Chapter 274 - A Mission For Love (2)

Mimi turned her gaze to Tobias, who still stood outside of the car. He was also looking at where Robin Tsosie stood. Meeting her gaze, Mimi silently nodded her head. Seeing her approving gaze, he sighed and walked toward Robin.

"What are you doing here?" Tobias asked, his arms crossed over his chest.

Met with his intimidating aura, Robin visibly swallowed as they stared at each other.

Suppressing the lump of anxiety clogging her throat, she said, "I came to apologize."

"Oh?" Tobias's right eyebrow raised, his expression still unreadable.

"Yes. To you and…your girlfriend."

"Fine. Apology not accepted." Tobias said, then turned around.

However, before he could, Robin grabbed onto his arm.

"Wait, Tobias…please." She pleaded.

A dark, cold gaze fell on her body, sending a chill down her spine. Quickly, Robin let go of Tobias's arm and unconsciously stepped back, maintaining proper distance. Despite her nerves, she still gathered the courage to speak.

"What happened that night…it's not what you think. I was angry and upset, so when I saw your girlfriend at the casino…I wanted to take it out on her. But I never planned on hurting her! I just wanted to scare her a bit but…"

"That's enough." Tobias's deep, dark voice interrupted. "What makes you think I would want to hear your excuses?"

Startled, Robin glanced up at the man in front of her. "It's not an excuse! I just—"

"Whatever your motive was, I don't want to hear it." The hardness in his deep voice didn't change. "The problem is, the moment you chose to hurt her, you underestimated my level of tolerance. No matter how sincere your apology is, I have no care for it anymore."

Without another word, Tobias once again turned to leave. And this time, Robin didn't stop him. She just watched him as he walked back to his car. Suddenly, Robin felt as if someone had stabbed her in the heart. Her hands hidden under her sleeves formed into tight fists, her nails digging into her palm, forming deep marks, but she couldn't feel it at all.

"Tobias that night…I'm sorry. I'm sorry I didn't come back!" She shouted.

Tobias's movements stopped, and he slowly looked over his shoulder. He sighed heavily.

"Don't worry. I never blamed you or anyone for that night."

Walking back to the car, Tobias entered to sit beside Mimi. Reaching into his pocket for his car keys, his movements suddenly paused when he felt someone lean against him. Glancing down, he saw Mimi resting her head on his shoulder. Looking up at his face, she gave a soft smile.

With no words, she was able to soothe his trembling heart.

"Let's go meet my parents," He said.

"Mm," Mimi nodded her head and leaned back in her seat.

…

In the coffee shop, jazz music poured out the open doors, along with the aroma of freshly baked pastries. Unlike the outside, the interior of the café was warm and cheery, with bright lights and pale walls. The half dozen customers socialized amongst themselves - immersed deep within the calming atmosphere.

In a private room at the back of the café, four figures sat at a table. The cups of coffee were greatly enjoyed along with the sweet pastries. However, there was an awkward tension among them.

Dead silence. No one said a word. Lori and Vivian Itou stared at the young couple across from them, who seemed to be lost in their own world.

Occasionally, they would sneak flirtatious glances at one another, whispering in the others ear. Tobias helped place sugar cubes in Mimi's tea as well as hand-feeding her desserts before wiping her lips. The young woman smiled and kissed the man on the cheek in thanks before sipping her tea.

"Is this it? Is this why you brought us here? To watch you two behave in such a shameless manner!" Vivian was the first to speak. Her words were clearly filled with revulsion.

"Of course not. But since you hadn't said a single word since you entered, I thought you didn't wish to speak." Mimi replied with a smile. "Now that you have, we can begin talking."

Naturally, her sassy response was met with further displeasure from the Itou's. As much as Vivian wished to slap the girl in the face for her rude words, she knew with her son present such a thought had to be set aside.

On the other hand, Lori Itou was rather disturbed by Mimi's behavior. It was the first time he had seen someone speak to their elders in such a way. He glanced at Tobias, wondering why on earth he was with such a young woman.

"Now then." Mimi set her cup of tea down, flashing the Itou's an unreadable smile. "I first want to thank you for agreeing to come and meet us."

"Don't think it was because we're giving you a chance. Had Tobias not asked us, we never would've come." Vivian did not hesitate to point out.

Mimi's smiles grew, taking no offense to the older woman's words.

"As I was saying, it's clear to me that you two care very much about your son. And like you, I want what's best for him." Mimi stared at the two with calm, earnest eyes. "And while I can't say him being with me is for the best; as I can't cook, I'm not very good at expressing my emotions, I'm selfish, spoiled, and if I may say, quite flawed in many areas. But I know that I love your son very much. So much that I don't think I can imagine a life without him. He fulfills me."

Tobias stared at her with profound emotions. His hand reached for hers, interlocking their fingertips together. He raised their joined hands and kissed each one of her fingers softly.

On the other hand, the Itou's could not hide the shock on their faces. The love and affection in Tobias's eyes couldn't be more apparent. No one could deny that. Not even them. Their son was utterly infatuated with this young woman.

"Tobias…" Lori Itou was the first to speak up. But before he could, Tobias had already interrupted.

"Mother, father, despite our misfortunes, I have respected the both of you for a very long time. While saying so, it is in neither of yours responsibility to decide whom I'm meant to be with." Tobias lifted Mimi's hand with his. "I love this woman. I accept her flaws and her strengths as she does mine. I may still have many years to grow, but I will never doubt that my feelings for her will change. So I ask of you, as your son, don't intervene in my love life."

Hearing their son's words, Vivian Itou nearly passed out, her mind feeling dizzy. Meanwhile, Lori Itou fell silent. He looked at the hand his son held so tightly to with such protection. His silence only deepened. Instead of waiting for his parent's reactions, Tobias wished his parents goodbye and led Mimi out.

However, before doing so, Mimi turned back and stared at the Itou's with one final smile.

"Oh, by the way, as the owner of EMIRI…don't worry about paying for the bill. It's all free."

And with that, she held Tobias's arm tightly and left. Watching them leave, the two stared in shock.