my Papa?" Now it was Raphael's turn to shake with a faint smile. "Of course, I know. Who doesn't know a successful businessman like Alfonso," he said. "Then please enjoy the food that is already on the table, Sophia. Make yourself at home," the man continued kindly.

Getting good treatment from the Tristan family made Sophia breathe a sigh of relief. She had imagined the no-no before. After getting acquainted with Raphael, Tristan also invites Sophia to familiarize themselves with Aurora. It's the same with Raphael, the woman with long hair is also friendly to Sophia.

"Nice to meet you, Sophia. I hope we can be good friends."

Satisfied with getting acquainted with all his family members, Tristan invited Sophia to tour the house. Shows the woman where are the best spots that Tristan often goes to spend time, relax and contemplate.

"Your house is very comfortable. Plus your harmonious family must be very pleasant living here." Tristan nodded in agreement.

"Of course it's fun. Especially if I can bring you into this house. Then lock and torture you to my heart's content," Tristan muttered. But instead of saying that, he said the opposite. "I also feel grateful, even though I don't have parents, at least I can still feel immeasurable happiness." "In that case, thank God." Sophia then glanced at the clock on her wrist; it was already seven in the evening. He had said before that he couldn't stay at the man's house for long. "It's late. Can I go home now?"

"I'll take you."

After saying goodbye, the two immediately left Tristan's residence. Raphael seemed to continue to watch the two until their shadows disappeared from view. Reaching a cell phone from his trouser pocket, Raphael called someone. When the call was picked up, he spoke hastily.

"Keep an eye on Tristan. He just came out of the house. I don't want you to be careless in the slightest. Tell me all the moves he makes out there," he orders.