The Constant Beat - LingOrm (Completed)

Chapter 19

As they drove back to Keia's penthouse, Seline marveled at the luxurious apartment. It was spacious, modern, and... a little empty. "You don't have food in your fridge?" she asked, peering into the empty shelves.

"I usually eat out or order delivery," Keia admitted sheepishly.

"That's it. I'm cooking for you next time, and you'll just have to preheat it," Seline teased, earning a bright smile from Keia.

As they settled down, Keia's tone grew serious. "Teerak, why don't we live together?"

Seline paused, surprised by the sudden question. "Keia, that's a little fast, don't you think?"

Keia shrugged. "Come on, most couples move in together after a few months, especially us in the community," she teased.

Seline laughed, but her tone turned thoughtful. "Maybe, but let's set some boundaries first. I don't want you to meddle with my work. I want to earn my place on my own."

Keia nodded in agreement. "I understand. And I don't want you to meddle with mine either."

They went out to eat in their favorite cafe, they fell into a comfortable silence, munching on pastries as the evening light and people's voices filled the room.

Then, with a sudden, nervous gesture, Keia reached into her jacket and pulled out a navy velvet box, placing it on the table.

"I know it's too soon, but I need to do this," Keia said, her voice trembling slightly. "Seline Kwong, will you accept this ring as a symbol of my love?" She knelt down on one knee.

Seline's breath hitched. Tears welled in her eyes as she pulled out a purple velvet box from her bag, a heart-shaped diamond ring inside. Keia gasped, her voice faltering as tears fell down her cheeks.

"I was going to propose to you on our 7th month," Seline confessed. "But here we are."

The two women, both on their knees, exchanged rings, tears of joy mingling with laughter. Seline and Keia sealed the moment with a kiss, knowing that their love, was built on trust and understanding.

As Seline and Keia pulled apart from their kiss, the café erupted into applause, with even a few customers cheering and raising their glasses in a toast to the newly engaged couple.

The café owner, who often exchanged warm smiles and small talks with Seline on her morning coffee runs, approached with a broad grin and a tear glistening at the corner of her eye.

"Congratulations, you two," she said, placing a stunning cake on their table. A delicate inscription in gold script read, "To Love and New Beginnings." She made it by mistake early in the morning. She wonders why she made this mistake, maybe it's not a mistake after all.

Keia looked around at the well-wishers, slightly taken aback by the spontaneous celebration. She squeezed Seline's hand tighter. "This is... perfect," she whispered, her voice filled with emotion.

Seline's eyes sparkled as she glanced at Keia. "I didn't expect to have a crowd for our moment, but somehow it feels right, doesn't it?"

A friendly barista offered to take a picture, and soon the two of them were posing, fingers intertwined with their new rings gleaming.

They leaned into each other, laughter bubbling up as they held each other close, completely absorbed in their shared happiness.

Customers who didn't know them were smiling and cheering on their way out, as if their love story had somehow brought light into everyone's day.

Keia gently turned to Seline, her eyes suddenly serious but still brimming with excitement. "Actually, Teerak," she said, her thumb lightly brushing over Seline's knuckles, "there's one more thing I'd love to do now, if you're up for it."

Seline looked at her, her heartbeat picking up. "What do you mean?" Keia took a deep breath, her face softening with both hope and excitement.

"I'd like you to meet my parents, tonight."

Seline's jaw dropped a little as she blinked in surprise. "Tonight?" she managed, a mixture of excitement and nervousness flickering in her eyes.

Keia's warm smile held a reassuring calm. "Yes. They're hosting a little family dinner, and... I know it's last minute, but I'd love for you to be there. It's important to me that you meet them, especially now."

Seline's initial surprise melted into a gentle smile as she saw how much this meant to Keia. She nodded, her eyes softening with affection. "I'd love to meet them, Keia. Really."

They left the café together, hand in hand, both feeling the electricity of anticipation as they strolled toward Keia's car. The drive was filled with quiet, excited glances and whispered plans for the future.

Keia turned on their favorite playlist, and they sang softly to each other, Seline's nervous energy decreased with each passing moment.

When they arrived at Keia's family home, a stately, modern house set atop a hill, Seline took a deep breath, clutching Keia's hand just a bit tighter.

She wasn't one to get easily nervous, but standing at the threshold of such a major step left her heart fluttering.

"Hey," Keia whispered, catching her gaze, "they'll love you. Just be yourself."

Keia's mother, a poised, graceful woman with kind eyes and an undeniable warmth, greeted them at the door.

Her face lit up when she saw Seline, and she pulled her in for a hug. "It's so wonderful to finally meet you, Seline," she said, giving Keia a knowing look.

"My daughter has told me so much about you." Seline couldn't help but blush. "It's such an honor to be here, really."

As the evening unfolded, Seline found herself quickly at ease. Keia's family treated her like one of their own, laughing at her stories, asking questions about her work, and welcoming her into their circle with open arms.

Keia's father, a man of few words but a warm heart, gave her an approving nod when she shared her commitment to her job and her dreams for the future.

Even Keia's sibling, though playful in their teasing, accepted her with the same warmth, trading inside jokes with Keia and soon, including Seline in them too.

When the evening drew to a close, Keia took Seline's hand and led her to the garden, where twinkling fairy lights illuminated the night.

She looked at Seline, her eyes shining with pride and love. "I know tonight was a lot, but... I couldn't wait any longer. I'm so happy to be with you." Seline gazed back, feeling overwhelmed by the depth of her emotions.

"I'm the lucky one, Keia. Thank you for letting me into this part of your life. I feel like... I'm exactly where I belong."

And in that quiet moment, as they held each other close under the stars, Seline knew that this was just the beginning of a new, incredible journey, one they would face side by side, through every triumph, every challenge, and every moment that would make their love story truly unforgettable.

FIN.