Two Hearts, One Rhythm

Chapter 3

"Surprise!"

Streams of party poppers and confetti slapped me as I entered the place. Lively music played in the background as I continued to look at the confetti falling in front of me, still bewildered. Yeah! Surprise, indeed!

I was still in trance when all of the sudden, Levi appeared in front of me. Smiling, and holding a banner that says 'Congratulations!' and a bouquet in hand.

He did all of this? My gosh!

"Hey. Magsalita ka naman." Levi laughed and even waved his hands in front of my face. I blinked and looked at him in awe.

"You did all of this?"

He smirked and tilted his head to the side. "What do you think?"

I looked at him and appreciated his effort. This is truly something for me. I nodded. "Thank you so much for this. Nag abala ka pa." I said as I also got the bouquet from his hand.

He chuckled. "I know how much you like everything to be grand, so I gave you that."

I smiled and went closer to him. I hugged him with one hand since the other is preoccupied. He hugged me back. Some moments later, he let me go and guided me to sit. Apparently, there's a round table for two in the middle of this place!

When we sat, I looked around, still amazed. "Did you rent the whole place?"

He raised his brows at me. "For you."

I rolled my eyes. "Oh, please. Stop flirting."

He laughed and let me continue to wander my gaze around the place.

A vintage coffee shop is what he rented for this surprise to commence. There's only two people, aside from us, here inside. I'm guessing they will be our servers for today.

Levi really got taste, huh.

I looked back at him. "Please tell me that this isn't a date."

"Do you want to?"

"No! You know I don't like you."

"Ouch, sweetheart!"

I groaned. "Enough with the endearment, you disgust me."

"That's not something to say to your future hubby, love."

I deadpan looked at him and he looked at me with a mocking smile as if trying to challenge me.

Oh, right! He has this typical bad boy look that will literally make you fall into your knees. When I saw him for the first time, I knew how his face resembled the 90's Johnny Depp. A walking heartbreaker, indeed.

I would say that I, too, look like a walking heartbreaker. I am that pretty!

Somehow, one could mistake me and Crim as sisters from afar. She was just a bit taller than me. We have the same face shape, the only difference is my eyes were monolid because of my mom whereas hers were upturned eyes that makes her fierce. Our lips were both heart shaped, but hers were a bit more pouted. Crim's hair is curly and long whereas mine is straight and falls just below my shoulders.

Yes, our adoptive child is Bella who really looks like a child. Our baby whom we want to protect from the world.

Nanliit ang mga eyes ko. "Are you mocking me?"

He laughed. "Come on! We're just warming up! Tagal natin hindi nagkita, mag aaway pa tayo nang ganito."

"You started it first!"

"Okay, I'll stop. I'm sorry, Mildred."

I rolled my eyes at him then smiled afterwards. "I really appreciate this. Thank you for this, Levi."

"Anything to spoil you."

He then gestured to one of the servers to serve us coffee and snacks. Levi and I talked about what will be my plans after graduation and we also talked about the nature of his work.

I admit, Levi is fun to be with. But, as much as I want to keep my promise, I just can't fully commit to him. And I know he can't too. The only invisible force pulling us closer is the promise I have with my abuela.

"Do you have plans for your 22nd?" Levi asked me after a few moments.

"Nope, not yet. Why?" I sipped on my coffee then took a bite on my muffin.

"I was just asking. I was hoping you'll invite me." He smirked.

I rolled my eyes. "Feeler. But, I still don't have plans. Will tell you if meron."

"Eh, sa 25th mo, do you have plans?"

"Oh, don't get me started on that."

He laughed and afterwards became serious as he stared at me. He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned on the table. "Do you really want to do this, Mildred?"

"What do you mean?"

"Getting married to me."

I frowned at him. "You know I will keep my promise to my abuela even though I don't like you."

"Are you really sure?"

"Yes! Why are you forcing me to say something opposing the idea?"

"Because you look like someone who's opposing the idea. You contradict what you're saying, sweetheart." He raised his brows at me and even gave me a taunting smile.

"Paano mo na say?" I challenged him.

He chuckled and shook his head then looked at me with amusement. "Conyo pa rin talaga. Hirap ka pa rin?"

"I can speak Tagalog continuously. I just can't help it being conyo. It's not a sin naman eh!"

"The accent is amazing. Keep doing that, sweetheart."

"Stop bullying me. Pareho kayo ni Crim." I rolled my eyes.

He chuckled. "Oh, sige. Enough na." Then became serious once again and asked me. "What will happen if there's someone who wants to be in your life? Would you leave me for him?"

I stilled for a bit. Naghahanap ako ng answers for his question, and I came up with nothing! But, there's someone who comes to mind!

"Would you break your promise to your abuela if you found that someone?" He continued.

I blinked rapidly as I continued to look at him. My lips parted as if trying to answer him yet I will purse my lips when there's no words coming out. Maybe he noticed the struggle I am facing because he smirked and laughed at me.

"May iba ba, Mildred?"

I still don't know what to say. No words were coming out of my mouth and my heartbeat suddenly kept beating at an abnormal rate. Palpitate lang sana!

"Why are you speechless, sweetheart? I was just asking!" Levi beamed and I know that he's making fun of me.

I glared at him, and he only laughed.

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