190 The Truth (1/2)

As the hours passed, a [1]nurse liaison finally approached them.

”Dr. Blanche wanted me to inform you that Mr. Hirogori is out of surgery and is doing well as of now. As he mentioned before, we'd like him to stay overnight to ensure his condition is stable.” She explained.

Hearing that Alec had made it out of surgery safely sent a wave of relief through Tobias and Mimi. It was a shame however that his injuries were so serious…

Tobias closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them again. Mimi watched his shoulders visibly begin to relax.

He inhaled deeply, releasing the breath in a long sigh. ”Can we see him?”

”Yes, however, I'm afraid visiting hours are almost over so you will have to be a little quick. If you want to visit again tomorrow the times are around 10 am to 8 pm.” The nurse replied.

”Thank you.” Tobias nodded his head in understanding.

The nurse smiled. ”He is currently resting in the PACU, which is the post-anesthesia care unit. When entering, please speak quietly and respect the other patients' privacy.”

Tobias and Mimi nodded in understanding before they followed the nurse down the hall, their fingers wrapped tightly around the others. When they arrived in front of the PACU, the nurse guided them inside toward a bed.

Alec was sedated, sleeping deeply in the hospital bed. He looked so pale, so still, so vulnerable-looking. It had been the first time Mimi saw her brother look so…lifeless.

He looked like a corpse. Like Emily during her funeral.

At the same time, Tobias had been asking the nurse questions. Because Alec was unconscious, there wasn't much he could ask. When all was said, the nurse excused herself, not before reminding them that they had a few minutes left.

Mimi was being unusually quiet, Tobias realized. Still keeping his fingers intertwined with hers, his brow wrinkled slightly and he called out in a gentle tone, ”Mimi? You okay?”

Mimi nodded, her eyes a little dazed. ”Just tired.”

Tobias frowned. As much as he wanted to offer her to go home and rest, he couldn't bring himself to let her go. He needed her with him right now.

It was the first time he'd needed anyone - longer than he could remember.

Unknowingly, his low voice deepened just a bit, ”Do you want to stay at my place for the night?”

Mimi stared at Alec's figure on the bed before she sounded a soft hum in agreement.

”Can I be alone with him for a second?” She asked, looking up into the man's deep gaze.

Tobias cast his gaze down on her and smiled.

”I'll be waiting outside.” He rubbed her head.

Mimi smiled back before she stared at Alec. The room was silent. There were stands for intravenous drips and monitors. At the door, set on a table were dispensers for rubber gloves, hand sanitizer, and soap.

Mimi lets her hand fall to the cotton sheets. There was a faint lavender perfume. She closed her eyes, matching her breaths to the beeping of the machines that surrounded the bed. Opening her eyes once more, she looked at Alec's pale face.

”For once you didn't leave this time, big brother.” She smiled.

Her hand reached for the pale fingertips resting beside the bed. He was still warm.

Mimi's head lowered even further. Her voice was as tiny as a mosquito's as she said, ”Thank you…”

…

After leaving the room, Mimi walked into the waiting room and her eyes landed on the handsome tall figure leaning against the wall. As soon as she entered in, his head raised, eyes locking with hers. Then, he walked over and grabbed her hand.

”Ready?”

Mimi looked up at the man and nodded with a smile. Tightening his hold on her hand, the two left the hospital.

As Tobias's car was wrecked in the accident, they called a driver. When they arrived in front of his door, he put in his pin code before letting her inside. The entire time, neither said a word.

Tobias cleared his throat and finally said, ”Do mind you watching something while I take a shower? ”

Mimi blinked. Looking at his disordered appearance, she could understand his train of thought.

”Go ahead,” She chuckled. Walking over to the living room, she plopped herself down on the sofa.

Tobias's eyes followed her movements before he inhaled deeply and walked to the bathroom. While Tobias took his shower, Mimi looked out at the wide, city view. Lowering her gaze, she stares at her hands.

She was nervous. Never had she expected there'd be a day she'd tell Tobias the truth. To be honest, she never really looked far into their relationship.

Who would have thought they've come this far.

After Tobias finished his shower, he quickly dressed in appropriate clothing before walking into the living room. When he didn't see the girl, he suddenly felt a sense of panic well up within him.

Shifting his gaze around the room, he noticed the girl standing on the balcony, her small back faced to him. With his gaze on her, Tobias stepped onto the balcony.

Hearing the sound of the footsteps behind her, Mimi's eyes never withdrew from the city view. She leaned forward, arms resting against the railing.

Lights glittered everywhere, like stars dropping to the earth. Big and small buildings collided, lighting up the entire area.

It was a breathtaking, marvelous almost frightening view. While Mimi enjoyed the scenery, the man beside her was staring intently at her.

For some reason, he felt more nervous than usual.

While Mimi didn't accept his feelings, she was open to his attempt to pursue her. Suddenly feeling pressured, Tobias felt the back of his ears grow warm.

”Enjoying the view?” The girl's voice carried a teasing tone.

”Very,” Tobias responded quickly. His voice was soft, sounding a little huskier than it should have been.

An eyebrow rose on Mimi's face. She swept her gaze to meet his eyes and laughed.

”I see.” Pushing herself back, hands still on the railing, Mimi took in a deep breath.

There was stillness on both sides.

”Tobias…do you love me?”