Two Hearts, One Rhythm

Prologue

Will my love be truly shown through the grandest of things?

Ever since I was a child, I liked everything to be superior and top tier. It may seem like I was competing with everyone, but I just like everything to be splendid. I want everything to be full of glitter–metaphorically.

I don't like simple things. Simple is not in my vocabulary because it felt like a sin to be simple. May it be in clothing, lifestyle, or any aspects in life.

Maybe this is the influence of my Madrina Samantha, Crim's mother and also my godmother. All of our parents were friends ever since they were in high school, and we still find it to be truly amazing how they found their significant half within their set of friends.

Madrina Samantha is the epitome of classic elegance. She moves with grace and speaks with a clear modulation of voice. She likes fabulous things that branded items shine in her eyes. Everything about her screams sophistication that I can't help but admire her more up to the point of wanting to be like her.

I speak so highly of my madrina that I forgot I have a mom!

"Hoy, Ana! Hindi ka pa ba kikilos diyan? You've been staring nowhere for the past five minutes! Ano ba maganda diyan sa pader?" My mom asked as she put her hands on her waist and also looked at the wall I've been blankly staring at.

I blinked rapidly as if breaking the trance I'm in. I rolled my eyes at her as she looked so ridiculous looking at the wall! I know she's mocking me but she looks so tanga!

"You're so epal, mommy."

"Aba! 'Wag mo akong ma conyo conyo at pinapakilos lang kita! Bakit ka pa rin ba nandiyan? Naghihintay na sila sa baba!"

I sighed. "Tinatamad po ako."

My mom laughed. "Hirap pa rin siya magsalita."

I groaned. "Epal talaga! Magsama nga kayo ni Crim!"

"Nasa baba na sila, anak. You still don't want to go down? Even your father's waiting for you."

I looked at her and realized I am truly her daughter. Our face resembles a lot! We may differ in our attitude, but there's no doubt I am her daughter.

"Do I really need to do this?" I asked. My mom sighed and sat next to me. I was sitting on a bench inside my bedroom and was staring nowhere for minutes. Contemplating if this will be a good idea.

My mom, Mildrina, held my hands and looked through my eyes. "Anak, don't you remember the promise you made to your abuela when you were young?"

I pouted and looked at our hands. "Of course, I remember. I was just wondering if that will be the final decision? No changing of decisions na?" I asked with a voice full of hope.

Mom chuckled. I frowned at her. The audacity to laugh about my dilemma!

"Anak, ayaw mo ba talaga? Mabait naman iyon."

I sighed. "It's not like I don't like him. I see him as a good man naman. I just don't think we belong?"

"You just don't think you belong or...may iba?" My mom asked, that it made me still for a bit.

Mierda!

I blinked rapidly at umiwas ng tingin. Of course, she will ask that! And, I can't answer that without feeling guilty!

I love the grandest of things, even the grandest gestures. Basta everything splendid! People knew me as being the most fabulous person among Crim and Bella. They knew me as someone who would shout about the branded items I have. Someone who has the luxury and taste.

Of course, Crim and Bella also have taste. I'm just saying that I'm the fabulous one among us three! The material girl, they say.

But there's one thing they don't know about me. One thing that I can't shout to the top of the rooftops yet. Something in secret. I am selfish for that one part in my life.

"Ano, anak? May iba ba?" Mom asked. Nanliit pa ang mga mata na parang binabantayan kung may lalabas na emotions sa mukha ko.

I cleared my throat. "Of course, there's none! I was just wary about this decision. We may face hell if this continues." I shrugged.

"Sa ugali mong 'yan, impyerno talaga."

I groaned and punched her arm softly. "I still don't know if you're truly my mother. Epal!"

Mom bursted into laughter. "Sabi nga nila Samantha na baka si Crim talaga anak ko, pero naalala ko naman na magkamukha tayo! Walang duda! Carbon copy nga kita!"

"Then, why are you such a bully if I am your daughter?" I asked. I rolled my eyes and stood up to face the vanity mirror.

"Ibig sabihin lang nun, mahal kita."

"K." I replied as I fixed my hair. Maybe going down will be a good idea so that my mom will stop pestering me!

"You know that this will be beneficial to our family's company. Optimum Pharmart Inc. will bloom more if we partnered it with a famous hospital. Company partnership is important to your abuela when she is still alive because she wants to continue the legacy of the company. Marrying you off to an heir is a good thing, that's why your abuela considered this." Mom's long litany started.

"Both your father and I agree to this arrangement because we met the man and he will treat you well. Naalala mo ba na sinabi rin namin sa iyo noon na pwede kang humindi pero you love your abuela so much that you also wanted this to happen. So, what changed, anak?"

I stopped and remembered that I also made a promise to my abuela that this will happen. I put so much power before to make this happen. That's how much I love my abuela. It's too bad that she was gone too soon.

"You promised her that on your 25th birthday, this engagement will commence."

Inalis ko na ang tingin ko sa salamin at umikot para tumingin ulit sa kanya. My mom's smiling softly at me as if trying to comfort me. She then stood up from the bench and walked closer to me. She held my hands and looked straight into my eyes.

"Happy birthday, my dearest Mildred Anastasia. You have been an amazing daughter and the future of the Frontera household. I'm sorry if you ever have pressure to hold such a surname. We're just worried about you. Gusto mo pa bang ituloy ito? Please tell me. It is not in our intention to force you into something you don't want."

I looked at my mom and realized that they really are worried about me. They just want to secure a good future for me. They don't want me to fall into the wrong hands.

But, what if I want to fall into another man's hands?

What if I really did change my decision?

What if I don't want this to happen anymore?

Am I still the future of our family?

Family pressure is truly a bitch. As much as I love this family, I also want to hide from them and just forget this old promise of mine.

"So, what's your answer, anak? Do you still want to continue this?" Mom asked again because I was just staring at her.

It took me a couple of seconds and countless bats of my eyelash to finally answer her. "Let's go downstairs, mom."

My mom smiled and held me by the arm as we walked towards the door.

The beating of my heart went abnormal, knowing what lies on the other side of the door. And, it's certainly not him.

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