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42.42% Meeting again / Chapter 42: Half hearted

Chapter 42: Half hearted

Robbie's POV

It has been a long day, but I am glad that the most important thing was resolved. What is most worrying now is the step Sarah would take. How did she find out Tony's sub-gender is a huge question but now if she informs dad…I have to be mentally prepared to face him. I was bound to face him one day or the other it is just going to be a little early this time.

In the midst of all the action and hassle that Tony had to endure, I wanted to accompany him back home, but if anyone spotted us, it would only fuel the rumors. I don't really care about rumors, but Tony and Twen are affected by it a lot. I have barely mended my relationship with Tony, and this happened. It's as if the whole world just can't see us together. I can't love the person I want to; I can't meet my beloved in the open, I can't care for my own son…Sometimes, I wish I was not part of the 'Elites'. At least I would be free to do whatever I want.

I went down to the parking after wrapping up my work. My eyes suddenly fell on the place where I saw Tony and Sarah argue today. I have never seen Tony losing his head or getting so angry except perhaps once when I wanted to meet Twen. Despite being stubborn in his own way and never giving up, he has always been polite and meek. This side of him was somehow refreshing. Maybe it was because he was so stressed. That was a good thing. An explosion like this could lighten his burden since he keeps all his feelings to himself.

I saw my chauffeur holding the car door open for me. I sighed and got in. We barely rode a few metres when I noticed a maroon SUV on the side of the road. I would have ignored it and just gone ahead, but I noticed a familiar figure and asked my chauffeur to stop. He was the same bear-like guy I saw in Tony's place a few days back. He was leaning on the car door with his arms crossed across his chest. This guy makes me feel very uncomfortable. He was the guy who helped Tony when he came to this city. I can never forget the hostile look on his face when I saw him last time. However, I can understand his reaction. If I was in his shoes, I guess I would be disgusted by myself too. He took care of Tony when he was in a desperate position. Without this guy, I might have lost Tony and Twen. I am selfish but not ungrateful. In some sense, I am also jealous of how he can be with Tony without any care. I exhaled heavily, trying to calm my disturbed nerves. I think Tony called him 'Fred', most probably short for Fredrick. I opened my window to call him. He looked at me with those weird amber eyes, blinking blankly. After a minute of complete pause, he suddenly snorted,

"So, it's you! I never thought you are young master, old man," he said.

"What's your business here?" I asked, stung by the word 'old'. I was hardly a year or two older than him.

"For Tony, of course. He sounded quite stressed out the last few da..." he paused, looking at his crossed arm, and then abruptly changed the subject, "Are you really the heir of the Exquisite Hotel Chain? How did you even come in contact with Tony?"

"It's a long story. Waiting over here is useless. Tony already left!"

I said shortly, keeping my voice neutral.

"Why should I believe you?" he asked suspiciously.

The past me would have definitely done that. I would have done everything to keep him and Tony at a distance, but I don't want to hurt Tony. I have hurt him enough anyway. I know Tony cares for this guy deeply, and me being immature wouldn't exactly make him thankful.

"Go to his quarters if you don't believe me," I said, chanting inwardly to keep my calm. I was about to close my window and leave when he stopped it with his large hands.

"I don't trust you, but I will believe you this one time. I have something to talk to you about. Care for a beer?"

He is asking me for a beer!? What does he want to talk about? Ever since dad handed me a major merger deal, I have several preparations to do for it. Plus, I have to check the combined sales summary of all the properties. Quite honestly, I have no time to waste, but I have something to discuss with this guy as well. I was also curious to know what he wanted to talk about, and I guess two bottles can't hurt.

"Sure."

He gave a roguish smile to me, saying, "Follow me."

DELIZIOSA ITALIAN RESTUARANT

I wonder with what right he calls me young master!! His dad is the owner of the country's largest Italian Restaurant chain!! He looked like such a simpleton. Turns out you can't judge a book by its cover.

"Pablo, puoi portami della birra?" Fred boomed to a tall and exceptionally well-groomed guy.

The guy bowed and said, "Si signore," and quickly disappeared from the sight.

"Grazie," Fred called to him from behind.

The restaurant was closed but not for the owner, of course. It was a two-story restaurant with general seating on the ground floor and private cubicles in the first. I was sitting in one of the private cubicles. Though it was not a fine dining restaurant, the ambiance was very exotic and luxurious. The staff was highly trained, From their grooming to their speaking and service was top notch. The thing that attracted my attention the most was the service of drinks. The waiter called Pablo appeared within minutes and served beer in a hurricane glass. I would have preferred the bottle but whatever. He bowed to me and then looked at Fred, asking in fluent English,'

"Shall I get you some side dishes too, signore?"

"If you have some seafood left, then yeah," Fred shrugged.

"Si signore," Pablo said, bowing and leaving hurriedly.

Once the side dishes were served, Pablo was left. Fred drew the beautiful velvety curtains of the cubicle. There was a blue light above us that made the dining environment perfect. I picked up my glass and was about to chug it when Fred suddenly clinked with my glass, saying, "Cheers!" I nodded. And we both chugged down the entire glass in one go.

"You want a pitcher?" he asked with a crooked smile.

"I have to drive!" I said sternly.

Fred only laughed and picked up some shrimps with his fork.

"I didn't know that Deliziosa restaurant serves drinks. Quite surprising! Don't tell me it's illegal!"

Fred swallowed the shrimp and gave me an amused gaze, "You would be happy if it is, isn't it?"

I didn't say anything. Obviously, in the back of my mind, I was trying to find a flaw in the guy. He was just too…. perfect, and somehow that made me feel very inferior. My intentions seem to have shown. Fred gave another hearty laugh and said,

"My dad is too cautious. He would never do something illegal. Unlike most white collars, he sticks to the rules quite rigidly."

"I see," I said, sounding a little bitter. I picked up a shrimp too and started munching, "The idea of these private cubicles are pretty clever. With a mind as sharp as his, it is no wonder that he made a fortune very quickly."

Fred answered with a mouthful of food, "Well, he is a hardcore self-made businessman. He started with meager capital and a small restaurant. Within thirty years, he turned it into one of the premier restaurant chains in the country. He is best at what he does but," he said, raising his head and looking at me with a twinkle in his eyes, "These cubicles were my plan."

I stopped chewing for a second, "You?"

"Hard to believe, huh? Dad was also surprised when I suggested such an idea, and it turned out to be a huge success." Fred boomed with another hearty laugh, "Actually, I told him that if I had my own cubicle, no one would disturb me, and if I had a meeting to conduct, I could do so without being interrupted. Dad actually took my throwaway line seriously and implemented it."

"What a sharp business instinct! No wonder his business grew so fast!" I said admiringly. To make a whole new plan with just a throwaway line is something that can't be done by just any average person.

"Got that right!" Fred said before getting up and asking Pablo for a few more bottles of beer.

Once the beers were placed, I looked at Fred seriously, "I guess that'll do for an ice breaker. Now for the real business. What do you want to talk about?"

Fred's carefree and smiling eyes immediately turned serious and dark, "I would like to know, for what reason are you pursuing Tony? Is it true that you want him to be part of your life, or are you just making a half-hearted attempt to ease your guilt?"


Chapter 43: Threat

Robbie's POV

I was halfway drinking my beer when I stopped, hearing Fred's question. I put down my glass and took my time to swallow the beer in my mouth. I scrutinized him before speaking word by word,

"That is between Tony and me! I don't think you have any business asking it."

"Look, old man, I don't know how to beat around the bush, so I'll be clear. I love Tony and have loved him for years, even after my father's disapproval and Tony pushing me away. I don't care if he is bonded to you or had a kid with you. If you hurt him this time, I'll make sure that you never get to see Tony and Twen ever again!" He said with a clear gaze and firm voice.

I narrowed my eyes and asked him in a low, cautious voice, "Love him? Does Tony even know of your feelings?"

"He does," Fred replied without any hesitation.

"Then, I take it that he rejected you," I spoke in a biting tone.

"He did," Fred answered without being phased. However, he quickly picked up the glass of beer and downed it in one go before pouring himself another glass.

"In that case, I do not see why I need to answer you, who is not Tony's boyfriend or guardian."

Fred exhaled and spoke in his usual booming voice, "Yeah, I am not, neither are you. We are in the same boat. So, I don't see how it is yours and Tony's business."

Bang!

I got up on my feet, trembling from head to toe. What is with this guy? Was he not just a simpleton? How did he become so eloquent all of a sudden? He effortlessly touched my nerve, making me see that I have no right on Tony and Twen. Normally I would have punched him in the face, but here I can't because he's not wrong. I breathed, trying to calm myself.

"You are right! We are indeed in the same boat, except, if you drown, you will lose a friend, and if I drown, I'll lose my life."

Fred blinked expressionlessly. His amber eyes gave a weird impression of being looked at by a hawk. When I saw him last, I thought he was just a hot-tempered fool, but now I can see that he is smart and a good speaker. After a one-minute pause, he picked up his beer glass and took a sip. He spoke, exhaling heavily,

"This is not a drama that you are putting out dialogues. You should be careful about what you say. I have seen Tony suffer a lot thanks to your so-called 'thoughtless words'. He finally started smiling and living. I don't want to stand by and watch you destroy his second chance at life by your half-assed attempts to ease your conscience. If you don't have the gall to stand up for him and stick with him through thick and thin, then I suggest you better walk out of his life now, before he gets too involved with you and ends up hurting again."

Fred's words felt like a slap to me. Though I knew that I was the one at fault, I couldn't help feeling extremely angry. I bent down and grabbed him by the collar. However, to my surprise, he remained expressionless. It was so infuriating. He doesn't get provoked, nor does he react emotionally. I have only seen finger-counted people who can remain composed despite the situation.

"I am just warning you." Fred shrugged nonchalantly.

My lips and voice trembled as I said, "Listen carefully! There hasn't been a day that passed, and I didn't regret my words. The moment I decided to make Tony part of my life, I decided to fight for him through thick and thin. Whether I can be part of his life or not, I will be by his side."

Fred kept looking at me straight, trying to read me. After a moment's pause, he sighed,

"Let go of me. I didn't bring you here to wrestle till death."

I glared at him for a few seconds before letting him go and taking my seat, still fuming. I don't know if it was my inferiority complex that was bursting out or envy. But I felt extremely agitated seeing him so firm and strong.

"Tony never stopped loving you," I was taken by surprise when Fred suddenly announced.

A blank look crossed my face. "What?"

"Tony doesn't realize it, but his anger and hate towards you stem from the pure-hearted love he has for you. He can't forgive himself for having feelings for you even after the cruel treatment he received from you," Fred said, picking up a beer bottle and opening the cap with his teeth. He chugged down half the beer at one go and slammed it on the table. This was the first time since we began our conversation that Fred showed a slight hint of resentment toward me.

"I never understood why he just couldn't be with me. I told him that I don't care if he is bonded, and I will try my best to be a father figure to Champ, but he still refused. I later understood that it was simply because he couldn't feel the same for me as I do for him. He was just being considerate. He rejected me harshly, breaking contact with me just so I would give up on him. He wanted me to find someone who would love me too. If only it was that easy! My dad…. Hah!!"

He stopped shaking his head. Seeing his reaction, it immediately felt familiar. Just like my dad, his dad was not very happy about him wanting to be in a relationship with an Omega. Suddenly I felt a little attached to him in spite of myself. I quietly chewed the shrimp, waiting for Fred to continue. After a long 5 minutes of awkward silence, Fred finally gave a laugh which was more like a bark, and said lightly,

"I thought I would mend my relationship with Tony once I am done with my studies abroad. Once I properly stand my ground, I thought of searching for him and proposing to him. My father could not stop me even if he disagreed, as I was an adult and financially independent. Unfortunately, you already entered his life before I could go forward with my plan," Fred said, giving a sad laugh. He sounded very upset.

I am not sure if what Fred said about Tony's feelings are correct or not, but I can't help feeling a little hopeful. At the same time, I can't help feeling bad for this fellow. Unlike me, he is brave enough to fight for the one he loves and is also prepared to go against his dad. Despite our differences, both of us love Tony, and that binds us together.

"I guess I have gotten tipsy. I am talking all emotional nonsense," he exclaimed before giving me a very serious look and speaking word by word, "You are the only one who can heal the wounds of his heart. He has gone through a lot. Don't you dare leave him hanging again! Trust me, I will return that to you a thousand times more," Fred said with a very threatening smile before chugging down the rest of the beer in the bottle.

"So, you are not going to pursue him anymore?" I asked, hesitatingly.

He laughed, more like barked, and said with a mischievous look, "I will always be waiting for you to make a mistake so that I can claim him! So, beware!"

I couldn't help giving a reluctant smile to him. I respect and envy his unflinching and unapologetic love for Tony, but I won't give up on Tony without a fight. I clenched my fist, took a bottle of beer on the table, and took a few swigs. There was something that I felt I needed to say to Fred. I looked at him, who was sitting staring at the tabletop. I spoke in a sincere tone,

"Thank you for taking care of Tony and Twen. He told me that he still feels indebted to you for your kindness, but I feel more indebted. If it hadn't been for you, I might never have met Twen."

Fred gave a sad crooked smile, "He owes me nothing. I did it because I wanted to. As for you, old man, if you can keep Tony happy and protected, that would be your gratitude to me."

"I would try my best," I said earnestly, taking another swig of my beer. "By the way, I didn't know you speak Italian," I said, trying to change the gloomy atmosphere.

"Ahhh si! Io posso! Ma molto poco" he grinned.

"Sorry, I am not knowledgeable in the language."

"Mi dispiace saprelo."

"Are you cursing me in Italian?" I chuckled.

"Si." He laughed in his usual booming manner.

I can finally see what Tony saw in him. An Alpha with such a humble and pure personality is rare indeed. If we had met under different circumstances, we might have been great friends!!


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