Chapter 49: Chapter 49

Nicholas : Don't forget to come tonight, we will play billiards as usual.

Tristan reads the message that Nicholas sent again and then sighs softly. It seemed, this time, he was too lazy to join the hangout as usual. There were many reasons that Tristan was reluctant to attend.

First, until this moment, he is still confused about whether or not Sophia has filed for divorce. Second, he is focused on trying to make peace with his own heart so that he can sincerely accept Raphael as his biological father. Lastly, of course, Aurora. Tristan couldn't forget his promise to her.

Squeezing in so many problems made him want to go crazy. Playing billiards or hanging out with friends is not the right choice now. Trying to ignore the message Nicholas sent, not even 15 minutes had passed, and the message's sender made a call. Like it or not, he had to pick it up right then and there.

"Tristan," called the man on the other end.

"Yeah, what's up, Nick?"

"It's too bad you didn't reply right away. Don't tell me you won't be coming tonight. You remember, don't you? It's my birthday tonight. Besides, we haven't been together as usual in a long time."

Tristan scratched his non-itchy temple. I want to refuse, but I wouldn't say I like it when I'm held up like this.

"Not that I don't want to reply, Nick. I'm in a meeting with a client. As for tonight, I'll try to come."

There was laughter on the other side. "So, you're so busy that you don't have time to reply to my messages?" Nicholas inquired.

"You could say it like that ----"

Before Tristan could finish his sentence, from the direction of the door, two men he knew entered. One of them is even now on a phone call with him.

"Tristan Quartararo, he's busy," quipped the man who was none other than Nicholas. He came directly to Tristan's room with Jacob, who was also enjoying a break from work.

"Looks like this kid was avoiding you on purpose, Nick," Jacob mocked as the man pulled up a chair and took a seat directly across from Tristan.

"It's not like that," said Tristan. "I do have a lot of work today."

Nicholas chuckled. He, who also took a seat next to Jacob, immediately folded his arms in front of his chest and gave him a suspicious look.

"Don't try to lie, Young Master Quartararo. It's Edward who often lies. You're not catching your friend's behavior, are you?"

Nicholas' gaze did not turn away from the man in front of him. Looking closely at Tristan, he believed there was a pile of problems that the man was hiding. It was evident from the sad look in his eyes that he wasn't even passionate about replying to the jokes he and Jacob made. Very different as usual.

"Or are you in big trouble?" asked Nicholas then. "Mario at the front told us that your schedule for today was finished. That means you're free until the evening."

Tristan stammered. His eyes widened slightly with embarrassment. He was like someone who had just been caught lying openly. No matter how hidden it was, it seemed that Nicholas and Jacob no longer believed the reasons he was going to put forward. So, it's better to confess, right?

"My mind has been in a mess these past few days," he said with a downcast face.

Jacob raised his eyebrows. Look at Tristan with a questioning look.

"What's the problem that made you mess up like now? Even if there is a problem that you can't solve. Just tell both of us. Who knows it can help you."

Tristan nodded. Felt flattered by the offer that Jacob gave. His friend was right. What Mario said the other day was also true. It seems that this kind of problem cannot be kept alone. "There are many problems that are entangling me. But I can't tell you all right now."

"Just the point, Mr. Quartararo," Nicholas said. "Tell us what you think we deserve. Whatever it is, the important thing is that you lighten your load a little."

For a moment, silence fell. The atmosphere was so awkward that Jacob cleared his throat to break the uncomfortable atmosphere.

"If you can't tell, then you'll forget it. We'll talk about something else."

"It is not like that." Tristan answered quickly. "It's about me possibly getting a divorce from Sophia soon."

Jacob and Nicholas were immediately taken aback when they heard what Tristan had just said. They didn't even know what was going on with their best friend.

"You haven't even been married six months. And now, have you decided you want a divorce?" Nicholas shook his head in disbelief.

"Yeah, but that's the truth. There have been a lot of bad things I've done to Sophia. And it felt like this household couldn't be saved anymore. Besides, Sophia's close to Edward at the moment."

"Jesus." This time Nicholas was exclaiming. "Okay, Fine. Jacob and I know about you who used to snatch the woman Edward was after. We were also surprised because you suddenly became close and ended up marrying Sophia. And now? After getting married, why did Sophia get back with Edward? What's the real problem here that we don't know about?"

"It's a long story, Nick," Tristan replied weakly.

"To what length? I have plenty of time to hear it. Don't worry, the leader of BlackHorse is even here, sitting quietly next to me. So, I don't need to be afraid of being fired by him."

The man then turned to Jacob as he gave a code. Tristan grabbed the glass of water in front of him first. He gulped half to wet his dry throat. Then after a while, he came back.

"I'm sorry I never told you this. But the point is, I used to approach and even marry Sophia for some reason."

"Huh? A certain goal? What do you mean?" Jacob immediately put on a confused expression.

"The point is, I didn't really love her back then. I approached Sophia because I had a plan to take revenge on Unlce Alfonso who turned out to be the mastermind behind my Papa's death in the past."

Jacob and Nicholas both gasped in surprise. Neither of them knew anything about this one. As long as they are friends, Tristan is not a person who likes to tell his personal life. He has always been a man who is secretive and keeps his privacy very private.

Hearing that his father died because he was killed even by his in-laws, of course, made both of them immediately shocked.

"I can see how hard it must be to live with a woman who is clearly the daughter of your Papa's killer," Jacob guessed.

Tristan nodded. "You know, I'm not the type of person who likes to hurt other people, Ken. However, Sophia... since officially becoming my wife, I've hurt her a lot and even intentionally tortured her with the excuse of getting revenge, recently nearly died and had to miscarry while protecting me from his father's gunfire."

"For God's sake, Tristan! Why are you being such a savage?" Nicholas was made emotional by his best friend's confession. "If Edward hears, he's going to beat you up."

Tristan laughed blandly at what Nicholas had just said.

"You're late, Nicholas Alistair. Edward already knows this. He even beat me to a pulp at that time. A few days ago, that guy almost killed me while in the hospital. Just so you know, my and Sophia's divorce was even handled by the Edward family's lawyers. It's okay, Edward seems to be planning to marry Sophia."

Laughter escaped Jacob's lips. Instead of pity, the man even openly mocked his best friend. "You do deserve that. If I were Edward, I'd probably do the same," Jacob said.

At the same time, Nicholas rubbed his chin as if thinking about something. Before long, the man spoke again.

"I think I can guess what's bothering you right now. You don't want to be divorced by Sophia, do you?"

"It's possible, and now you're in love with your wife."

Tristan chuckled. Why is Nicholas like Mario jumping to conclusions. "No way. I'm sure it's not about love." Tristan continued to dodge. He was sure that his current feelings were nothing more than extreme guilt. Not because he liked or fell in love. "I'm just sorry for everything I've done so far."

"What do you want to do, Mr Quartararo? You want to improve your relationship? Keeping the marriage? Or what? Please explain your purpose!" Nicholas shouted. His expression showed he was annoyed with his friend's behavior, which was quite a prestige to admit. "If you hold on like now without clarity, it's the same as torturing him. Why not just let Sophia be free to live with a man who truly loves her."

"But, Nick ----"

"Oh, come on, Tristan. You can't even make it clear why you're holding him," Nicholas cut in. He didn't give Tristan a chance to continue. "If you really love her, it's okay to keep it. But if it's just for reasons of feeling guilty, it's best to do what I said before. After all, it was your own wife who asked for a divorce, right? Don't be a selfish man."

Tristan was at a loss for words. His hopes were gone now. His other best friends didn't even give him the slightest bit of support to maintain this marriage.

***

Tristan parked the sports car he was driving in one of the VIP parking lots. Who is in front of the Cafe? After being terrorized once again by Nicholas, he couldn't help but come tonight. As soon as he entered the Cafe, Jacob was already there with his girlfriend, Tita. Tristan himself wasn't even alone tonight. he took it, so he had an excuse not to come home too late.

"There must be some purpose for you to suddenly invite me like this," Aurora guessed. The woman squinted suspiciously when Tristan forbade her to dinner with the excuse that she would take him out. Since marrying Sophia, never once had that man asked her to go out alone like now.

"Nicholas's birthday," Tristan replied as he adjusted the long sleeve t-shirt he was wearing. "I can't possibly go alone. What's more, they'll definitely invite me out for a drink. You know, I'm lazy to go out for a long time right now. That's why I brought you to have an excuse to come home early."

"Excuses! I'm lazy to be a runaway like this, Tristan. You go alone," she flatly refused.

"I mean it, Aurora. If not you, then who else can I ask for help?"

"Sophia," the woman joked casually. "Haven't you guys parted yet?"

"And you want me to go with him?" Aurora was silent. Of course, she doesn't want the man she loves to go with another woman even though their status is still husband and wife.

"Okay, Fine! This time you win. I'll change clothes right now. But you have to make an appointment with me first."

The woman stepped forward, approaching the position where Tristan was standing. Bringing his hand, help fold the collar of the burly man's clothes.

"Coming home from the Nicholas show, you have to accompany me to see one of the movies currently in theaters."

Tristan sighed lazily. Even though the intention was to bring Aurora along so she could go home quickly. But now, he was being held up with another request that seemed hard to refuse.

"All right... all right. It's up to you. Now change your clothes. I'll give you 30 minutes to get ready."

Luckily, after desperately persuading, Aurora agreed to come along. Tristan calmed down a bit because, apart from having reasons not to linger, he had a partner to sit with once he was at the Cafe.

"It's good that you finally came. If you dare not attend, maybe our friendship ends here, young master Quartararo."

Nicholas immediately requested when he saw the figure of Tristan, who seemed to be present, and stepped slowly towards the position where he was standing. Stretching his arms, signaling his best friend to hug. It was their habit every time they saw each other.

"Grumpy bastard!" squeaked Tristan. "If you decide not to consider me a friend, then who else will I make friends with? Edward doesn't even want to know me anymore, now."

Nicholas patted Tristan's shoulder and laughed. After breaking the hug, the man spoke again, responding to Tristan's words just now.

"But by the way, tonight your true best friend is coming. I wonder what will happen between you two after we meet."

Tristan sighed softly. He grabbed the billiard stick that Jacob had handed, then answered Nicholas' question.

"I'm too lazy to make a fuss, Nick. If later it makes other people uncomfortable, I'd better go home."

Right after saying that, the person we were talking about finally came. There was Sophia, who was also present to accompany Edward, which made Tristan gasp a little. The two of them unhesitatingly approached Nicholas. They even acted unison, as if they didn't see Tristan there.

"Happy birthday, Nicholas," Sophia said sincerely after kissing him on both cheeks. "I wish you all the best"

"Thank you, Sophia. Thank you so much for your prayers and your presence tonight."

After saying that, Nicholas' gaze immediately shifted to the man next to him. Give a hug. Then he accepted the gift that Edward had specially prepared for him, "Happy birthday, Alistair Junior. I pray that this year or next year you and Claire will get married soon. Don't be too busy with work and your own world. another person who turns out to be someone you know," Edward said.

From the sentence, he uttered tucked words that seemed to be sarcastic about someone. "No way," Nicholas said with a laugh. "Claire is not that kind of woman."

"Proof he's not here tonight," Edward replied purposely. "Could it be that she is busy with another man."

Nicholas immediately punched Edward's arm on purpose. Sad to hear his friend's words. "Claire's at a fashion show in Italy. So stop accusing my fiancé of being mean."

After the short conversation, Edward led Sophia to sit next to Tita. Meanwhile, he joined the others in playing billiards. They spent an hour playing while chatting. Once satisfied, the four men chose to sit down and then prepared to order dinner. From everyone, it was clear how Edward treated Sophia with care.

Tristan, sitting right in front of them, was getting hot because he couldn't help but have to see this unpleasant sight until the event was over.

"Tristan, what did you order?" asked Aurora interrupting the man's thoughts. Glancing at the waiter's menu book, he pointed to the tenderloin steak and vanilla milkshake as his friends."

Turning to the couple in front of him, they both seemed busy choosing. Edward looked the most enthusiastic than the others.

"I just ordered food for you, Sophia. I know what good food for you to eat."

Sophia nodded. Didn't refuse what Edward offered. She didn't even glance at Tristan. Even though her husband was sitting right across from her. Sophia didn't seem to notice the man's presence in the slightest.

"How is your health? Sorry when you got home Nicholas and I didn't have time to visit," said Jacob, starting the conversation. Deliberately breaking the awkward atmosphere at the time.

Sophia immediately gave a friendly smile. She focused her gaze on the oriental-looking man sitting right next to Nicholas.

"My condition is far away. better. Maybe, next week will start working as usual. I even miss walking on the catwalk like Tita," she said.

"Thank God for that. I'm so glad to hear this news," Jacob replied. "You must have recovered quickly as you are now thanks to the support from the people around you." Sophia nodded in agreement. Without hesitation, the woman grabbed Edward's wrist deliberately and held it tightly.

"You're absolutely right. Without the help and support that Mama and Edward gave, maybe until this moment I was still curled up in bed."

Edward smiled. He confidently lifted Sophia's wrist and kissed the back of her hand affectionately. "No need to thank Sophia. I do this sincerely. And of course without any intention or purpose."

Tristan, in his seat, looked embarrassed. Especially when the food arrived, he was even more irritated to see how Edward was trying to pay more attention by feeding Sophia the food served.

"Why do you eat so little, Sophia?" he scolded. Edward said to the woman in front of him, who didn't seem to be eating the food he fed him, "Is the food bad? If you don't like it, we'll just order another menu."

Sophia shook her head. Giving a smile, the woman replied.

"No need. This is enough. I really can't eat in a hurry."

While Nicholas, who saw Tristan had not touched his food earlier, immediately rebuked him. Confirming what was happening to his best friend.

"Tristan, are you not eating? Your order can be cold if you leave it alone."

Tristan just smiled. Seconds later, the man turned his head to Aurora first. Making sure the partner he brought had finished his meal, he stood up and walked leisurely around the table. Stopping right behind Sophia's chair. Without hesitation, he took off the black blazer and then put it on his wife's body while whispering.

"I told you, never wear sexy clothes, especially since you just recovered from illness, Sophia."

Seeing Edward, who was about to protest hastily, Tristan hurriedly raised his hand in the air, asking his best friend not to say anything.

"And you, who he said loved Sophia so much. You should know that the woman next to you prefers Asian food to European food," he said emphatically. Then he grabbed the dinner plate containing the tenderloin steak he had ordered earlier and placed it in front of Sophia. "Enjoy it. Let's just say that Edward ordered this food for you."

Seconds later, Tristan just walked away. Ignoring everyone who looked surprised at his slightly strange behavior tonight.