Destined Hearts - 4. Chapter 4: The situation gets more complicated with the return of Bruce.

Praveen was standing in the doorway still trying to understand what was going on. He had his eyes fixed on Antonio and the man he was holding as if his life depended on it. He expected Antonio to stop, maybe move away from the guy and then say something but he was still holding him. Praveen felt as if his breaths had just seized. He had no idea why he felt betrayed when he knew that he wasn't even close to Antonio.

On the other hand, Antonio didn't give a hoot if the boy was hurt or not. He just held Bruce closer to his body, staring at the boy that looked as if he saw a ghost. He had no idea what was going on but he was glad Praveen had come to the room to see things for himself.

Praveen couldn't still believe what he saw. He tried to say something but no word came out of his mouth. He was dumbstruck, staring at the two of them. The guy didn't even mind that Praveen had found them. He was holding on to Antonio like he wanted to be part of him.

Without saying a word, Praveen turned to leave but before he even took a step,

"Hey!" He heard Antonio harshly calling him back.

He stood still without turning because he couldn't stand seeing the two of them. Praveen took a deep breath and got his confidence.

"Mother wants you downstairs immediately." He hollered, trying to make himself sound confident. "She is waiting for you and...."

"And what?" Antonio said harshly. "Come here." He demanded.

Praveen took a deep breath, slowly turning. He didn't want to take orders from Antonio but he found himself closing the door and slowly moving to the couple that didn't want to let go of each other. It was really painful to see and he had no idea why he felt that way. He went in front of him and stood closer, staring at him as if he was the devil himself.

Seeing this, Bruce just smirked and stared at the badly looking boy. He wanted to show him that he was the only one that owned Antonio's, beautiful heart. He was the only one that deserved to be married to him.

"And why exactly are you here?" Antonio groaned, still holding Bruce closer to him.

"I told you, mother...." He closed his eyes and caught his breath. "...sent me here to come and...."

"Or maybe you are just following me around so that you can...."

"Why would I do that?" He asked. "I was downstairs when...."

"Anyway," Antonio smiled brightly, placing a kiss on Bruce's head. Praveen felt tears building up in his eyes slowly but he wasn't gonna cry at all because he wasn't in love with Antonio anyway. "It's a good thing that you are here." He continued. "I want to show you someone and...."

"I'm not interested." He said harshly, giving Antonio a cold look. "I just...."

"Why shouldn't you be interested?" He laughed manically. "I assure you that you are gonna love my introduction and you have no choice anyway."

Antonio moved behind Bruce, wrapping his arms around his waist. Bruce felt on top of the world. He felt like the luckiest guy ever and he giggled happily, hurting Praveen even more. Praveen knew that he shared no relations with Antonio but Antonio should have respected their room.

"I would like you to meet the love of my life...." Antonio announced, kissing Bruce's neck. "His name is Bruce and he is my boyfriend, the man I love and the one I will be marrying very soon."

The moment Antonio said those words, a cold wind started blowing slowly on Praveen's face. Everything went quiet and his heartfelt cold. His blood got cold and he simply froze where he stood. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. His heart started pounding weakly but painful. He couldn't move and he couldn't even move his eyes away from Antonio, his husband.

"And the one I will be marrying very soon."

Praveen had never felt the way he felt at that time. He felt weak in the knees, a cold shiver ran down his spine and his eyes watered even more. But what surprised him the most was that he couldn't even cry. Maybe the shock was just too much for him.

"I know this is a shock to you but Bruce is the love of my life." He continued, still kissing his neck sensually. Bruce made things even worse for Praveen. "He is the only one I have ever loved and he is a supermodel. He is classy, elegant, extremely beautiful, and famous unlike you. We are the perfect couple aren't we?"

Praveen tried to open his mouth but no word came out. The shock was just too much for him to handle. He didn't even know how to react.

"Now that I have shown you the man I love and the man I will be marrying very soon, I think it will be better for you to just leave this place so that we can all live in peace."

Praveen felt a terrible pain in his chest. "Mother is...."

"I know because I heard that already." He raged, getting away from Bruce. "But next time, don't you ever disturb me when I have better things to do." He warned, pointing angrily at Praveen.

With an angry growl, Antonio turned and faced his lover. His face brightened up and he wrapped his arms around his waist. Praveen was supposed to leave but he was glued at the same place he stood.

"Baby, I have to go and answer my mom." He said in the sweetest voice Praveen had ever from him. "I will be back later."

"It's okay, my love." Brue moaned, wrapping his arms around Antonio's neck. "I love you."

"I love you too."

With a smile, Antonio leaned down and French kissed Bruce right there.

Praveen quickly moved his eyes and looked away, furiously rubbing the tear that went down his face. He had thought he had experienced the worst pain yet but that was too much for him. He had been suffering as it was and he didn't wanna suffer anymore.

Antonio broke the kiss, looked angrily at the ugly boy, and then stormed out of the room leaving Praveen and Bruce alone. Praveen slowly raised his face, staring into the beautiful face of the man that stood in front of him giving him what looked like a smirk. He couldn't move an inch of his body. He couldn't even say anything.

He was hurt as it was and staring at the man just made things worse. He took a deep breath and started to turn before...

"Excuse me!" He heard the man finally say.

Praveen just stood and looked at the man. He tried to open his mouth to say something but he couldn't still do it. He was speechless.

"So you are the boy that got married to my boyfriend?" Bruce asked, dropping his hands as a smirk brightened his face up. "I would have said that I am happy for you and all those kinds of beautiful words but you heard it from Antonio...." He slowly started getting closer to Praveen. "...He and I are very much in love with each other and we will be getting married soon."

Praveen opened his mouth to say something but...

"You don't have to say anything, darling." Bruce interrupted as he got even closer. "I can tell that you are shocked already but it is something you have to face. Wake up and face reality, baby." He mocked, snapping his fingers in front of his face. "You and Antonio might be married but he is in love with me. Don't think that I am trying to stand in your happiness. It should be the other way around. You are the obstacle in my way and...."

"I... I...." Praveen's mouth shook horribly. "...I didn't know that...."

"Now you know," Bruce said hoarsely, putting more pain into Praveen. "He is the man I love and we've been together for a long time. He might be married but he is still mine and..."

"You don't have to tell me anything." Praveen swallowed his pain and took back his confidence.

He felt betrayed, stupid, and foolish. He wanted to cry but he promised himself not to. He wasn't gonna allow anyone to step on him. His heart at that moment was pounding so deep in his chest that he felt as if he was gonna have a heart attack. His blood was moving so fast that he could have sworn he heard it passing through his ears.

"I know where I stand with Antonio." He chuckled bitterly, trying not to show any pain. "I have to go downstairs. Mother is probably waiting for me."

With one final look at Bruce, Praveen took a quick turn and started getting out of the room. He felt a headache developing and it made him worried. When he however was about to reach the door, it opened wide and a smiling or rather smirking Andrea came inside. Praveen stopped in his tracks and looked at her without showing any emotions on his face.

"Oh!" She chuckled, folding her arms on her chest. "So you are here too?" She laughed. "This is great because I am sure you've met Antonio's lovely fiancé, the man he will be marrying very soon."

Praveen looked at his sister in law and then moved his eyes away just to avoid looking at her.

"I am sure it hurts right now because your plans have been ruined, right?"

"I don't know what you are talking about and...."

"You think I don't know." She laughed manically, raising her voice. "I know that you have been thinking about seducing my brother and then...."

"I have never had such thoughts because...."

"Oh please!" She groaned, furiously dropping her hands. "I know what stupid boys like you think but your plans won't work because now his boyfriend is here. You will never have my brother and besides...." She paused, looking at him from head to toe as if he was the most disgusting thing she had ever seen. "....I don't think you would have succeeded because you are not in his class."

Praveen slightly closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to relieve himself from the painful tightening in his chest. He looked at her and saw nothing but evil in her eyes. A lot was going on in his mind that he didn't even know what to do anymore.

"You are just a poor, dirty, and uncivilized boy from a dirty village." She raged, pointing angrily at him. "Not even our security guard would be seduced by you. But have you taken a good look at Bruce...." She smiled, gesturing with her eyes. "...he is handsome, sexy, classy, elegant, rich and extremely famous. He is a famous high fashion model and guess what honey...." She laughed, shaking her head in mock while she chirped. "...those are the qualities you luck and you will never have in your little pathetic life."

A tear went down Praveen's cheek which he slowly rubbed. He couldn't stay there anymore so he simply left the two of them. He could hear Andrea giving a really loud laugh.

Reaching outside, Praveen leaned to a wall and slowly thought about his life. He felt as if his chest was being compressed. He felt suffocated and he knew at that moment that his suffering was gonna increase. He didn't know what to do anymore. He didn't even know if he could keep quiet anymore. It looked like he had been causing the family a lot of problems. He didn't even realize that he had caused a lift between Antonio and whoever. It was painful.

Praveen was so lost that he didn't even know if he wanted to continue with the party anymore. His head was so messed up that he couldn't even think properly. His heart was pounding deep in his chest that he felt a lot of pain with each beat it made.

Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder that made him jump and gasp. He quickly turned and found Antonio's friend Ethan looking at him with a puzzled look.

"I am sorry," Ethan apologized, looking at Praveen with worry on his face. "I didn't mean to scare you."

"It's fine," Praveen said with a serious face. "I... I..."

"You don't look so well," Ethan asked, still staring at him as if he suspected something was wrong. "Is everything all right with you?"

Praveen smiled brightly, hiding his pain and wound from Ethan. "Yes! I just feel exhausted from all the introductions and the party itself. I came to catch some air up here."

"Oh!" Ethan smiled brightly, chuckling softly. "For a moment I thought there was something wrong with you."

"No!" He shook his head.

"Anyway, you shouldn't worry about this." He rested his hand on Praveen's shoulder, squeezing it lovingly. "You will get used to it and you will enjoy it. They usually throw parties like this and I am sure you will get to enjoy all of them."

With the way everything was going, Praveen didn't even know if he was gonna reach the next party. He had no idea when Antonio was gonna wake up, insult him, and throw him out. His mood was completely ruined but he had to endure it for the sake of the happiness of others.

He looked at Ethan and just that smile on his face made him feel a little better. He had no idea why Antonio couldn't just be like his best friend. He was the opposite of everything he had ever dreamed of in a man. But at least his friend seemed nice enough. With all that was going on, Praveen started wondering if Ethan knew about everything that was happening.

"Aunt Mil is waiting downstairs. She's been looking for you for some time." He said in the sweetest voice Praveen had ever heard in his life.

"Yes!" He nodded. "Let's go."

Praveen smiled and he followed Ethan downstairs. When he was coming down the stairs, he spotted Antonio with Emilia and his heart started pounding even harder in his chest. He didn't even know if he wanted to be there anymore. His nerves were getting the best of him and he had to be confident. Antonio was laughing and smiling as if he was an angel but all that Praveen saw was this evil person that had no pity or even a heart.

He slowly came downstairs, still staring at the man that he didn't know what to think of anymore.

On the other hand, Antonio saw Praveen and it brought nothing but happiness to his heart. He could tell that he was bothered but that was what made him so happy. He loved seeing Praveen suffering because it brought him peace and happiness.

"There you are." Emilia chuckled happily, holding Praveen's hand. "Where did you go? I thought you went to get Antonio but he is already here."

Hearing his mother's question, Antonio laughed teasingly. "Maybe he just got lost in this big house and couldn't find his way."

Praveen raised his face, staring into his husband's face without giving him any emotional expression. He couldn't believe Antonio still had to tease him when he was the one that had left him after introducing him to his lover.

"No!" Praveen said softly. "I was actually... doing something. I am sorry that...."

"You don't have to apologize," Emilia said softly, rubbing on the tip of his hand with a smile on her face. "But this party was thrown for you and Antonio. It wouldn't look good if both of the grooms got lost. You need to interact with your guests."

"I think aunt is right," Ethan said with a pat on Antonio's shoulder. "You've been talking to your fans and partners alone. Why don't you take Praveen with you so that you can...."

"No!" Praveen stuttered, shaking his head. "I don't think that...."

"Why of course." Antonio seductively got closer to Praveen, staring into his beautiful blue eyes which he thought were ugly. "I am sure he'd love that." He coiled his arm with Praveen's, pulling him closer to his body.

What now, Praveen thought as he wondered what Antonio was up to. He was hurt enough already and he didn't wanna get hurt more. He just wanted to run away from the party and be alone, somewhere where no one would be able to find him. Somewhere where he would leave in peace but he couldn't just do that.

"Let's go so that I can introduce you."

Ethan and Emilia looked at each other and then left the two of them together. As soon as they left, Antonio gave a manic chuckle, still coiled to Praveen's arm. He knew just what to do. He couldn't even explain the happiness he was feeling at that particular time.

"So what should I introduce you as?" He asked, looking all around. "All these people just look so elegant and even in those clothes you are wearing, one can still tell that you are from a really poor family. They can tell that you are the only different one."

Praveen didn't care anymore. He furiously moved his arm away, drawing a laugh from Antonio.

"Just take a good look at me and just think...." He said softly, his voice sounding like a whisper. "...what would people think of me if at all I introduced you as my husband. They would be...."

"Antonio, please..." Praveen said in the most painful voice ever. His heart was bleeding at that moment. "...you have made your point. Will you just leave me alone?"

"Why?" He asked, shrugging his shoulder. "I thought you wanted to be around me. Besides, mom wants the two of us to bond. This is what bonding with me is."

He raised his eyes and stared at Antonio. He took a deep breath, trying to leave that place but Antonio furiously pulled his arm, bringing him closer. Suddenly, Praveen's heart started pounding deep in his chest and his breaths became harsh.

"Where do you think you are going?" Antonio groaned, tightening his grip on the boy's arm. "I wasn't done talking to you."

Praveen was scared. He moved his eyes around, trying to see if anyone was looking but they were all busy with talking and smiling at each other. Antonio had his arm painfully gripped. It was the same arm he had hurt while they were dancing.

"You are hurting me," Praveen said with a wince. "Please!"

"Don't boys like you love pain?" He breathed on his neck, making it look as if he was just talking to him. He was even smiling so that no one would suspect what was going on. "I thought you are willing to endure the pain as long as you are in this peaceful family because you only know how to destroy relationships. You are like poison to this house and...."

"Please!" He pleaded. "Let me go. My arm is bruised already and...."

"And why should I care?" He groaned, making the boy even more scared. "This is the only good thing you are good for in this house. You are in this marriage so that you could suffer so you better get used or...."

Before Antonio finished his sentence, Praveen used his entire might and furiously released his hand from Antonio's grip. It hurt like hell but he at least he managed to release his hand. Now he was sure from the pain he was feeling that he was bruised.

He looked at Antonio and saw him smirking. He couldn't believe what he was passing through. He had a choice to just leave but he also had a promise to keep. He had no idea how much pain he was willing to endure that night.

Meanwhile, Ethan's craziness got to another level and he went in front of the guests and took a microphone. He had a crazy idea which he thought was gonna make things even spicier not knowing what Praveen was passing through.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am sorry for interrupting your lovely moment but...." He paused and chuckled when everyone had their attention on him. "....I would like to do something special for the two grooms of the night. I think this party is getting a little boring so I would like to make it spicier." He breathed and raised his voice. "Before anything, may I have the two grooms in front please?"

"What now?" Antonio groaned, getting pissed at his friend's move.

He just wanted to be out of there so that he could be with his boyfriend. He had missed him so much that he just wanted to be with him. He wanted to hold him, kiss him, and possibly make love to him. But everything was going parallel to what he thought.
On the other hand, Praveen was really tired, bruised, and extremely hurt. He just wanted for the party to end so that he could rest his head and forget about everything that had happened and probably wake up to find it was all a nightmare. Why was this happening?

Anyway, Antonio and Praveen walked to the front of the guests and did their best to smile. Antonio wanted to gesture to his friend to stop but it seemed he was not in luck because he was busy with what he was doing.

"Now that we have the grooms in front, I have a very special surprise for you."

Ethan moved his eyes to the other side where the DJ was seated and gestured to him. Immediately he did, music started playing and Antonio couldn't believe what happened next.

"Now that we have the song," He laughed. "Why don't the two grooms give us a wonderful dance that will make us happy?'

Immediately he said those words, Praveen's eyes widened as his breaths seized and his heart stopped beating. Fear crept through his body and he felt really cold. He didn't know what to do because he had no idea what Antonio was gonna do to him. A cold shiver ran down his spine and he groaned, freezing where he stood.

"Come on," Ethan shouted through the mic.

The music started playing loudly and it wasn't a slow song at all. Antonio had sung that song and he could remember it very well. Its title was, "Move your body with the music."

Antonio wanted to say something but the fans started cheering, pleading for him to give them something memorable. Praveen had never been so scared in his life as he was at that time. He looked at everyone and he felt as if they were judging him. He was scared and he knew what he had to do.

Taking a deep breath and confidence, Praveen quickly turned to leave but something happened that surprised him and made him even more scared. As he was about to leave, Antonio pulled his arm and brought him closer to his body. He wrapped his arms around his waist tightly, slowly moving with the music.

Praveen was dumbfounded at what happened. He hadn't expected that to happen at all. He felt weak in the knees and he still wanted to run away but the problem was that he couldn't even move when Antonio moved slowly with the music. It was strange because he hadn't expected that from Antonio.

Antonio had a great plan and he knew he was gonna put it into action. Everyone was cheering for them but Praveen was feeling uneasy. He had no idea if he wanted to dance at all because his mood was already ruined as it was.

Suddenly, Antonio held Praveen's hand tightly and started spinning him around with the music. Praveen was caught off guard and he knew at that moment that he had to do something. But before he even reacted, Antonio pulled him closer to himself and quickly spun him around. He wanted to keep up but he couldn't do it. At that moment he found out what Antonio was trying to do to him. He held on closer to him, staring at his face. From that smirk on his face, he could tell what was on his mind.

Meanwhile, Antonio was having fun with what he was doing. He knew Praveen couldn't keep up with him so he used that against him. The music was fast so he was moving Praveen from side to side, spinning him at every chance he got.

Praveen had never prayed for any song to finish faster than he did at that time. He was getting tired, dizzy and he was breathing faster. His hair was getting messy and there was no way to tell Antonio to stop. He couldn't do anything especially with the watching guests.

Finally, the song started reaching its climax and Antonio knew what to do. He spun Praveen so fast that he simply lost his balance and started heading for the floor. Praveen was scared he was gonna get embarrassed but got surprised when Antonio caught him and pulled him back.

Unfortunately for him, his spectacles dropped and fell to the floor. Praveen was breathing fast, his heart racing miles away. He stood closer to Antonio, looking into his mocking face. He felt really angry, embarrassed, and foolish because of the way Antonio had been moving him like a toy.

On the other hand, Antonio was looking right into Praveen's face, giving him that stupid smirk. He enjoyed the look the boy gave him. He wanted to laugh but he knew he had to control himself in front of his guests. He could see that Praveen's spectacles had dropped but he didn't care at all. He was even too excited to see how Praveen looked without his glasses.

With a chuckle, he slowly leaned down, picked up the spectacles, and slowly moved them closer to Praveen's face. He made him wear them and then smiled softly, not that he now loved the boy but because he was really happy.

"You don't look good without the glasses." He whispered.

Praveen slowly adjusted his specs and got out of the dance floor, leaving Antonio all alone.

"Are you okay?" He heard granny ask with concern in her voice.

Praveen smiled at her, slowly nodding his head. He was not okay.

"Yes!" He lied, still giving her a fake smile. "I am fine. Don't worry."

"What were you thinking?" Granny asked Antonio when she saw him coming. "You were moving so fast that Praveen couldn't keep up with you."

"Oh!" He chuckled softly. That was his plan and it worked. He looked at Praveen and the boy dropped his eyes. "I am truly sorry, granny. I just got lost in my song. Besides, I was there to hold him in case he had fallen."

"You should be careful next time," Emilia said as she came nearby. She went closer to Praveen and he smiled at her. "Are you sure you are okay?"

"Yes!" He smiled, assuring her that he was fine.

"Okay." She smiled, fixing his beautiful hair. "And now this crazy son of mine messed up your hair."

"I am sorry, mom...." Antonio apologized, still smirking at Praveen.

"It's fine." She smiled. "Just don't try that again. You know Praveen isn't used to that. I am sure he is also pretty tired."

Antonio looked at his mother and wrapped his arm around her, drawing chuckles from her. He loved her so much. He looked at Praveen and when their eyes met, he simply winked at him. Okay, Praveen had known Antonio was stupid but now he was wondering what was going on with him because he wasn't acting like himself.

***

Ethan was moving through the party, greeting everyone and smiling at the girls that looked as if they were eye-fucking him. He was really happy because his friend and Praveen seemed happy. There was nothing he wished for his best friend than happiness. He loved him so much and he truly deserved that.

Suddenly, he moved his eyes to the staircase and got the shock of his life. His heart stopped beating for a second... his eyes widened... His heart started pounding deep in his chest and his body felt hot and cold at the same time. A cold shiver ran down and he groaned.

Ethan had thought the party was gonna get more interesting but at that moment, he started to rethink. Right there in front of him coming down the stairs was Andrea smiling brightly as she looked everywhere. But what shocked him the most was not Andrea but the guy she was with. It was Bruce and he too was smiling.

"Oh no!" He gulped, rushing towards the stairs.

When Bruce saw him coming up the stairs, he smiled brightly at him stopping in his tracks. It wasn't his lover but he was happy seeing his best friend.

"Hey Ethan, how....."

"What are you doing here?" Ethan asked harshly.

"What?" Bruce chucked, wondering what was going on. "Ethan, is there anything...."

"I asked you a question, Bruce." He asked rudely. "What are you doing in Antonio's house? He is a married man now and as you can see...."

"What are you talking about?" Andrea asked, folding her arms on her chest. "What's wrong with Bruce being here?"

"Are you seriously asking me that?" He had to keep his voice down because he didn't wanna attract any attention. "You know exactly the relationship Antonio and Bruce shared before...."

"And how's that related to that?" She asked. "Bruce is here as my best friend. Why do you have a problem with that?"

"And yet you invited him knowing exactly what was going on and...."

"And if Antonio has no problem with it why should you have a problem with it?" Andrea said rudely, giving Ethan a really cold look.

The moment Ethan heard that from Andrea, he stood still, staring at her as if he had just seen a ghost. He couldn't believe what he had just heard.

"Wait! Antonio knows about this and he still allowed it?" He gasped as his eyes widened. He looked at Bruce and shook his head. "You shouldn't have come here."

With those words, he quickly turned and went down the stairs. He had no idea what Antonio had been thinking by bringing Bruce to the party. What if Praveen found out, he thought as he looked all around, trying to look for Antonio? He was scared because he knew it would cause trouble. He was just hoping Antonio wasn't doing anything with Bruce.

He started moving around the party and luckily he found Antonio talking to some guests. He slowly moved to him, coiled his arm, and moved him away from where no one would hear them. He made sure that Praveen wasn't anywhere near them.

"Hey, dude, what's with...."

"Are you stupid?" Ethan rasped, slightly hitting Antonio on the chest. He was really mad at him. "What were you thinking?"

"What?" Antonio couldn't explain how confused he was at that time. "What are you talking about?"

"Don't try to act smart with me, Antonio," Ethan warned, angrily pointing at him. "You and I know exactly what I am talking about and...."

"Seriously, dude, I....."

"Okay!" Ethan furiously dropped his arms. "Since you have decided to pretend then I will tell you but don't forget that you are now married and you have a huge responsibility to make your marriage work and...."

"Really?" Antonio lost the smile on his face, totally losing his temper. "You brought me out here just to lecture me about marriage? What the fuck is wrong with you and...."

"What is Bruce doing here?" Ethan asked in a demanding voice. "Why did you invite him here when you very well...."

"Bruce came here to surprise me." He chuckled and then lost the smile on his face. "You and I both know that Bruce and I have been in this relationship for a long time. I love Bruce and I will love him forever. Of all people I expected you to understand and...."

"You are a married man, Antonio." Ethan pointed out.

"And how's that supposed to change what I feel for Bruce?" He raged, clenching his fists. "Do you think it's easy...."

"Antonio, please, don't hurt that boy." Ethan breathed, pleading with his friend. "I am begging you to listen to me. That boy doesn't deserve this. He is married to you and...."

"Bruce and I are not doing anything wrong, okay." He said harshly. "And please, I don't wanna talk about this with you, okay?"

With those few words, Antonio angrily turned and went back to the party. His mood was completely ruined and he just wanted to get it over with soon. He was really mad that when he saw Praveen at the party, he simply hated him even more. He was the reason why everything was happening.

Meanwhile, Ethan came back to the party and the worry on his face couldn't be masked. He knew Bruce's presence was gonna breed trouble and hurt Praveen especially if he found out about everything. He moved his eyes and looked at the boy who seemed happy. He was happy that Praveen was at least happy and he intended to keep it that way. He had no idea why he was concerned about him.

What he had no idea of was that Praveen was hurting deep inside. Behind that beautiful boy was a broken boy who was suffering inside. He knew everything and even more but he chose to keep everyone happy.

The party went on without any problems and Ethan was happy it went that way.

***

Praveen was walking in the passage, feeling tired after the long day he had just had. He was only thinking of sleep, nothing more. That was the only thing that was on his mind. He was just hoping he was gonna get enough sleep because it was already midnight.

He reached his room in no time and as soon as he opened the door, he froze in the doorway and just stared in front of him. Antonio was in the room and he was hugging Bruce tightly like he wanted to make him a part of his body.

"I love you so much," Antonio said softly, taking a glance at the boy who looked puzzled.

"I love you too," Bruce replied, getting his head deeper into Antonio's chest.

With a sigh, Antonio pulled away from the hug, and right there, he cupped Bruce's cheeks, brought his lips closer, and locked them on his. He started kissing him deeply on the lips, tasting the sweetness of his essence.

Praveen felt as if a big load had just been dropped on his head. He quickly looked away and dropped his eyes to the floor. He couldn't bear to see Antonio kissing his lover in front of him. It was painful.

Antonio on the other hand, sucked on Bruce's lips as if his life depended on it. He closed his eyes as the both of them kissed passionately, moaning in the kiss. That moan, the noises coming from both their lips made Praveen's heart to shatter. He wanted to move away from that place but he couldn't do it. He was frozen. A tear went down his cheek which he quickly rubbed.

After what felt like an eternity, Antonio finally pulled away from those lips, yearning for more. Fuck! He had missed those wonderful and soft lips that made him horny! He wanted to make love to Bruce but he couldn't do it right there. It was too risky.

"I will see you tomorrow, baby." Antonio moaned as he rubbed on his lover's cheeks. "But I will miss you throughout the night."

"Yeah!" Bruce gave a sad sigh, staring into his lover's eyes. "I will miss you and it's been a long time since we had spent some quality time. How I wish I would have stayed for the night." He didn't even see that Praveen was standing at the door listening to everything he was saying.

"I know that but not tonight." He kissed him on the lips, drawing a smile from him. "Mom and the others could see us and...."

"I know that but promise me you will see me later."

"I will." Antonio smiled brightly, kissing him on the cheek. "Andrea is waiting for you. I love you."

With a final kiss, Bruce turned around and realized that Praveen was standing right behind him. Instead of freaking or acting like he was caught doing something, he smirked and walked right past him. He was feeling really happy because although Praveen was the one that was married to Antonio, he was the one that still owned his heart.

Meanwhile, Praveen looked at the smiling man in front of him and he just didn't know what to think. But he was hurt. He needed to rest because he was tired. He took a deep breath, closed the door, and slowly started moving to the bathroom. He was trying to avoid Antonio. He didn't want to talk to him and...

"Falling in love feels so good doesn't it?" Antonio asked, directing the question at him.

Praveen stopped in his tracks when he heard Antonio's question. It sent a terrible pain to his heart and he slowly raised his face and stared into his husband's face. The smirk on his face just made things worse.

He tried to go away but...

"Being in love is the best thing that can ever happen to someone." He said happily, rubbing seductively on his lips. "But why am I telling you all this when all you care about his money? You only know how to destroy relationships and manipulate people."

Praveen closed his eyes as those words pierced his heart like a sharp sword.

"I love Bruce so fucking much and right now I cannot be with him because...." He paused and lost the smile on his face. He was getting angry once again. "...because of you and your four eyes. You destroyed my plans to be with the man I love, to hold him, and to sleep with him in my arms. I was supposed to be with him tonight but thanks to you, I cannot do that." He yelled in his face.

To say Praveen was surprised would be an understatement. Tears started building in his eyes and his breaths changed. They were harsh.

"But... But what have I done? I...."

"But you will pay for this, mark my words." He warned. "I will make you suffer in this marriage until you give up. I promise you this,"

With a groan, Antonio furiously turned and went to the bathroom leaving the poor boy all alone. Praveen stood still, remembering all the blames Antonio was putting on him. It had supposed to be a good night for him but it turned out to be a nightmare. It wasn't fair at all.

***

It was another day and Praveen was slowly coming down the stairs, looking all around the house. He was lost deep in his thoughts, thinking about what had happened the previous day and how his life had turned out to be.

He was dressed in a bright blue T-shirt that covered his bruises, the ones Antonio had inflicted on him the previous night on his arm. He had a black designer's skinny jean on him and he was holding his phone tightly. His hair was tied in a curled ponytail and his mood wasn't bright at all. He didn't know what to do.

Bruce's sudden appearance in his life had brought more pain upon him. Antonio wasn't in the house because he had already gone to work and somehow, Praveen just wished he wouldn't be back until later in the day because he didn't want trouble.

Meanwhile, Emilia was coming from the kitchen rubbing her wet hands when she saw her beautiful son in law coming down the stairs. She wanted to scream his name in excitement but when she saw how lost he was, she went to the edge of the staircase and waited for him there. It wasn't long before Praveen made it downstairs.

He was so lost deep in his thoughts that he didn't even realize that she was standing right in front of him.

"Praveen!" She slowly touched his shoulder, getting him out of his thoughts.

Praveen took a deep breath and felt scared when he saw her. He quickly smiled, trying to show her that he was fine. But it wasn't a genuine smile.

"Mother!" He quickly leaned down and touched her feet.

She touched his head, giving him her blessings. She was happy. The boy was well cultured and mannered. He was the best.

"Are you okay, son?" She asked when he raised his eyes, still giving her a fake smile.

"Err...." He paused and wondered if she knew what was going on? Did she know Antonio had a boyfriend before she married him to him, he thought as he looked at her? There were so many questions he wanted to ask her but he also didn't wanna provoke her because she was his mother in law. He was honestly really confused.

"Son!" She shook him again.

"I... I'm fine." He lied, shaking his head softly. "....I was just looking at how beautiful you are."

"Oh come on," Emilia laughed, slowly pinching his cheeks which made him feel embarrassed. "Stop fluttering me because we both know that's a lie."

Yes! It was a total lie but she was beautiful. He couldn't just tell her what was going on.

"I'm telling the truth and...."

"You should stop lying because I can see through you." She took his hands and slowly started walking with him.

"What do you mean?"

"I know what I am saying." She breathed in deeply, feeling excited. "I know what's on your mind."

She quickly turned and faced him. Then she gave him the brightest smile she had ever given anyone. "You are missing your husband and you cannot wait for him to come back."

The moment she said that Praveen felt cold and his heart started pounding deep in his chest. He quickly gulped, still trying to get what she had just said to him.

"What?"He gasped, shaking his head in disagreement. "Mother, I... I am not thinking of...."

"There is no need to be shy?" She held his hands tightly, rubbing on them sweetly. "I have been in your situation before and I...." She paused as she remembered the first time she had come to the house with her husband. Those were the wonderful memories she wasn't gonna forget ever.
"Are you okay, mother?"

Emilia nodded and then resumed with her smile. "What I am trying to say to you is that you are a newlywed groom and it is normal to be missing your husband like that." If only she knew what he was thinking? "You shouldn't have allowed him to resume work because you two needed to bond."

"Well," He stuttered, taking a deep breath. "It's really fine, mother and...."

"No, it's not." She chuckled as she gave him the brightest grin ever. " I have a great idea that I am sure you are gonna love."

"What... what is it mother?" he was hoping it didn't involve Antonio because he didn't want to talk or see him.

"Why don't you cook some food for him and then you can surprise him at his office. I am sure he is gonna love that."

Praveen's heart gave the sharpest pound he had ever felt in his entire life. His body felt cold as shivers ran down his spine, making him scared. His eyes widened and his mouth gaped as he went down memory lane. Emilia's voice kept on repeating in his mind, scaring the hell out of him.

"What?" He stammered, shaking his head. He simply lost the smile on his face. "No!" He shook his head. "I am... I can't do that and besides...."

"What?" Emilia chuckled, trying to make eye contact with him. "He is your husband and he will love it. I know my son and I am sure he is thinking about you."

"No!" Praveen thought as he shook his head. "He is thinking about someone else." And he didn't wanna leave the mansion, especially to go to Antonio.

"I'm sorry, mother but you are truly misunderstanding me and I don't think...."

"He is your husband and you shouldn't feel shy." She laughed softly. "Now let's go to the kitchen and prepare him something that will make him fall deeper in love with you."

Praveen had never been so scared in his life before. How was he going to make her understand where he stood in her son's life? He knew that she wasn't gonna understand because he wasn't gonna tell her for the sake of everyone's happiness.

He had to come up with some excuse.

"I don't think he would want to see me now." He sighed, looking right at her. "He is probably busy and...."

"You will make him feel better by going to his office and surprising him."

"I don't even know where...."

"I will go with you if that will make you feel better." She smiled, wrapping her arm around his shoulder. "Do this for my son and make him happy, Praveen? Please!"

Praveen felt vulnerable especially when he looked into her eyes. It was as if he had suddenly become weak. He wanted to say no to her but he couldn't bring himself to opening his mouth and denying her.

"Okay," He smiled brightly. "I will do that for your happiness."

The moment Emilia heard that she was filled with burgeoning excitement. Her heart started racing. She was just trying to bring the two of them closer so that they could fall deeper in love. The poor woman was just doing what any mother would do for her son but what she had no idea of was that the more she tried, the deeper she got Praveen into trouble. It wasn't her fault though because she was only doing what she knew was right. Besides, Praveen was the one that decided to not tell her to make her happy and everyone else.

"Thank you." She held his hand tightly. "Now let's go to the kitchen and make something delicious for him."

Praveen nodded and he followed her to the kitchen. They started cooking while she entertained him with stories of when she came in the house as a daughter in law. Some of them were funny but there were moments when Praveen saw that she missed her husband although she didn't tell him that.

She told him about Antonio's childhood and how Praveen's mother saved his life. They bonded as they cooked but the food was ready and they packed it in a lunch box. It looked delicious but Praveen's nerves were getting the best of him. He was really scared. But he had some hope that since Emilia was gonna go with him, he wasn't gonna react.

The food they cooked was spiced rice with curried chicken legs in sauce and some vegetables which she told him Antonio loved like crazy. She told him to dress up quickly as she did a few final touches. Praveen agreed and he quickly went upstairs.

He dressed in just ordinary black skinny jeans, blue and white striped T-shirt, and brown sandals on his feet. He fixed his hair into a ponytail and he was ready. He wasn't looking fancy but he knew he was ready. After all, he was just doing it for Emilia.

After getting dressed up, Praveen went and met with the beautiful looking Emilia who was dressed in a classy brown dress which had a small jacket. Her hair was let loose and her smile was gorgeous. The heels on her feet made her look tall but she was amazing.

"You look really beautiful," She commented, rubbing on his cheeks. "Let's go."

Praveen nodded and he got into the car. It was a fancy and beautiful car but his mind was elsewhere, thinking about all the insults Antonio was gonna rain down on him. He had no idea how long it was gonna take to reach the office but he was praying to the almighty to make the journey last forever just so that he wouldn't be able to see his husband's face.

But his prayers weren't answered as they soon arrived at the tallest building he had ever seen in his life. It must have been 20 or even 30 floors tall, really classy, and almost magical. Praveen saw a lot of cars parked outside and he couldn't believe how fancy they were. People were moving in and out of the beautiful building which had tinted glass doors that were opening on their own. He was simply blown away, amazed by what he saw.

The outside looked really, he couldn't even find the right word to say. Everything he saw made him forget about what he had been worried about. He was truly now wondering just how rich the Gonzalez family was. He had never seen a building like that before.

"Welcome to the heart of the Gonzalez family," Emilia said with a beautiful smile. "This is the biggest company we own and it is the headquarters of all the other companies we own including Eduardo's hospital."

The moment Praveen heard that he looked at her in awe, still wide-eyed.

"You mean this large building is yours?"

Emilia laughed teasingly, holding Praveen's hands sweetly. "No! It is ours." She breathed in deeply. "You are a part of us now and whatever we have is also yours."

Praveen took a glance at Emilia and then outside again.

"You shouldn't worry about anything." She giggled. "Your husband will show you the entire building today. Now let's go meet him."

Praveen's heart started beating faster than usual as he slowly nodded and got out of the car. He was greeted by the most wonderful air he had ever breathed in his life. It looked like a really big paradise but all it gave him were creeps. He stood beside Emilia and she smiled at him and started heading inside the building.

Praveen was holding the bag in which the lunchbox was kept. Soon the door opened and Praveen saw just how beautiful the entire place was. It was really big and he moved his eyes everywhere. There were big glass chandeliers, gold ornaments, and beautiful art on the walls. Praveen's eyes were almost popping out of his sockets.

The thing that made him amazed was the way the people that passed paid respect to Emilia. They were calling her, "ma'am," giving her all the respect and bowing their heads as they smiled. Praveen looked at the woman and she had the biggest smile on her face.

Everyone was dressed beautifully, gracefully and it somehow made him feel out of place. But he just tried to blend in.

"Is my son in his office?" Emilia asked the beautiful receptionists.

"Yes!" She nodded as she smiled at her. "He is in his office. Should I inform him that...."

"No!" Emilia gasped, shaking her head. "We came to give him a surprise so you shouldn't."

The receptionist looked at Praveen and smiled at him. "I understand ma'am."

"Thanks."

She gestured Praveen and the two of them started heading to the elevator. Reaching the elevator, Emilia pressed the button and the elevator door opened. Praveen felt like his entire heart had just opened up together with the elevator door. He stood still, staring at it until Emilia held his hand and took him inside.

The door closed and they started heading up. It looked like Antonio's office was located on the 23rd floor. Praveen closed his eyes and started praying in his heart for things to just go well. He wasn't ready to get other insults from Antonio.

He was still praying when he heard Emilia's phone ringing.

"Hello," She answered and then waited for a moment. "Oh my God, I am truly sorry about that. I had forgotten that it was today."

She waited for another moment. "I will be right there." She quickly cut the call.

She moved her eyes to Praveen and pressed her hand on his shoulder, slightly squeezing it. Praveen opened his eyes and then smiled at her. She wasn't smiling anymore and he could sense that there was something wrong.

"Praveen, son...." Emilia sighed softly, trying to pull up a smile. "...I have to go right now."

"What?" Praveen gaped, taking a deep breath. "But...."

"I know I promised we would see my son together." She took a deep breath. She felt terrible that she had to leave him alone. "But I had forgotten that I had to meet with some women for a really important charity meeting. I am the chairperson and they are waiting for me."

Praveen's fears had come true. Why was that happening to him, he thought as he gripped harder on the bag he was holding, trying to hide his trembling hands.

"I understand." He took a really deep breath. "If you are needed then you have to go."

"Oh!" She moaned, pulling him into a tight hug. "Thanks so much for understanding."

The elevator opened and they both came out.

"Take your husband food."

"But I don't....."

"It's room 234 and it has the name President on it." She said as she gave him a quick hug. "I have to go."

Emilia quickly rushed into the elevator and it closed as she waved at him with a smile. As soon as she left, Praveen started panicking. His heart started pounding deep in his chest as his breaths came out harshly. A shiver ran down his spine and he felt as if someone cold was holding him.

He looked all around the floor he was on and started slowly walking, checking out all the room. Finally, he found himself standing in front of room 234, Antonio's office. It had a beautiful golden door and it was magnificent. The door wasn't open but Praveen felt a really cold wind coming out of it.

He was scared and he felt the need to turn away and just leave but he had promised Emilia he was gonna take the food and he was scared that if she asked, Antonio was gonna deny so he knew he had no choice in that situation. Besides, he was sure that Antonio was hungry and though he was such an ass, he deserved to eat.

"I have to do this." He took a deep breath as he slowly moved his hand forward to knock on the door.

But before he knocked, he withdrew his hand as his breaths came out harshly. He got really scared because behind that door was someone that he didn't wanna encounter for no good reason at all.

"Come on Praveen," He took a deep breath of confidence.

He quickly moved his hand and gave a loud knock that scared the shit out of him.

"Come in." He heard Antonio's voice from inside.

Praveen felt scared again as he slowly moved his hand to the knob. He slowly touched the cold knob, feeling a terrible spark move all over his body. He pushed the door and found himself entering the office.

Praveen slowly entered the office without looking in front. He closed the door and started walking forward until he stopped in his tracks and stood still. He was frozen. His heart instantly pounded deep in his chest and he got hurt again. He got scared and he regretted coming to the office. He should have stayed back home.

Antonio was seated on the beautiful comfy chair but he wasn't alone. He was with Bruce who was seated on the glass table with his eyes fixed on Antonio. He was dressed in a beautiful black skinny jean, pale white designer's shirt which was fitted on his body like a second skin. His shoulder-length hair was tied by a beautiful golden band and although Praveen couldn't see his face, he knew it was him.

Antonio and Bruce were almost kissing. Their faces were close to each other, breathing in each other's aroma. What hurt the most was that they didn't even mind that someone had just entered the office. It was really painful for Praveen and he wanted to get out of there as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, Antonio had no idea who had come into his office. He smiled as he moved his eyes from his love, slowly moving them towards the door. That was when he saw him, Praveen. He was standing near the table and he was staring at them.

When Antonio saw him, he got really mad and he clenched his fists, furiously getting up. His breaths became harsh and he furiously started walking towards him.

"What the fuck do you think you are doing here?" He thundered, giving the scared boy a really angry look. "What are you doing in my company?"

Praveen tried to open his mouth but no word came out. He was frozen and looking at the angry man coming in front of him didn't help things.

Bruce on the other hand quickly turned and folded his arms on his chest, staring at the boy with a smirk on his face. He was gonna stand and watch the drama unfold. He loved the way his boyfriend acted towards the boy.

"Tell me!" Antonio furiously yelled, gripping Praveen's hand painfully. He winced in pain. "Have you suddenly gone deaf and dumb?" he squeezed his hand painfully, getting a groan from him.

Praveen couldn't take the pain. It was just too much. "Antonio, please you are hurting me." He groaned in pain, trying to get his hand free but it was in vain.

"That doesn't answer my question, damn it!" He grunted, pulling the boy closer to him. "I left the house so just I could take a break from seeing your stupid ugly face and your four eyes. Did you have to follow me here so that...."

"Please!" Praveen felt tears building up in his eyes. "I just brought food for you. I didn't mean...."

"Haha..." Antonio laughed in mock, furiously letting go of the boy's hand. He moved away and stood at a distance.

"He brought food for me." Then his face got serious and his anger intensified. "What are you trying to achieve by coming here? Why would I want to eat food cooked by you? Are you trying to poison me so that you can take...."

"No!" Praveen felt a tear going down his cheek which he quickly rubbed. "Mother had asked me to...."

"Don't you dare bring my mother into this?" He warned, angrily pointing at the boy. "We both know that you are a scheming boy and you just came here so that you could see how this place is and...."

"I didn't." Praveen's voice was weak. "I swear that...."

"I don't wanna hear it." He warned. "Let this be the first and last time you are gonna come to this place. Know your limits and stay within your boundaries. You are just embarrassing me by...." He paused and gave the boy a long look. "...Just look at yourself and look at me. You look like a beggar dressed in those lugs and you had the nerves to come to my office, my company to show your stupid self in here."

Praveen closed his eyes as his pain intensified. He wanted to cry but he suppressed his tears and just stood still.

"What are you trying to achieve by coming here? Who told you I needed to eat your stupid food?" He yelled, making Praveen taking a step back. "I am filthy rich. I can buy the entire food in the world. Why in the hell would I want to eat what you've cooked? I am not that desperate you know."

Praveen opened his eyes slowly, trying to hide his tears. "I am sorry."

"You better be and please...."

"Baby," Bruce came closer, wrapping his arm around him. "You don't have to be so angry. You will just ruin your beautiful mood. Remember you and I have to go out for lunch, right?"

Antonio gave Praveen an angry look and then wrapped one arm around Bruce's waist. "I'm sorry, baby but I can't help myself. This four-eyed boy just makes me angry and I hate him so much."

"I understand," Bruce smiled brightly. "But I am right here and you are scaring me with your mood. Let's just forget this entire thing happened."

"But...."

"I will handle it." He kissed Antonio on the lips and rubbed on them softly. Antonio smiled and gave him another kiss.

Bruce pulled away from Antonio and then slowly walked to Praveen. He smiled at the boy and held his hand.

"Please, come with me." He said in the sweetest voice ever.

Without even getting a thing from the boy, Bruce started leading Praveen out of the office. Once they reached outside he closed the door and then let go of the boy's hand.

"You heard what Antonio said," He said with a smirk on his face. "Leave him alone and I don't want you to try and seduce my boyfriend because I know exactly what you are trying to do." He warned. "First you manipulated his mother, stole him away from me and now you are trying to seduce him."

"Look, Bruce... I...."

"Oh so you know me," Bruce laughed manically, dropping his hands to his hips. "It's a good thing you know me because that means I don't need to introduce myself. Stay away from my boyfriend or you are gonna regret it."

"I didn't steal him away," Praveen said softly, trying to make Bruce understand. "I had no idea that he was in love with...."

"And now you know." Bruce lost the smile on his face, furiously dropping his hands. "So stay away from him. We are happy. I don't care about what you do or where you go but stay away from him."

"Why would he?" Praveen heard a familiar voice behind him.

He didn't need to ask who it was. He knew it was Andrea and he also knew that trouble had just doubled. He was now really scared and he knew that she was gonna insult. She came in front of him, looking hot in office wear and black high heeled shoes.

"He is always looking for every chance to get closer to...."

"You know that's not true." Praveen defended. "You know exactly the relationship your brother and I share. He doesn't...."

"But all of us know that you are always trying to seduce him." She raged, pointing at him. "Just look at yourself and everyone in this place. You are the only one who looks like a peasant but you chose to come here and embarrass all of us. First, you were after my brother and now you are after our company and...."

"I have never thought of becoming rich, Andrea." Praveen was hurt. "I came here because mother had asked me to bring something for Antonio and...."

"Mother wouldn't do that because she knows there are a lot of restaurants around that he can buy food from." She laughed as she moved closer to Bruce. "Bruce here is the only man that should act like that. You might be married to my brother but you will never play that role in his life."

Andrea might have been right but Praveen was hurt. He was getting hurt and it was all because of people's happiness. He didn't know what to do. He couldn't even say anything because he felt he didn't have any right to talk to them.

To avoid trouble, Praveen simply turned and slowly walked to the elevator as his eyes watered. He was hurt and his heart was bleeding terribly. He felt as if someone was trying to rip his fucking heart out.

"You might be married to Antonio but you will never play that role in his life."

He reached the elevator and slowly pressed the button. He could hear Andrea's laughs and they just pierced him even more. After what felt like hours of waiting, the door opening and Praveen quickly went inside. He pressed the ground floor button and as soon as the door closed, a billion tears poured down his face and he started crying.
"You will never play that role in his life." Andrea's voice pierced through him.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" Antonio's voice rang through his brain. "You are just embarrassing me... Four eyes...."

Praveen cried the rest of the way as his head started hurting. He was suffering from something that he had no idea of. When he reached the ground floor, he quickly rubbed his tears as he got out of the elevator and fixed himself up to look okay. But deep down inside, he was bleeding. His entire body was in terrible pain and he didn't care if his eyes were red or not.

As he passed the reception, he could see that people were looking at him strangely as if they were judging him. All he wanted to do was get out of there, go home and forget that he had even come to that company.

As he neared the exit, he added his pace and quickly left the building. That was when he realized that the world he lived in was not his world. No matter what he did he was gonna be the same poor Praveen they all knew. Whom was he kidding? But he was used to the pain anyway.

He stood outside absent-minded, holding on to the lunchbox with his life. He was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't even realize what was going on with his environment.

Meanwhile, Antonio, Andrea, and Bruce came out of the building walking elegantly. It didn't take long for them to spot Praveen who was so disturbed. The poor boy had only been married for a few days but he had experienced a lot. He was just a young boy but the pain inside of him was just too much.

"And what are you still doing here?" He heard Antonio's voice which got him out of his thoughts. He didn't even bother to look at him. "I thought I told you to get out of here."

"Hmm, maybe he is waiting for a car to come and pick him." Andrea seethed, folding her arms on her chest. "But I am sure he can find his way home since he's used to walking anyway."

Andrea burst into laughter as Praveen's heart broke into pieces.

Antonio shook his head and called the guard that was nearby and surprised everyone by asking him to take Praveen home and make sure he reaches safely. The guard agreed and told Praveen to wait while he got the car.

Praveen stood still, looking into Antonio's eyes. He had never expected that from him at all. He had expected Antonio to listen to his sister and send him home on foot.

"What are you doing?" Andrea didn't appreciate what her brother did. "Why did you ask the guard to take him home?"

"Because of mom," Antonio said simply, looking at the boy. "I love my mother so much and if four eyes got lost in the city I am sure she'll suffer." Antonio moved his attention to Praveen. "Don't think I am doing this for you because you just don't know how I am dying to make you walk back to the mansion."

With those few words, Antonio wrapped his arm around Bruce's shoulder and they started walking towards the cars. Praveen watched in pain as the car left and he was left all alone. It didn't take long before the guard came with the car and opened the door for him. He climbed the car and they left the company premises.

He was still holding on to the lunch box as he remembered all the painful words Antonio had said to him. He knew he was going back home and his mood had to brighten up. He took a deep breath and tried to calm his nerves down.

"I shouldn't let this affect me." He said softly to himself. "I knew exactly what I was getting myself into when I agreed to go to the office. It's not like I even love him anyway."

He closed his eyes and just prayed in his heart. "God, please if you can hear me right now...." He took another deep breath. "...please show me a way out of this, please. Help me. Give me peace and give me the strength to endure all this because I don't know for how long I can."

He opened his eyes and looked outside the window to forget all that happened. He saw some street kids on the road begging for food and it touched his heart. He felt pitiful and he quickly told the driver to stop the car. He got out of the car and he felt touched. The kids looked really hungry and it made his heart to weep.

He gave them the little money he had and then left them with a lunchbox too. At least, he didn't have to explain the reason why he was back with the food. He hugged them and then left in the car. The kids were really happy and they told him all kinds of things that melted his heart and filled him with happiness again. If only he was super rich then he would have given them something even more. But he was still happy that he gave them some food.

During his journey back to the mansion, he was smiling because of what he had done. When he eventually reached home, he found granny and Emilia waiting for him. When they saw him, they smiled at rushed to him.

"Where is Antonio?" Granny gasped, looking everywhere.

Praveen got scared but he gathered his confidence and smiled. "He had a really important meeting and...."

"What?" Granny gaped, getting surprised. "I thought you two were gonna come together."

"Yes!" Emilia answered with a smile. "Don't tell me he didn't even eat the food."

Praveen felt shivers run down his spine as he prepared himself to lie to them. "Well, he ate before he went to the meeting." He lied, still smiling. He felt bad that he was lying.

"Hmm," Emilia smiled. "Looks like what they say is true. The only way to a man's heart is through his stomach and I am sure that very soon, you two will fall deeper in love with each other."

Praveen raised his face as he tried his best to smile. In his heart, he was suffering from lying to his elders but he was doing it for them and their happiness. He loved them so much that he was even willing to suffer. Who knew what everything would do if it came out?

Granny held his hands and kissed them. Praveen blushed and looked away. She then touched his shoulder and gave him the most wonderful kiss on the cheek.

"May you always be happy with Antonio," She blessed him. "May you be happy for the rest of your life and may that smile on your face never fade away."

She kissed him once more and his smile started fading. Hearing what granny had just said to him made him emotional that he felt like crying. She was a really sweet woman and in her mind and heart, he was really happy. She had no idea just how much torture he was in.

"Thank you so much, granny."

"You don't have to thank me." She chuckled happily, passing her hand through his hair. "You've only been here for a few days but you've brought nothing but happiness to us. Antonio is lucky to have you in his life."

Praveen just gave her his half-smile and said nothing. He could tell the two women were happy. How could he allow for them to be sad? He couldn't do it.

"Excuse me," He said softly. "I need to do something upstairs."

Praveen left the living room and he went upstairs to his room where he broke into tears as he remembered everything that had happened to him that day. He didn't even wanna see Antonio because it was gonna hurt. What was he gonna do?

***

Antonio and Andrea arrived back home after a long and exciting day. Antonio couldn't believe he had spent a wonderful day with the love of his life and his sister. It had been magical and he wished the day didn't have to end. He was really glad that Bruce was back home and he couldn't wait to have him in his arms again.

He was holding his jacket, his hair was a mess and he was a little bit sweaty. He was dying for a really hot shower and some warm dinner before hitting the bed. He had enjoyed himself and he could already see that his sister was tired as well.

"Hey!" He heard his mother's excited voice.

He moved his eyes in front and found her coming down the stairs looking beautiful and with the most gorgeous smile on his face.

"Mom!" He greeted happily.

Emilia rushed to her children, placing soft kisses on their wonderful faces. She loved them so much and she was just so happy.

"You are welcome back," She beamed. "But I never expected you to come home this late."

"Sorry about that mom," Andrea apologized with the most beautiful smile ever. "We had gone somewhere and it had kinda taken longer. You know my brother recently came back and we are bonding."

"Yes!" Emilia nodded. "But I also know that he recently got married and Praveen has been waiting for him for a long time. His marriage right now should be his priority. You know that boy isn't familiar with this whole place and with you as well. You need to spend time with him, go out and just go on dates."

Andrea rolled her eyes in disgust but lucky for her, Emilia was too busy focused on Antonio that she didn't see what she did. Antonio on the other hand felt irritated and mad at what he heard from his mother. He clenched his fists as he tried long and hard to control himself.

"But mom, it's not like my brother is not doing enough." She chuckled in mock, shrugging her shoulder. "It's good enough that he agreed to marry Praveen and...."

"Yes!" Emilia agreed, nodding her head. "But spending most of their time away from each other isn't good as well. They are married and should work on it too." She took a deep breath and sighed. "Anyway, tell me what you thought about today?" She grinned, resting her hand on her son's shoulder.

Antonio was confused. "Today?" He frowned, trying to understand her. "I don't get...."

"I am talking about the food, silly." She slightly hit him on the arm. "Praveen told me you ate the food he cooked right before you went for the meeting."

"What the fuck?" Antonio thought as his anger went to another level.

Andrea on the other hand gave a mocking smile, shaking her head. She had been right after all. Praveen was nothing but a stupid bitch that was ready to lie just to get what he wants.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" She asked, still smiling at her son. "I know he is a great cook but...."

"Excuse me!" Antonio said before he quickly turned and started heading upstairs, leaving the woman wondering.

"Hey!" She called to him but he was still going. "Where are you...."

"I am sure he went to see Praveen." Andrea who knew what her brother was gonna do quickly said. "He wanted to talk to him before the meeting."

"Oh!" Emilia smiled. "Anyway, why don't you go and freshen up? Dinner is set."

Andrea smiled at her mother and kissed her on the cheek. She started heading to her room with an evil grin on her face. She was enjoying all the drama that was going on in the house. She loved seeing Praveen sad, hurt, and humiliated. Now that Bruce was back, all hell was gonna break loose. She couldn't wait to see Praveen leaving the house and she knew it was gonna be soon. She was gonna show him the door herself.

***

Antonio stormed inside the room, looking all around. He had his fists clenched, breathing like a beast. He was really pissed off and he wanted to hurt the boy. He looked all around but couldn't see him. Then he saw the door to the bathroom slightly opened.

He took a deep breath and started rushing towards the bathroom, not caring at all whether he was bathing or not. Reaching the bathroom, he furiously entered and closed the door behind him. Lucky for him, he found the boy combing his long hair in front of a big mirror.

Praveen got scared and surprised when he heard a loud bang. He felt his heart start to pound deeper into his chest. With a gasp, he quickly turned and almost bumped into Antonio.

Antonio got angry especially when he looked into the boy's eyes. He wanted to hurt him a whole lot. With a loud groan, he gripped the boy's arm, pulling him closer to his body.

"What are you doing?" Praveen stuttered, feeling scared.

"What the fuck did you tell my mother?"

"What are you talking about?" He was caught by surprise because he had no idea why Antonio had done that to him. "You are hurting me."

"What did you tell my mother?" Antonio groaned, putting more pressure on the arm. "What the fuck did you tell her?"

"I have no idea what... Ouch!" Praveen winced as his eyes watered. "Please, you are just hurting me."

"I can't still believe you had the nerves to pull up such a stunt." He chuckled bitterly, giving the boy an angry grin. "Who gave you such right to even tell my mother what happened at the office."

"What are you talking about?" A tear went down Praveen's cheeks. "I never told her about what had happened at the office and...."

"But you lied to her." He furiously let go of the boy, leaving him holding his arm. It was bruised further and it hurt like hell. "What the fuck are you trying to show my mother, that we are falling in love or something?"

"No!" Praveen said slowly, shaking his head. He didn't even bother to rub his tears. "I had no intention of showing her that because I know where I stand in your life. I know how much you hate me and...." He sobbed, slowly rubbing his tears. "...I will keep suffering as long as I am married to you. But she seemed happy and.... And...." He paused and rubbed his tears. "...she assumed you had enjoyed the food. I couldn't crush her and granny's happiness just like that."

Antonio knew Praveen was right but he didn't give a fuck. "Listen to me right now you stupid little boy....." He warned, angrily pointing at the boy. "....If not for my mother I would have taught you a really big lesson. You are just lucky that my mother and my granny are involved in this because...."

"I know...." Praveen gave a sad sigh. "....I know you are doing this for your family's happiness but I also love...."

"You don't!" Antonio grunted, shaking his head. "You've only caused nothing but trouble here but don't think...."

"I know that and I know everything." He felt a little angry and hurt. "I know of the pain and torture I am going to go through but I love your mother and your grandmother because they are part of my family now and...."

"Why wouldn't you say that?" Antonio gave a long mocking chuckle, furiously dropping his arms. Then his mood got ruined and he started breathing like a predator, chasing after its prey. "Why wouldn't you when you know that they are good people and they are the only ones you can manipulate for money in this house."

A cold wind blew on Praveen's face as more tears flowed down his cheeks. His wounds reopened and he started hurting.

"You know that...."

"And very soon," Antonio's words were harsh and they were scratching Praveen's skin. "I am gonna expose you and you will be out of here for good. You wanted to get married to me...." He laughed. "Then get ready to suffer in this marriage as well."

"I don't want any of your money," Praveen said in between sobs. "I hope you can understand that and just...."

"What are poor people good for?" Antonio shrugged. "I know how little boys like you are."

"Your mother knows my true...."

"That you are married to me?" He pealed mocking laughter, clapping his hands. "Wow! I actually can't believe you are saying that because this marriage is a charade and the only man I love is...."

"Bruce!" Praveen chimed in as more tears poured down his face, his heart tearing into pieces. "I know that you love him and I have no problem with it because you and I share no relations." He was just telling the truth and he hated Antonio right at that moment. "You made that clear to me but you don't have to hurt me all the time." He furiously rubbed his tears. "You don't have to rub it in my wounds. I am human too and I hope you understand."

With those few words, Praveen quickly left the bathroom rubbing his tears. His head was hurting terribly and his heart was in pain. He didn't even bother to finish combing his hair. He just wanted to go outside to catch some fresh hair and maybe let some of his pain out.

By the time he was getting out of the room, his face was already dry. He closed the door and started rushing down the stairs. But when he reached the second floor, something stopped him, something that made him freeze and feel emotional.

"You should see how happy everyone is since Praveen came to this house...."

It was Emilia and her voice could be heard. It made him stand still and he wondered whom she was talking to. He was curious and he slowly started moving towards the direction of the voice, her room. When he reached the door eventually, he found it open and what he saw made him emotional. Emilia was standing in front of a big picture of her husband and she was talking to it.

"I have fulfilled our vow and even though you are not here, I know that you are happy." She chuckled in pain. "Our son is happy and Praveen is happy as well. I know that you already blessed this beautiful marriage but help me make it stronger." She put her hands together. "Give them as much happiness as possible and make their love stronger. I want Praveen to stay with us forever and love my son forever."

Praveen felt hot tears going down his face. He slowly moved away from the door with more tears going down his cheeks. He was emotional again and he didn't know how to control himself. With a groan, he covered his mouth and started running away from that place. He went to the terraces where he started crying once again.

It was a really cold night. The cold wind preyed on his skin and his tears felt cold. He had never felt so vulnerable in his life before.

"Our son is happy...." Emilia's voice rang through. "...Praveen is happy."

"How do I tell all of you what is happening?" He sobbed uncontrollably, falling to his knees. "How do I make you understand when all of you are so happy with this marriage? Where do I go from here?"

Praveen had no choice because he couldn't call his aunt and tell her everything. He didn't wanna bother her with his problems because she had been through so much with keeping him. He couldn't tell Emilia because she was just too happy and he had no idea what it was gonna bring. He didn't want to disrupt the love and peace of a family that showed him nothing but love.

"Everyone is really happy with this marriage, mom...." He cried as tears fell to the ground. "...I am sure you are happy and this is what you wanted for me. I will stay in this marriage for the sake of your peace and everyone's happiness. But show me a way out of this pain, mom...."

He dropped his eyes to the ground and cried to himself. It was the pain he was gonna have to carry for the rest of his life but he had no idea what he was gonna do.

***

It was early morning and everyone was having their breakfast happily or so they thought. Praveen came into the dining room and he tried his best to smile when they all greeted. He had slept late the previous night after crying for several hours. He had woken up, taken a bath, and then fixed himself up to avoid answering questions. He still had a bit of a headache and his body was in so much pain. He was wearing a long-sleeved shirt to avoid people from seeing his bruises and ask questions.

A little later, Antonio came into the dining and kissed everyone there. He tried, by all means, to avoid even making eye contact with Praveen because he didn't wanna look into his stupid face.

"So how did you sleep?" Eduardo asked, smiling at both Praveen and Antonio. "Both of you went upstairs and you didn't even bother to come for dinner."

Praveen raised his face and stared into the eyes of the man he was married to. Antonio rolled his eyes and looked away while taking a sip of his coffee.

"I was tired of my work yesterday." He said simply without any form of expression on his face.

"Really?" Eduardo teased, raising his eyebrow. "And here I was thinking that you missed Praveen so much that you wanted to stay with him because I am sure that's the reason why you couldn't come out."
Praveen dropped his eyes to the table and tried his best to fake a smile which he wasn't even sure was working.

Antonio took a deep breath as anger started slowly slipping through him. "I was busy and four eyes here...." He trailed off when he realized what he had just said.

Praveen raised his face when he heard what Antonio had just called him. He couldn't believe that Antonio had just called him that name right in front of everyone.

"Four eyes?" Granny said in a tone that scared even Antonio. "Who is four eyes?"

Antonio got scared when he heard his granny's tone. He knew at that moment that his granny was gonna be mad at him. He had to act fast.

"Yes, Antonio," Emilia was just as confused. "Who is four eyes?"

"Err...." He looked at Praveen and the boy was just staring at him. "Well, you see...."

"Antonio!" Andrea chuckled. "Why do you like teasing Praveen?" She laughed softly.

"Praveen is four eyes?" Emilia gasped, looking at the quiet boy. "Why would you call him that?"

"Well," Antonio felt screwed. "I'm so sorry, granny. It's just that..."

"I know you like joking but apologize to Praveen right now...."

"But....."

"I don't care whether you are his husband or not." Granny was serious. "I don't even care if he's all right with it or not. Praveen is my grandson in law and offending him is like offending me too. Apologize to him right now because I will not forgive you even if he does."

Antonio felt angry, clenching his fists. He looked at the boy and it just made him fume.

"I'm sorry," He said softly. "I didn't mean to call you that."

Praveen slightly closed his eyes and breathed in deeply while trying hard not to show that he was hurt. He knew that Antonio wasn't sincerely apologizing to him but...

"It's fine." He tried his best to sound fine. "I know you didn't mean it."

"I don't care if he didn't mean it." Praveen had never heard that kind of tone from granny before. "He shouldn't have called you...."

"I am sorry," Antonio said in a soft voice. "I didn't mean it, granny."

"I forgive you but don't ever call him that." She warned. "I will never forgive you, Antonio for this because no one messes with my grandson in law."

Praveen felt happy and emotional at the same time. Even through all the pain and misery, he was passing through, there were still some people that loved him and were willing to stand for him. One of them was granny. Seeing the way she cared for him, he felt really happy and he gave a genuine smile. It was magical.

They all started having their breakfast while chatting but Praveen could see that Antonio was looking at him strangely and it made him uncomfortable especially when everyone started teasing them. He knew Antonio was gonna snap once they were alone.

They ate in peace until they went to the living room until Ethan came. He had a really big smile on his face and it was making everyone wonder what was going on, well most of them were wondering what was going on.

"What's with you?" Antonio asked, looking at his best friend. "Why are you smiling like that?"

"Because I have a surprise for you!" He laughed.

"A surprise!" Antonio frowned, shaking his head. "What kind of surprise?" The last time he had brought a surprise, they had ended up arguing.

"Okay." Ethan sat down and then brought out a small envelope in front. "Here! Why don't you open it and see for yourself?"

Antonio gave Ethan a really strange look but he got the envelope and smiled. He had no idea what was on that envelope but he was eager to see what it was, and so was everyone else in the living room.

Antonio quickly opened the envelope and saw about two beautiful small papers that got him excited and happy. But once he saw and read what was written on them, his smile faded. He felt a really powerful vibration run through his entire body. Shivers ran up and down his spine and he felt cold, helpless but really angry.

His fists started trembling right there and he found himself frozen, looking at the two papers he was holding, tickets. He didn't need to ask the question to know what those tickets were for. He was really angry and he felt as if he didn't have any say about his life anymore.

"So tell me," Ethan moved closer and wrapped his arm around his best friend. He was too excited to even notice his anger. "Do you like them?"

Hearing that stupid question from his best friend, Antonio raised his face slowly only to meet with Praveen who was looking at him, also wondering what was going on. The poor boy knew nothing but Antonio's anger was directed at him. It was his fault that his life was going contrary to what he wanted and it was the idiot's fault.

"Come on," Ethan shook him, getting him out of his thoughts and gaze. "Stop staring at Praveen, you will have all the time in the world to...."

"How could you get tickets for my journey without my consent?" Antonio said in a tone that surprised everyone. "Did you ask me or...."

"Whoa!" Ethan raised his hands as if he was surrendering. "Do you need to be reminded that you are married and...."

"But....."

"We did!" Antonio heard granny's wonderful voice. "It was to be a surprise so Emilia and I decided to do everything for you."

Antonio didn't know what to think of his granny anymore. It was as if she had become this person that he couldn't even recognize. Hearing her words, he knew he was defeated.

"Yes!" Emilia agreed. "You guys have been married for quite a few days and you need to spend some quality time alone so you can become even closer and what better way to do that than a wonderful and beautiful honeymoon in one of the best hotels in Ashton?"

"Honeymoon?" Praveen's heart started racing as if someone was chasing him. He felt really scared and he gulped, trying to hide his fear. No wonder Antonio had been staring at him as if he wanted to kill him. No wonder he had been looking mad. Now Praveen realized that Antonio wasn't gonna spare him. But the little boy was stuck in a corner where he couldn't even move.

"But mom...." Antonio complained as a frown appeared on his face. "....I...."

"No buts, Antonio...." She smiled brightly. "....I know what you are gonna say but all of us will be here to take care of the companies. Just take Praveen and go and enjoy yourselves for a few days. Trust me...."

"But shouldn't you have asked any of us, mom?" He complained, trying, by all means, to avoid going for the stupid charade. "Maybe...."

"I am sure Praveen doesn't mind," Granny said with a smile, moving her gaze to the sweet boy. "Do you have any problems with it?"

Praveen felt a sharp pound in his chest, his heart racing miles away. His face felt hot and his hands started trembling. He quickly hid them, still staring at granny, trying to think of what answer to give her. He glanced at Antonio and saw that his eyes were warning him and he knew better than to reject.

"Well...." He gulped, trying his best to smile. "....I... I....." He stuttered, getting nervous. "....I don't have any problem with it."

"Fuck!" Antonio clenched his fists, feeling anger take him off his feet like a whirlwind. He couldn't believe Praveen had just said that. He was gonna pay and it was a promise. Here he was trying to make it up to his boyfriend for all the lost time and..... Praveen was gonna pay.

"It's settled." Emilia grinned dazzlingly, shaking her head. "You will be leaving tomorrow morning and you will spend some time there. Everything has been prepared for your arrival so you just have to pack and prepare yourselves."

"Don't you think that's a little too early?" Andrea asked who was irritated as fuck. "I mean..."

"It's a perfect time." Eduardo agreed. "They should have left already. I think mom did a great job by arranging for them."

Antonio rolled his eyes in anger as he looked at everyone, especially the boy that made his blood boil. Praveen on the other hand knew deep in his heart that he didn't wanna go for the honeymoon but he had no choice. It was all for everyone's happiness.

"You don't need to worry about anything." Ethan teased, patting on his best friend's arm. "I got your back and no one will disturb you. It will just be the two of you."

"Yeah, bro...." Eduardo winked with a tease on his face. "You better start packing and...."

"He's married." Ethan wrapped his arm around Antonio's neck. "I'm sure Praveen wouldn't allow him to do that."

Praveen looked at Antonio and he failed to understand how everyone else couldn't see that anger on his face. He knew that everyone expected a lot from him so he had to make them happy.

"That's one of the benefits of being married," Eduardo said, looking at his beautiful wife. "Your better half will do everything for you."

Everyone else laughed in the living room except for Antonio, Praveen, and Andrea.

"You better stop teasing him," Granny warned.

"It's fine." Praveen tried his best to smile through his fear. "I will handle it." He slowly got up from the couch. "Excuse me."

Praveen quickly left the living room and went to his room. He was still feeling really scared and nervous at the same time. What was gonna happen?

***

Praveen was back in the room, slowly packing the clothes in the bag. He had already finished packing the few of his clothes but now he was packing Antonio's. He had chosen something that he thought Antonio was gonna like even though he knew the guy wasn't gonna appreciate it.

The clothes all seemed elegant and beautiful and he thought Antonio was gonna love them, he hoped. He didn't wanna get insulted this time.

As he was busy packing the clothes, he heard the door bang and he got really scared. He quickly turned and found Antonio furiously rushing to him. He knew trouble had followed him to the room and this time he knew Antonio was angrier than ever.

Antonio was mad but his anger got to another level when he saw what was going on in his room. He had just been talking with Andrea and she had told him that it was probably all planned by Praveen to get a chance to seduce him. He had called his boyfriend and told the news and from Bruce's tone, he knew he was mad at him.

"I hope you are happy." Antonio angrily said, clenching his fists. "Your plan is working and you should clap for yourself for this. Wow!" He chuckled bitterly, putting his hands on his waist. "I so hate you right now."

Praveen had no idea why Antonio was blaming him. "But what have I done and...."

"Do you think I don't know what you are up to?" He carped, giving the boy an angry look. "What you wanted has happened and...." He paused and laughed bitterly.

"I didn't want this to happen," Praveen said softly with a sigh. "I never wanted to go to any honeymoon with you but granny and...."

"Granny, granny, granny...." He yelled, furiously gripping a shirt from the bed. "...when will you stop blaming my family for your stupid plans? When will you stop using them for your stupid gains?"

"But I told you that...."

"And yet you are packing." He yelled. "You are a stupid, foolish, and manipulative boy. I always thought people who wore glasses are intelligent but that was until I met you. You are good for nothing and let me warn you...." He angrily pointed his finger at Praveen whose eyes were almost watering. "...your plans will never work as long as I live and trust me on this. Don't ever think for a second that just because you and I are going to this drama then you will trap me..."

"I don't intend to." His voice was really low. "You shouldn't worry about that because...." He paused and took a deep breath. "...that's not how I was raised. I don't even know how to..."

"Wow!" Antonio clapped for Praveen, giving him a grin. "You are a great actor but always remember that I am much more than you. I can hurt you with just a snap of my finger." He snapped his fingers right in front of Praveen's face, making him take a few steps behind. "You should always remember that I am Antonio Gonzalez, a celebrity and business tycoon and I can do anything so you better watch out. You wanna go for a honeymoon...." He gripped Praveen's arm, pulling him closer to his body, dangerously close.

Praveen could feel Antonio's breaths on his face and it made him even more scared and hurt. He moved his eyes away, looking elsewhere and trying to even forget that he was in pain. He was getting used to it because ever since he had come to the house, he experienced nothing but pain.

"....then I will give you a honeymoon you will never forget in your entire life."

With an evil grin on his face, Antonio furiously let go of Praveen and threw him on the bed. Praveen held his hurting arm and when he raised his face, he found Antonio leaving. He sat quietly on the bed, wondering what Antonio was gonna do to him.

He closed his eyes and prayed for nothing but his safety during that trip. He didn't wanna get hurt.

The next morning, they got ready to leave for their honeymoon, or as Praveen chose to call it, his torture. He hadn't slept the entire night. He kept on turning, getting worried, and praying for the night to never end. But he was coming down the stairs behind Antonio as the family was waiting for them downstairs.

He was wearing just a simple black skinny jean that stuck on his body like a second skin, making him look sexy. He had a brown T-shirt and white snickers. His hair was just tied in a ponytail, revealing his gorgeous face. He had his glasses on and he was extremely nervous.

Antonio on the other hand was wearing beautiful white skinny jeans and a white shirt which was folded on the sleeves and halfway buttoned, revealing his beautiful and seductive hairy chest. He had his short hair combed back, making his handsome face to be in full view. He had a really expensive white snickers on him and he was slaying. There were about two servants with bags behind them.

"There you are," Emilia said happily when she saw the two of them coming downstairs. "We've been waiting for ages."

"Sorry," Antonio apologized, giving her a tight hug.

Praveen stood behind and tried his best to smile. Every member of the family was in the living room and it somehow made him happy. He could see that Andrea was in a foul mood because of the way she was looking at him.

"It's fine but you should have come down earlier." She pulled away from the hug and kissed his cheeks. He chuckled and moved to his granny.

"Come here," Emilia opened her arms wide.

Praveen felt shy but he found himself in her arms hugging her tightly. She wrapped her arms around him, passing her hands through his hair. That moment she got emotional because she was gonna miss him so much. Ever since he had come to the house, they had grown closer.

"Don't worry about anything." She reassured as she hugged him tighter. "Antonio will take very good care of you."

Praveen gave her a sheepish smile, pulling from her hug. He had no idea what Antonio was gonna do to him now that they were gonna be alone but he was so damn scared. He knew Antonio was gonna make him suffer. What was meant to be a wonderful honeymoon was gonna be hell for him.

"Just call me whenever you need to talk to me." She said as she rubbed on his face. "I will miss you so much."

"Oh come on, mom...." Eduardo said, folding his arms on his chest. "It's not like he's going forever. He will be back within a few days."

"But those few days will seem like a long time because this boy has become like the light of this house," Granny said in a soothing tone.

Praveen's eyes watered at granny's words. The old woman knew exactly how to get to him and make him happy. She melted his heart away and made him emotional. He wished he had a granny just like her. He threw himself in her arms and hugged her tightly as tears went down his face. Emilia too got emotional when she saw the state he was in.

Meanwhile, Andrea who was irritated as hell moved to Antonio and stood beside him. She could see that he was angry.

"Please, remember what you had promised." She pleaded. "You will be alone with him. You've got to be careful."

"Don't worry," He whispered, making sure that no one heard. "I have it all figured it out. This boy will never know what hit him."

Hearing her brother's words, an evil grin appeared on Andrea's face. "I trust you."

"What are you two talking about?" Emilia asked the two of them, making them gasp. "It's getting late and you might miss your flight. Your bags are already in the car. It's time to leave."

Antonio gave his sister a tight hug and he started heading outside with Praveen. Everyone followed and they waved at them when they entered the car and started leaving. Praveen watched as the family he had known for days remained behind. He watched as the car left the compound and as they moved farther and farther away from the house.

He was still with Antonio at the back of the car and at that moment he just wished for nothing but peace. He moved his eyes, staring out of the window, watching as they passed the beautiful buildings and different people on their way to the airport.

Throughout their journey to the airport, they never uttered a word to each other that Praveen started wondering what Antonio was thinking. But they arrived at the beautiful airport which looked as if it had been built by angels. He had never been there before and just the wonderful view got him looking all around. He was caught and he couldn't stop staring.

"Are you gonna stare the entire day, embarrassing yourself or will you get out?" Antonio said angrily, furiously opening the door. Praveen was just embarrassing him.

Praveen remained in the car and watched as Antonio ordered the guards to take the bags inside. He slowly got out and they started heading inside the sparkling airport. Praveen couldn't help but look around. There were several people, different people of different skin. Antonio had to maintain his smile as most of them recognized him but he was in a hurry.

Praveen on the other hand was taken by the beauty of the airport that he even forgot that he was in trouble with Antonio. He was looking all around but when he moved his eyes forward, he quickly stopped and froze where he stood.

Praveen's heart instantly started pounding, his breaths coming out as if he had just seen a deadly predator. His eyes widened as his mouth gaped. His body felt cold as a shiver ran down his spine, making him tremble.

Right in front of him with a really beautiful smile, waving at Antonio was Bruce. He was looking gorgeous in an entirely red outfit that stuck on his body like a second skin. His hair was tied by a beautiful band and he had never looked so beautiful. When Antonio saw him, his heart jumped with joy and that smile on his face seemed to be growing more than Praveen had ever seen before.

"Hey baby," Bruce wrapped his arms around Antonio's neck.

Antonio wrapped his arm around Bruce's waist, pulling him closer. Then right in front of Praveen and everyone, he placed a kiss on Bruce's lips and smiled.

"I had been waiting for a long time, baby...."

"I am so sorry," Antonio apologized, locking his eyes with Bruce. "But now I am here and I will never let you go. We are gonna enjoy ourselves."

Bruce smiled brightly and kissed Antonio softly on the lips again.

It hurt. It hurt like hell and Praveen felt as if someone had just ripped his fucking heart out. They truly were in love because Antonio didn't even mind that some people were watching, people who probably knew they were married. He wasn't in love with Antonio but the pain he felt was just too much.

With another kiss on Bruce's lips, Antonio looked at the boy and saw him looking hurt.
"What are you standing there for?" He asked harshly, pulling Bruce closer. "We need to leave."

"Hmm." Bruce was already a winner because he had his man. "The boy is probably shocked."

"Shocked?" Antonio laughed manically. "Did he think I was gonna go on a honeymoon with him." He smirked, giving the boy an evil grin. "You wanted to go on the honeymoon right?" He chuckled. "Well, we are going for the honeymoon but not for you and me but Bruce and me so you better enjoy this journey."

Praveen was speechless. This was the height of it all and he had never thought Antonio would do that to him. He was deeply hurt.

"Let's go."

Without saying anything else, they turned and started heading for the gate arm in arm. Praveen just stood and watched as a tear started going down his cheek. Getting married to Antonio had been the greatest mistake ever.

To be continued...