Chapter 50: Chapter 50

Tristan, Raphael, and Aurora looked severe while listening to Mario's presentation in front of Emaar Properties officials. Today is when they, as selected vendors, convey the work progress of the smart city project that has been running for the last few months.

Even though it was challenging to find a replacement for Beckley, who was blacklisted for their fraud, Emaar ultimately chose BlackHorse to be his replacement until the project was completed. That's why Jacob and Nicholas sat quietly in their chairs at today's meeting.

"Seeing that almost 50% of the work has been running, we as vendors are certainly more active in pursuing targets to comply with the approved master plan. For that, at this opportunity, Foxtail as the main worker wants to all discuss and discuss openly, which part is there?" which will be developed after this."

Mario as the representative of Foxtail Corporation was very confident in delivering his presentation. All meeting participants were even very enthusiastic to hear and at the same time pay attention to what the man explained.

Emaar is also amazed to see the performance of his partner who always gives ideas out of the box or different from the others. They had been in the meeting for almost two hours. Once finished, Tristan immediately decided to return to the room followed by Raphael behind him.

"So you're going to the owner's meeting next week in the United Arab Emirates yourself?" asked Raphael as the two of them sat on the sofa in the room.

Tristan seemed to unbutton the coat he was wearing. He took a sip of mineral water in front of him, then answered his father's question.

"I'll be the only one attending next week's meeting. After all, it's my job to be in charge of this big project."

Raphael nodded in understanding. After a while, the man spoke again.

"If you need a companion, I can accompany you. My schedule is also empty until next week. So, it's okay to come with you."

Tristan smiled. Then after that he shook his head. he thought. he can complete all the tasks and deadlines that Mario has sorted out for him to work on for some time to come.

"No need. I'm sure I can sort it out myself. Besides, Foxtail needs Papa here."

Raphael was immediately taken aback. He was sure his hearing was fine. Just now he heard clearly how Tristan for the first time called him 'Papa' as he had expected all this time.

"Don't be so surprised," Tristan scolded as if he could read the expression Raphael was showing him.

"I-I just couldn't believe what I just heard," said Raphael, annoyed. It was clear from the look on his face that he was shocked.

"Are you sure you call me ----"

"Papa?" Tristan cut. At the same time the man immediately nodded his head cheerfully. "I believe in what I say. Don't worry. This is real, not just a dream. When I think about it, it's good for me to learn to make peace with my heart and myself. It's no good for me to hold a grudge against Papa. can't bring the late Papa Andrew and Mama back to life, can you?"

Raphael couldn't hold back his emotion. Without awkwardness the man approached and for the first time embraced Tristan's body with his new status as a recognized father.

He did not deny his feelings were so happy when his son wanted to make peace and then accepted his presence as a biological father. Of course this is a big achievement for him.

"Thank you, Tristan. Thank you for accepting me. No matter what, I will never get tired of apologizing to you. Sorry for not being able to fight for you and your Mama. I feel---"

"Shhhhhhh." Tristan immediately hissed softly as he unraveled his father's embrace. "There's no need to continue. Everything has happened. It's good that the two of us no longer need to discuss the past or previous bitter events. Most importantly, now is the time for us to return to being a solid team to realize the goals that have not been achieved," Tristan said so wisely.

Even though in his heart he was no less mellow because after a long inner battle and even had enemies, in the end he was able to re-establish a good relationship with his father. Yes, the real father.

"Of course." Raphael nodded. "For the rest of my life, I will dedicate myself to helping you and Foxtail. I will do whatever it takes to make us even more successful in the future."

The two of them were silent for a moment as if they had run out of things to talk about. Tristan cleared his throat and then immediately asked questions to lighten the mood.

"For Aurora, how about it? Has he known all along that he is not Papa's child?"

Raphael leaned his shoulder on the sofa. The man responded to Tristan's question in a more relaxed sitting position.

"Aurora already knew that she was not Papa's biological child. Since the age of 10, Papa has been slowly giving explanations. Introducing one by one the figures of his parents even though they are no longer in this world."

"Aurora isn't the least bit angry with him, Papa? Feeling cheated or something?"

Tristan's words containing the question again caught Raphael's attention. He tried to remember if Aurora had ever been angry or disappointed after what she had done so far. "Dad, Aurora is a very understanding woman, Tristan. When he was 15 years old, Papa again explained his biological parents who had died the first time he was born. At first, he was sad, but over time he understood and finally accepted what God had destined for him. Honestly, Papa is quite proud because he has succeeded in educating him so that he can become the woman who is so independent as now."

Tristan agreed with Raphael's words. From the start, he knew Aurora, and the woman looked more mature than her age. Which Tristan sometimes ordered. When he remembered this one, he immediately felt guilty for the woman.

"Then about your promise to marry Aurora, are you going to keep it?" towards the father. "I promised Aurora, Pa. I can't deny it. After all, Sophia and I will be getting a divorce soon."

"Divorce?" Raphael's brow furrowed deeply. He didn't know anything about this news.

Tristan chuckled. I don't know what made him suddenly amused after hearing what his father just said.

"I didn't divorce Sophia, Pa. But Sophia sued me. She can't stand living with me for long. After all, because he saved my life yesterday, he also lost the baby in his stomach."

Not to mention that Raphael's shock about the divorce was gone. This time he was even more shocked. Raphael missed a lot of news about Sophia, who had to miscarry because she helped Tristan.

"So you lost ----"

"Yes, Pa." Tristan nodded immediately. Confirming Raphael's guess, which he hadn't finished saying. "Sophia miscarried. Even her womb became vulnerable and needed extra attention due to this disaster. That's why he was angry and resentful and wanted to be separated from me as soon as possible. But basically, I do deserve Sophia's hatred. What I did to him in the past is unforgivable."

"Oh my God." Raphael wiped his face furiously. He couldn't believe how complicated his son was. "Dad really couldn't understand your story. Hopefully, this problem will be resolved soon. Whatever your decision, Papa believes it is best for you and Sophia to live in the future."

In the middle of their conversation, Mario suddenly came. The man brought news about Emaar's officials who wanted to meet and have a special talk with Tristan before they said goodbye and left London.

***

Tristan was seen sitting quietly in the living room of the Adelaide family. After work, he rushed to Sophia's house because he wanted to talk privately with his wife about something important. did you come here?" Sophia asked. The woman finally couldn't help but meet Tristan, who had been waiting in the living room for almost an hour. She had already asked her mother to send her away.

"Sorry if I disturbed your rest time. But I have something important to tell you, Sophia," Tristan replied softly. He didn't want to make the woman in front of him feel any more uncomfortable. Sophia narrowed her eyes. Looked at Tristan's face carefully, then asked again.

"What's important? Are you here to discuss divorce?" she guessed with a curious expression. "Or maybe you've already signed the divorce papers I sent to your office the other day?"

Tristan gave a faint smile. The man, for a moment, chose not to say anything. Just kept silent as he cast a deep gaze at Sophia. As if to enjoy the beautiful face presented in front of him for a moment.

After all, it wasn't without reason that Tristan bothered to visit Sophia's house. It all started when Alabbar's assistant, the owner of Emaar properties or the developer of the mega project Burj Khalifa, suddenly wanted to meet and have a serious talk with him this afternoon.

"Thank you for the time given by Mr. Tristan this time. Previously, I apologize for having to disturb your afternoon break," he said politely.

"No problem. Feel free. If there's anything you want to talk about, I'm ready to listen." The man in front of Tristan smiled kindly. Seconds later, he issued a golden invitation to be handed over to Tristan.

"This is a special invitation that Mr. Alabbar has given you. He wants you and your wife to attend the dinner as well as an exclusive performance that will be attended by the prime minister of the United Arab Emirates and other dignitaries in Dubai."

"Dinner?" Tristan's eyebrows knit together. As he recalled, he was going to the United Arab Emirates next week. But don't know if there is a dinner event in Dubai too.

"That's right, sir. So Mr. Alabbar only invited distinguished guests. After all, the dinner was celebrating his 25th wedding anniversary. That's why he asked you to be with your wife."

Gosh, damn it! Tristan cursed inwardly. How could he attend the event with his wife? While his household with Sophia is on the brink. So how did he persuade her to come along? Or, he just refused this invitation. But if you refuse, it feels impolite. Moreover, Emaar is currently the number one business partner.

"We really look forward to your arrival, Mr. Tristan. Don't worry, all accommodations from private jets, hotels, along with exclusive butlers have been specially prepared by Mr. Alabbar for guests who he considers special. Don't forget, on the last day, Mr. Alabbar will also provide special guests, another project that will generate more profit in the future. So it's a shame if you miss this golden opportunity."

At first, Tristan wanted to refuse. But seeing the lucrative projects that Emaar offered, he had to discuss with Raphael and Mario when Alabbar's assistant said goodbye to leave his office.

"What should I do, Pa? How can Sophia want to come with me to Dubai, let alone for a week. Just looking at me right now she doesn't want to."

"How about replacing it with Aurora instead?" Raphael suggested, and Mario immediately responded. "I don't think so, Mister. Even during Mr. Tristan's wedding Mr Alabbar and Mrs Helena came straight to the wedding to congratulate him. I'm sure he knows who Mr. Tristan's wife is."

"Good grief." Raphael shouted. He sighed in exasperation because he was confused about the fate of his son. To refuse this invitation is to give up a golden opportunity. Not to mention also reduce the company's performance. The three of them exchanged thoughts for a long time until finally, Tristan knew what he had to do.

Because of that, after work, the man immediately directed the sports car he was driving to go to Sophia's house. Even though he knew his wife would refuse his request, he had an offer that Sophia might consider.

"Tristan, you're not deaf, are you?" Sophia's rebuke made Tristan, who had been silent, suddenly come to his senses.

"If you're just here to be quiet and then suddenly smile like crazy, you'd better get out of my house! I don't have time to serve you."

Tristan chuckled softly. Honestly, he missed seeing Sophia nagging like this. In the past, when she was with him, she would cry more than smile or frown like now. But because he didn't want to waste too much time, he finally clarified his intentions.

"I came here to discuss divorce with you."

Sophia pulled the corners of her lips high. Raising an eyebrow, the woman looked down at her husband.

"So, you approve of the divorce suit I addressed to you?"

Tristan nodded without hesitation. "Yes. I will accept your claim. In fact, whatever you will ask, I will definitely do it as an apology for what I have done in the past."

"Don't overdo it," Sophia squeaked. She hated to see the arrogant attitude that was so ingrained in Tristan. "Just divorce me as soon as possible so I can marry Edward."

Tristan almost choked on his spit. He knew that Edward liked his wife and was willing to do anything to have Sophia. But he was surprised to hear that Edward would marry Sophia so soon.

"So, you two are getting married soon?" Tristan looked very curious.

"None of your business," Sophia snapped. "That's why, quickly sign the file that you have received so that I can be free immediately and no longer need to deal with you."

Tristan returned his smile. He turned to the side, then took out a brown folder containing the divorce papers between himself and Sophia. Opening the folder, Tristan slowly took out the pile of paper that was inside.

"I will immediately comply with your request to sign these files. But..."

"Tsk!" Sophia immediately chuckled. He smelled something amiss in the conversation between himself and Tristan.

"Why do you have to use but? I'm sure, after this you'll want to put a condition on me." Tristan nodded. It's nice when the wife can guess what she wants to do.

"You're really smart, Sophia," admitted Tristan. "Once again I emphasize, I will divorce you. Even comply with all your requests as long as you want to help me, just this once," pleaded Tristan with a bit of emphasis.

"Oh, come on, Tristan. Don't worry about it," Sophia said irritably. "Hurry up and say what you want!"

Tristan smiled again. Confidently, the man said what he wanted to ask Sophia.

"Please, come with me to Dubai. Then act like my real wife for a week. After all this is over, I will divorce you. In fact disappear from your life for good."