Chapter 282 - Engagment

Facing Mimi's proposal, Tobias's head lowered and did not say a word. The air around the man was stiff, his entire body tensed. When she saw the man was still not speaking, Mimi's heart twitched uncomfortably.

"Toby? Do you...Do you not want to marry me?" She asked though worry flashed in her face for a moment.

Was this perhaps his way of rejecting her?

The night breeze rustled the vine of roses above them, petals gently falling. Tobias finally raised his head. He took in a deep breath.

"It seems I was too slow."

Mimi's mind when blank for a second. She was confused about the meaning of his words.

"What are you..." Tobias kissed her before reaching into his pocket and pulled out a golden band. A ring.

"Later, we can pick out a ring of your choice. Together." He said softly.

Mimi stilled. She looked up at him, shocked. Those dark, black eyes held an intense promise. They grew quiet, both staring at each other. Her mouth was wide open, yet she could not utter a word.

The surprise she set for Tobias had suddenly spun onto her.

She closed her eyes. Then, she said with a slightly trembling voice, "Can I put it on?"

Tobias felt as if his whole body was immersed in sweet warmth. He smiled, taking her right ring finger and slipping it on. Following him, Mimi took out her own ring and placed it on his finger.

With a smile on her face, she leaned down and kissed the ring. Tobias chuckled and also pressed his lips onto her ring finger.

"So, do you accept?" His deep, dark voice nestled in her ear as he held her close.

"I do." Mimi laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Do you?"

Tobias kissed her. "I do."

Unable to hold back her joy, Mimi leaned down and rained kisses on him. Tobias smiled with a gentle expression. He hugged the girl tightly and took her lips in a deep, passionate kiss.

Feeling her hands around his neck, Tobias happily nibbled and sucked on her soft lips while his tongue tangled itself with hers.

Smiling into the kiss, Mimi closed her eyes and savored the moment, never releasing her grip on the man. Waves of happiness and relief washed over her, and she felt it soak into her entire being. Dizzy with exaltation, she savored the warmth that fizzled in her heart.

The two of them embraced each other under the moonlight.

...

When Mimi and Tobias returned home, they were faced with Alec's smiling face.

"Congratulations!" He leaped toward the couple with bright eyes.

Before he had the chance to hug them, Mimi shoved his face away with her hand.

"Don't get ahead of yourself." She frowned.

Alec rubbed his face with a scowl. "Hey! I was the one that booked the trip for you!"

"You're right. Thank you, big brother." With a sigh, Mimi sat down at the marbled breakfast bar. "Is Emilia almost here?"

"Yes. Jean picked her up a few minutes ago. So she should be here any minute." Alec said, looking at his phone.

Mimi nodded her head and turned to Tobias, who was picking up their suitcases.

"You don't have to do that." She said.

He looked up with a warm smile. "I don't mind. I want everything to be unpacked so we can relax tonight."

"Oh?" Mimi stared at him with a raised eyebrow. She chuckled softly. "Well then, maybe I should help you so we can relax quicker."

The man's eyes darkened, and he suddenly leaned down to softly capture her lips. Getting a quick taste.

"You sit here and rest. You'll need it." He kissed her again.

Giggling softly, Mimi nodded her head, pecking him one last time before he walked into the bedroom with their suitcases. A throat cleared behind her and Mimi looked up to see Alec standing awkwardly on the side.

"Do you two do that often?" He asked stiffly.

"What, flirt?" Mimi lifted a single eyebrow. "Of course. Does it make you uncomfortable? Don't blame your jealousy on me just because Toby has good taste."

Alec's cheeks burned from her embarrassing words. "I'm not gay!"

"Who's not gay?" Tobias suddenly walked in, picking up another bag.

"No one apparently." Mimi casually turned in her chair.

Alec groaned heavily. After a few minutes, Jean and Emilia arrived. Upon opening the door, a figure leaped into Emilia's arms.

"Dollface! Guess what? I'm engaged!" Mimi snuggled close into her chest.

When she was met with silence, she looked up to see the girl's wide silver eyes.

"What? Is it that shocking?" Mimi tilted her head.

"Well yes, but also..." Emilia shifted her gaze to the side.

Looking over, a tall young woman stood behind them. Her tan skin, dark leather clothing, and pixie cut were bold under the hall lights. Their eyes met, and the woman waved her hand awkwardly.

"Hi."

Blinking her eyes, Mimi stepped back and looked at the flushed Emilia with burning eyes. It was then Mimi discovered who the woman was.

"Your girlfriend?" Mimi was shocked.

Emilia shyly nodded her head. "We met a few months ago, and well...here we are."

The young woman stared down at Emilia and chuckled, kissing her cheek softly. With reddened cheeks, she scowled at the woman, but everyone could clearly see the joy in her eyes.

Holding back a giggle, Mimi glanced between the two and finally landed her gaze on the woman's chest.

"Double D's. Nice." Mimi whispered and gave her friend a thumbs up.

"You...Where are you looking?!" Emilia snapped angrily and covered the girl's eyes.

That evening, everyone enjoyed an early afternoon dinner together. After congratulating the two on their engagement, everyone left—leaving the couple alone in their home.

With all their guests gone, the two snuggled in the living room and watched movies until finally falling asleep.

Life could never be more blissful.

...

"Which flowers do you like better? White roses? Or lilacs?" Mimi held up the two samples.

Lying in the hospital bed, Henry Hirogori hadn't even glanced in her direction. Noticing this, Mimi sighed.

"You know, you're not being very helpful right now."

"I never asked to help you." Henry Hirogori muttered.

"True. But isn't it every father's dream to plan his daughter's wedding? This is your chance to build memories." Mimi chuckled softly.

"I don't recall having a daughter."

She giggled. "So cold."

Ignoring her, Henry Hirogori stared out the window in silence. Mimi sighed and set the photos of flowers to the side.

"I heard Kenji also got married."

There was only silence. Mimi continued to talk softly to herself. "Seth even started his own company. Quite shocking, isn't it?"

As expected, he still said nothing, although Mimi didn't mind. During most of her visits, he never talked to her unless to snub her. However, to her surprise, he never asked her to leave.

Watching the sunset through the window, Mimi she quietly peeled an apple and set it by his bedside. Standing up, she turned to leave the room, but suddenly heard a frail, low voice behind her.

"Congratulations."

Without looking back, Mimi left the hospital room. Stepping down the quiet halls, her lips curled into a smile.

A few days passed, and the couple continued to plan for their wedding. Sitting at the table, Mimi and Tobias looked through the numerous invitations.

"What do you think about inviting people from work?" Mimi twirled the pen between her fingers.

Tobias paused. "How many of them?"

She chuckled. "Not everyone. Just Jinny, Eli, Senior Su, and maybe a few other people."

Thinking for a moment, he grunted in agreement. They wrote down a few more names when Mimi suddenly raised her head in thought.

"Your parents..." She didn't say anymore as Tobias suddenly sighed.

"I haven't told them yet." He murmured.

Mimi's eyes widened. "What do you mean? I told everyone already. My brother, my friends, my coworkers, even my father who is..."

"I know. I know." Tobias ran a hand through his hair. "I just never felt the need to tell them yet."

Propping her elbows on the table, she smiled and said calmly, "Well then we can schedule a dinner with them and reveal it then."

Seeing her calm expression, Tobias's eyes tinge with warmth. He raised her hand and softly placed a kiss upon the back of her palm. Mimi's brows lifted with amus.e.m.e.nt as she stared at the man's dark, affectionate gaze. Laughing softly, she slipped her hand away.

"Come on. Get back to work." She looked back down at her checklist.

A few hours passed by the time they completed their wedding plans for the day. By now, the sun had set, a rich and golden light stretching far and wide across the room.

"All right! The guest list and flower arrangements are complete!" Mimi grinned at their work.

Tobias chuckled and patted her head. "Ready for dinner?"

Lifting her bright, violet eyes, Mimi nodded her head. As she stood up to help Tobias in the kitchen, she suddenly felt a wave of nausea run over her entire body.

"Mimi!" Tobias was by her side in an instant. His arms supporting her. "Are you all right?"

"Yeah." Mimi held her head and chuckled. "That was strange. I guess my hunger got the better of me."

Tobias frowned slightly. "Sit down. I'll get you something to eat."

Mimi obediently nodded her head and waited. While Tobias briefly cooked something in the kitchen, Mimi's expression grew solemn. Looking down, she started to feel uneasy.