Stealing Spree

Chapter 2443 Giving in

Chapter 2443  Giving in

Auntie's voice was as sharp as a knife, cutting through the air like a well-placed rebuttal in a tense debate.

I exchanged a quick glance with Otoha, who nodded almost imperceptibly, urging me to comply. Uncle and Hidekazu also didn't say anything much.

I guess they already knew that this was Auntie's way to finally settle our differences. A one-on-one talk.

"Alright, Auntie." I nodded and followed her out of the dining hall.

The walk to her study was tense, with each step echoing through the hallway like a warning bell.

Unfortunately for her, even though she looked like she was trying to act intimidating with this, I wasn't nervous at all.

I'm already expecting her to try and discourage me from seeing Otoha again, or at least attempt to make me feel guilty for my lifestyle.

Backing down had yet to be printed in her dictionary.

But as always, the words produced by my glib tongue will be my weapon. I'm ready to parry every verbal blow she throws my way. Let’s see who’ll have the last laugh.

Wait. That sounded cringe. Scratch that. I’ve already made her back down last night, there’s no way I couldn’t do it again.

In any case, since I still wanted to convince her without being overly rude, I just had to act the same as always. Shameless.

Upon entering her study, Auntie released a sigh, "Do you understand why I'm against you for my daughter?"

Of course, because you want to build your own connection, no? I thought inwardly.

But the words that came from my mouth were different, "Yes. Because I don't only have Otoha."

Auntie clicked her tongue, visibly displeased, "At least, you're aware. I have no idea how you fooled even father-in-law to approve of you... but I'm warning you... Even if I remain to be the one against it, I won't accept you for my daughter."

"I understand. But Auntie, let me ask you something."

Her eyes narrowed, expecting another one of my clever comebacks, but I held up a hand in a placating gesture. "I'm not here to argue or convince you. I just want to clarify something. Did you love your husband when you married him?"

Auntie's expression froze, caught off guard by the sudden shift in conversation. "What does that have to do with anything?"

"Because Otoha loves me. We love each other. It may be baffling for you to accept my ways but it doesn't change that fact."

No matter how displeased she is of my presence, I naturally wouldn't resort to pointing out her real reason. Because if I know about it, there's no way Uncle or even the eccentric old man doesn't know.

Granted, let's say she also cares about her daughter. But her insistence on rejecting me is just digging herself into a deeper hole. She's essentially telling Otoha that she doesn't support her happiness, and that's a wedge that I'm not sure she's willing to drive between them. More than that, she's also disregarding the majority's acceptance of our situation.

"So? What of it? I married my husband not just because of his identity. We love each other. We dated for years before he proposed to me. Are you trying to lecture me here? My situation and your situation are different. Love is not enough to justify your actions." Auntie's voice was firm.

Of course, that's the normal people's opinion but how since she was with it? Honestly, I had no idea. But let's not dwell on it anymore.

"I'm not trying to justify it. I only needed your understanding. I know I have nothing on my name right now but I don't intend to stay that way. If... in a few years, I'm still nobody like you said, I will give you my word that I'll let Otoha go. But for now, I'd like to prove myself to you. Give Otoha a chance to be with someone she loves."

Upon saying that, I bowed deeply, tilting my body forward for almost 90 degrees. It was a gesture of respect that I rarely showed, but in this situation, it was necessary.

I maintained that for a long time, waiting for Auntie's response.

I could hear her pacing a bit. I could see her feet trembling slightly. She's angry, of course, but what else could she say in this situation? Unless she revealed her real reason for her opposition, she could only relent.

"Fine. I'll give you that chance," Auntie finally spoke, her voice softer than before but not entirely convinced. "But remember this. You're on thin ice, Onoda Ruki. If you ever hurt Otoha or bring disgrace to this family, I won't hold back. I'll make sure you regret ever laying your eyes on her."

"Yes."

I swiftly answered but inwardly, I was smirking. Even at the end, she pretended she didn't have any motive to use her daughter for her selfish reasons. But who knows? She might be sincere about it this time but I didn't have any motivation to confirm it. This was enough.

—

When I stepped out of the study, both Otoha and Hitomi were waiting nearby.

"How did it go?" Concern was etched on Otoha's features as she approached me. Hitomi, on the other hand, silently looked on but she's probably as concerned as Otoha.

"Well, she's not thrilled, but she's agreed to give us a chance," I replied with a wry smile. That's the best outcome at the moment.

"I'll help in convincing her, Ruki. You focus on what you need to do."

"Mhm, I'll leave it to you then. But don't push yourself if it's difficult, alright?"

"She's still my mother... I don't believe she'll keep being this difficult."

Otoha hugged me, her resolve clearly delivered from her voice. After a while, I pulled Hitomi for a group hug.

My departure was imminent. We’re going to savor every second of it.

—

After this, we returned to Otoha’s room and then I met with their fathers once again.

I thought it would be a continuation of last night but Uncle was more curious about my connection to the eccentric old man.

I don't know. From the way he worded his questions, it felt like he was avoiding meeting his own son. Most likely preparing him to take over soon. Unlike Otoha who he dotes on the most, he’s really harsh to the other members of his family.

Or at least, that’s what I heard from Hidekazu.

I mean, that old man is already gearing up for retirement, after all. He had already been hospitalized once. He'll probably not wait until he collapses again before sorting out his will and the inheritance.

For sure, he'll divide it among his children and leave a bit to his grandchildren.

And since Otoha also decided to step up and get a position -- even if it's only managerial in a small subsidiary, she'll definitely be protected by him. As for whether she’s going to get more, I guess it will eventually depend on her father or if she shows excellence in her work.

An hour later, Hitomi drove me home. As much as I wanted to stay with them a little longer, my weekend was packed.

First on my schedule, visiting Mina and Yayoi-san. I will be eating lunch with them. And after that, I’ll be picking up Yuika-senpai. Today is that Special Swimming Class for her.