Chapter 5

"Tita, where are Kenzi and the others?" Tristan asked the beautiful woman sitting enjoying her lemon tea.

As usual, every weekend was a fixed schedule for Tristan and his friends to gather. If last week they spent time having dinner together followed by bowling, tonight they all chose Heist Bank in Paddington, West London, to gather and play billiards.

"Kenzi and Nicholas are inside. They're busy playing billiards," Tita replied after taking a sip of her lemon tea.

"Is Edward inside too?"

Tita shook her head.

"Not yet. Maybe he'll be here soon. You know, among all of us, Edward is always the one who comes late."

Tristan chuckled softly. What Tita said was indeed true. For some reason, Edward always liked to arrive last. Nicholas had even lost count of how many times he'd complained about the Scottish-blooded man.

"Never trust Edward if you don't want to be disappointed," Nicholas scoffed. His face clearly showing annoyance.

"Why is that?" Kenzi asked curiously.

"Every time we plan to meet and ask about his whereabouts, that damned kid always says he's 'on the way'. Turns out, he's still lying comfortably in bed. Seriously, Edward is the only friend whose word can't be trusted."

Up until now, it was difficult to believe that Edward could ever arrive on time. Almost never once was he on time. That's why, whenever they planned a meeting, Nicholas always came 30 minutes after the agreed time to avoid waiting too long for Edward.

"Tristan, did you come alone? Why didn't you bring Kimberly?" Kenzi queried upon seeing Tristan entering the billiard room.

"I'm sure we'll be out late tonight. You know I don't like bringing a woman---"

"Out too late?" Kenzi cut in, as if knowing exactly what Tristan was going to say. "Honestly, you're a good man, Tristan. I'm sure whoever ends up with you will be happy. You really respect women."

"What can I say, that's what my late mother taught me."

Nevertheless, among the four of them, none liked to play with women. They were all raised to respect and honor women. Even Edward, as troublesome as he was, would never dare to bring his date to have sex or sleep together before having an official bond.

"Surely you've been waiting for my arrival," Edward joked as he just arrived at the meeting place. A sweet smile graced his pink lips. There was no hint of guilt or regret for making his friends wait.

"Just so you know ..." Nicholas said while aiming the ball on the billiard table. "I didn't even consider your presence tonight."

"Oh, come on, sweetheart. Don't be angry like this. You make me love you more."

"Stop it, Edward!" Nicholas exclaimed, his face showing disgust. "You're making me cringe."

"What can I do? I really love you, Nicholas Alistair. If you don't marry Claire Roland, I'm ready to take her place."

Nicholas hissed. He forced his friend to release his grip on him. It was really annoying to be treated like this by Edward.

"If you dare hug me again, I'll break your neck!" he threatened without hesitation.

Everyone burst into laughter. Edward even raised both hands in surrender, indicating he gave up on Nicholas' threat.

"Are you alone tonight?" Tristan deliberately changed the subject.

"No, I'm with Olivia. She's out front with Tita and Claire."

Tristan nodded. Then he approached Kenzi and Nicholas to join the billiard game.

They played for almost an hour. Meanwhile, the women were busy chatting in the cafe while enjoying some snacks.

"About your proposal to Olivia, have you told your parents about this important matter?" Kenzi asked during their game.

"Not yet," Edward replied, focusing on the game. "I plan to tell them after proposing to Olivia."

"And are you sure Olivia will accept you? You're quite the player, Edward Martin, or should I say you belong to the species of land dinosaurs," Nicholas teased without holding back. "If I were Olivia, I would definitely reject you outright. What will my marriage be like if I have to pair up with a rascal like you?"

"Fortunately, Olivia isn't you. So I'm sure she won't reject me," Edward joked, sticking out his tongue. He was clearly enjoying retaliating against his friend's remarks.

"But Nicholas is right, Ed. Are you sure about Olivia's feelings?" Kenzi appeared doubtful. "Besides, you've only just met. I'm not convinced she'll accept you just like that. Unless Olivia is a materialistic woman who likes men based on their popularity and wealth alone."

"Don't worry," Edward interjected. "I'm sure Olivia isn't the kind of woman you're accusing her of being. In this coming month, I'll be intensifying our closeness."

While the others were engrossed in discussion, Tristan silently listened attentively. He absorbed all of Edward's plans and pondered what he should do to divert Olivia's attention towards himself.

"I'm thirsty," Edward complained. "Let's end this game. Besides, the ladies out front must be tired of waiting for us."

"Yeah," Kenzi agreed. "I'm sure Tita will scold us after this."

They all agreed to stop playing. Then they joined the women who had been waiting in the front cafe.

Tristan could clearly see how beautiful Olivia looked that night in her casual attire. When their eyes met, they unintentionally smiled at each other. Olivia even smiled and greeted him without hesitation.

"Tristan, you're here too, I see."

"Of course, dear," Edward replied instead of Tristan. He approached and took a seat right next to Olivia. "We're all friends here. So, wherever we go, we're always together."

Tristan nodded in agreement with Edward's words. Pulling out a chair, he sat down at the same table, directly facing Olivia.

"How are you, Olivia?"

"I'm doing very well," the woman replied with a meaningful smile. "Did you come alone?"

Tristan nodded.

"Yes, I came alone. Besides, I'm not fond of taking women out late into the night."

"Tristan is indeed old-fashioned," Edward chimed in. "I've introduced him to many beautiful and sexy women. But none has caught his attention."

"Don't corrupt Tristan into behaving like you, Edward Martin. Tristan is a gentleman. He's the faithful type, like me and Kenzi," Nicholas said sarcastically.

"So you think I'm not a faithful man?"

Nicholas shrugged. Unwilling to answer Edward's question.

As everyone was engrossed in conversation, Edward's phone suddenly rang. An emergency call forced him to leave immediately.

"Everyone, I have to leave now. My dad just had an accident. He's currently being treated by a team of doctors at the hospital."

Everyone was shocked, especially Tristan. Worry immediately creased his face. Thoughts of the fatal accident his father had once experienced haunted Tristan instantly. He certainly didn't want such a tragic event to happen again, especially to his own friend.

"Ed, I'll take you to the hospital right away. You shouldn't drive yourself in such a distressed state," Tristan offered. He was already getting ready to leave.

"No." Edward shook his head. "You stay here. I need you to take Olivia home. I promise, once I know how Dad is, I'll contact all of you."

"You must keep us updated on Uncle Alexander's condition. And when possible, we'll all come straight to the hospital with you."

Edward nodded without speaking. After getting up, he immediately ran to his car, leaving all his friends looking shocked by the news he had just delivered.

***

Tristan had just arrived home at exactly one in the morning. After neatly parking his sports car, he casually walked into the house. As he was about to climb the stairs to the second floor, Tristan's keen sense of hearing faintly caught an unfamiliar sound. It was like the sound of crying coming from somewhere.

Filled with deep curiosity, Tristan sharpened his hearing. He tried to pinpoint where the sound was coming from. His conviction led him to the study, the destination Tristan aimed for. And finally, his blue eyes caught sight of what he sought.

"Oh my goodness, Kimberly..." Tristan exclaimed with a slightly worried tone.

With his eyes, he could see Kimberly's presence. She was sitting on the floor, knees drawn up while crying.

"What's going on? Why are you crying here?" Tristan walked closer. Approaching and then squatting right in front of her.

"Kimberly..." Tristan called again, gently stroking her chestnut hair. "What's really going on? Why are you crying like this?" he asked in confusion. For years together, this was the first time Tristan had seen the beautiful woman cry.

"I-I just miss my late mom. I don't know why, but since yesterday, I've been thinking about her. I-I..."

"Sssh..." Tristan softly shushed, then tightened his embrace around Kimberly. "I understand how you feel. I often feel the same way when I miss my late dad and mom. There's nothing I can do right now except pray for them."

"I just feel so lonely. There's no longer a place for me to talk. Now..."

"Oh my, Kimberly," Tristan interrupted again with a slightly raised voice. He released the hug. Holding Kimberly's chin, he asked her to look deeply into his eyes. "Don't you think about my presence? You can tell me all your life problems without exception. Seriously, I'm ready to listen to anything."

Kimberly didn't respond. Her face drooped again as if she didn't want to show her sadness to Tristan.

Frustrated with Kimberly's behavior, Tristan grabbed her body again. Carrying her without permission and then taking Kimberly to her room and sitting her right on the bed.

"No need to be sad anymore. If there's something you want to talk about, you can tell me anytime," Tristan commanded. His hand stretched to wipe the tears that wet Kimberly's cheeks.

"Thank you," Kimberly whispered.

"Now go to sleep. It's late."

Kimberly nodded. Following the order given. However, before Tristan could move again, she pulled Tristan's wrist again so he wouldn't leave.

"What else?" Tristan asked gently.

"It's about our marriage," murmured Kimberly. For a moment she even paused her sentence. Which of course makes Tristan confused.

"What's wrong with our marriage?"

"W-will it still happen according to plan?" With a wobble, Kimberly ensured this one. It is important for her to know if Tristan will still carry out what they have planned long ago or on the contrary, cancel in the middle of the road.

"Of course, Kimberly. I've promised Uncle and also you. You know yourself if I never break my promise, do you?"

Kimberly nodded.

"I know that. But the problem is, Dad said now you're approaching Olivia Walters. I'm just worried if---

Tristan immediately put his index finger right on Kimberly's lips. Asking for her to stop mumbling, let alone thinking about the wrong way.

"What you are worried about will never happen. Don't I have already sworn to marry you?"

"If you just wanted to get married, you wouldn't need love."

Words echoed with a cold voice that made Kimberly slightly shocked. All his muscles changed stiff until making his body unable to move. Kimberly swallowed saliva. Suddenly memories floated to the first meeting between them. It's still clear in Kimberly's memory how Tristan was so miserable. Falling as much as possible. Does not have anyone and he himself who reached out. Embrace and even rub every tear that spills. Always reassuring Tristan that he was never alone in this world.

Kimberly spills her entire feeling for Tristan alone. In his heart, even promised his love not to give him something other than Tristan.

So now? The man mentioned love does not need to be in their marriage later. Should she be happy to hear this?

"If you worry about love, then that feeling may grow as time goes on. You need to know, I marry you not because of coercion," Tristan said again.

Kimberly's heart felt like it was squeezed when he heard that sentence. He swallowed back the protest that wanted to come out of his mouth. Choosing to be silent while looking at Tristan's face with glass eyes.

"It's up to you whether you love me or not. What's certain is, I don't want to lose you."

Tristan then hugged Kimberly's body. Embrace him tightly, while gently kissing the top of the woman's head several times. Letting him cry again in his arms.

"I will not leave you, Kimberly. I have promised you and will not deny that."