Destined Hearts - 12. Chapter 12: Will Praveen finally get his happy ever after?

The whole room was lit up, not by light but by wonderful decorations that made the entire house glitter. Beautiful golden and silver decors were placed almost everywhere... Colourful gold splattered balloons hang on the doorway and in every corner and also on the chandeliers.

A huge banner in front with golden words, 'Congratulations to Andrea and Santiago on your engagement' hang there, literally reminding anyone in there that forgot what they were doing there in the first place. Funny!

Brightly coloured lights were moving around in circles, giving that delicious party drive which always seemed to drive people nuts. Everything from beautiful, expensive designer's curtains, nets, and every cloth there was so classy and almost from out of this world. It was wonderful, gorgeous, and beautiful, name it.

There was a stage in front that had been made with beautiful decorations surrounding it on which two pure silver chairs were placed with all the other items that were needed for that particular event.

People from all walks of life, the rich, the famous, models, musicians, businessmen, name it were all in attendance, dressed in the most beautiful attires that they could put their hands on. Everyone seemed to be classy, elegant, and rich. The party itself screamed grand because of the people and all the decorations. Also people from different media houses, fashion houses and newspapers and magazines were in attendance with their cameras ready, capturing every moment and ready to interview.

It was Andrea's engagement party, a classy and gorgeous party that got everyone talking in the city. It was being held in the party room at their house. Some youtube and TV channels were showing the party live, after all, she was the daughter of a really important family in the city and also the sister of a famous, sexy musician, Antonio Gonzalez. It was the least they could do. It was being viewed by millions on youtube and also on social media.

They'd hired the best events management company for everything and also celebrity entertainers. Everyone knew that it was going to be the engagement party of the year. Santiago's and Andrea's admirers were also there to witness the engagement for themselves to finally say goodbye to the two souls being single because, in a few weeks, it was gonna be the wedding.

And here was Antonio, standing elegantly and stylish, posing for some pictures with his friend, Ethan, both with smiles on their faces. Antonio was dressed in a really expensive, imported black designer's suit with a green shirt inside and pitch-black shoes. His hair was made into textured falling quaff, making him extra sexy and his beards made in sexy chin strap style. Everyone that saw him was completely in a dream world.

Ethan on the other hand was wearing a black designer's trousers, blue shirt, and white blazer, and black and white shoes. He was looking sexy with his hair made into a textured pompadour and that smile which made women and men crazy.

Granny, Grandma Katy, Emilia, and Emma too were looking amazing in blue, green, red, and yellow designer dresses respectively with Emilia and Emma killing it with really high heels. They were looking amazing, Emma with her hair in a simple and elegant twisted topknot and Emilia with silky semi-high bun with puffy top. They were also wearing expensive jewelry that graced them. Eduardo too was amazing in a grey imported, sexy, designer's suit that fitted him like a god with a green shirt inside and gray shoes. His hair was made into disconnected undercuts and his beards were trimmed short. Everyone was looking perfect.

Santiago on the other hand was the man of the night and he was looking the best. He was putting on a blood-red designer's suit which had a sparkling touch, red designer's shoes with a white designer's shirt inside. His hair was made in Ivy League style which revealed his sexy face with well-trimmed beards. One of his hands was in the pocket as he talked to some of his friends and fans with nosy media people taking photos of him.

"Who'd have known that this day would come so soon?" Ethan asked, smiling at the cameras.

"I did." Antonio's eyes were fixed on the cameras, doing his best to smile. "Andrea is a really beautiful lady and sooner or later, I knew some guy was gonna sweep her off her feet. I am gonna miss her, really much."

"It's not like she's getting married just yet." Ethan chuckled happily, doing his best to smile. "You two still have a lot of time together. Thank you!" He said to the cameramen as he took his friend away. "But there's something I have been dying to ask you?"

"What?" Antonio was now staring at his friend.

"You've been acting weird since you came back from getting Grandma Katy." He didn't need to beat about the bush. "Is everything, okay? I noticed this even when we were at the meeting. You seemed disturbed but I couldn't talk to you because of..."

Antonio patted on his friend's shoulder, smiling sheepishly. "I am okay."

"Can you lie to my face like that?" Ethan frowned, raising his eyebrow. "Tell me what's going. I am really worried because you haven't been yourself."

Antonio sighed, biting his lip. Ethan was right. There was a lot that was going on in his life that he had failed to understand. First of all, since that night with Praveen, his life hadn't been the same and with what Praveen had told him, he was just more confused. He had refused Bruce from getting close to him and had wanted several times to confess to Praveen what he had been feeling lately but didn't dare to tell him.

"I have been wanting to say something to Praveen for a long time, now bro." He said, losing the smile on his face. "Each time I face him, I lose my courage and end up being speechless."

Ethan was confused and that frown on his face wasn't enough to express how confused he was. He was looking at Antonio weirdly, trying to get some sense out of what he had said.

"What's that you've been..."

"This night isn't only special for Andrea, bro." He said, now smiling when he thought about the mind-blowing kiss he had shared with Praveen that night. He was blushing and it left Ethan stunned. "It is also special for Praveen and I. I am gonna have the courage to confess what I feel deep inside. I will tell him right in front of everyone what I have been keeping in my heart."

By that time, Ethan's eyes were so wide that he thought they were gonna pop out of his sockets. He slowly used his fingers to clean his ears so that he could hear what his friend had just said.

"Bro, did you just use Praveen and feelings in the same sentence?" He asked in awe, shaking his head. "Are you sure you don't need to see a doctor?"

Antonio lost the smile on his face, slowly hitting his friend's arm. "You know what, Ethan, you're talking too much. I'll tell you everything, okay? Just trust me."

"I trust you."

Antonio nodded and then opened his mouth to speak but before any word came out of his mouth, the lights got dim and suddenly, everyone started clapping and cheering. Antonio quickly turned to see what was going on and his eyes just met a dashing view on the staircase, where the spotlight was focused.

It was Andrea coming down the stairs with a brilliant smile on her face. She had a beautiful, long, sky blue designer's princess gown which sparkled like diamonds on, which she was holding with silver high heels on her feet with a golden tiara on her head that sparkled too. Her hair was made into waterfall braids that made her beautiful and she was glowing with beautiful blue makeup. Her face had the most beautiful smile Antonio had ever seen on her and the diamonjewelry on her couldn't even compare to her beauty.

Antonio felt tears forming in his eyes and he felt like rushing there but not to his sister... but the boy beside her who was holding her, guiding her down the staircase, Praveen. Shit! Antonio had never seen anyone as beautiful as Praveen, or he hadn't bothered to notice back then. Seeing Praveen, Antonio's heart started racing as his hormones started preying on him.

Praveen was wearing a sexy pink designer's shirt that washalfway buttoned, revealing his sexy chest and a white designer's skinny jeans that fit him perfectly, revealing his curvaceous body that made Antonio gulp as he felt hot suddenly, with white shoes on his feet. His hair was made into a braided ponytail, revealing his hairless, smooth and sexy face that sent Antonio to worlds beyond. He was putting on his spectacles but was looking beautiful, amazing, gorgeous, wonderful, every word that Antonio could remember. He couldn't get his eyes off his husband because he was yummy.

Seeing Praveen coming down gracefully together with Andrea, Antonio had no idea where he got the courage from but right there, he knew he was gonna make that night special for Praveen. He was gonna tell him something he should have told him already. He had something special planned for Praveen right in front of everyone.

On the other side, Celine was holding Andrea and she was wearing a black designer's dress, green high heels, and her hair was curled which made her look beautiful. Behind was Bruce with a black designer's suit, black shoes, and a white shirt. He had to look gorgeous for Andrea and of course, for Antonio. His hair was combed backward, revealing his gorgeous face and lovely smile.

The four people were now the attention of everyone there. When they came downstairs, media people surrounded Andrea as she posed for photos, doing her best to smile. She was just excited that night and she knew it was gonna get better.

Praveen stood at a distance, watching with a smile as media people surrounded Andrea and Bruce to take pictures. He was happy for Andrea although she didn't deserve it. But most especially, he was happy for his friend that deserved happiness. Praveen and Antonio's wedding wasn't even that grand. It had been just a small ceremony, a traditional wedding and they didn't even have an engagement party. But he never minded since he was never into classy things.

"You look really beautiful." Praveen heard a voice that got out of his thoughts.

He turned slowly to find the most beautiful eyes, staring into his and a beautiful smile that melted his soul. He couldn't help but chuckle, staring at the guy like he hadn't expected to see him.

"Santiago, you..." He paused, pointing towards Andrea.

"Why?" Santiago opened his arms, moving closer to Praveen. "Didn't you expect to see me here?"

"No!" He shook his head, now staring at Santiago from head to toe. "I was expecting you to be with Andrea. I am just surprised that you're here."

"Really?" Santiago winked, making Praveen smile brightly. "And you didn't answer me when I said you looked beautiful, really beautiful." He was getting closer and closer as he spoke. "You're really beautiful, Praveen."

Praveen blushed, slightly closing his eyes. He had no idea why his heart was racing like that. "Thank you and I..." He pointed at the man. "...I have no words to tell you how you look tonight. You're amazing and tonight's your night. Now go and..."

"Are you chasing me?" Santiago chuckled, folding his arms on his chest.

"No, I mean yes," Praveen nodded. "I am sure Andrea is waiting for you."

Andrea, Santiago thought as he took a sigh of relief. "I know but she's probably busy with the photoshoots so..." He shrugged, shaking his head. "...while she's at that, I thought I could spend some time with you. The night is gonna get busy and I probably won't get any time to spend with you due to everything that has to happen and the photos after."

"Relax!" Praveen chuckled, gesturing with his hands. "I am not going anywhere."

"Well, it's my night and you're gonna grant all my wishes," Santiago said, his face suddenly getting stern.

"What?" Praveen gasped. "Is that an order, your highness?" But Santiago was just staring at him without saying anything. "Fine!" He raised his hands, surrendering. "I will grant all your wishes, but just tonight and on your wedding day."

"Good!" Santiago rubbed his hands together, his face getting bright with a smile as he'd just won an award. "For starters," He held Praveen's hand, holding it tightly. "Why don't you come with me?"

"Where?"

"You'll find out!"

The two men left happily, hand in hand though Praveen had no idea where the crazy guy was taking him. That was supposed to be one of his happiest days for fuck's sake.

*

"Excuse me!" Andrea said, getting ahold of her dress while smiling at the cameramen.

She started rushing to her family that was standing a distance away from her. She hugged her brother tightly, feeling emotional. Her brother was looking really lovely and she was just so happy to see him.

"You look handsome, Antonio!" She screamed, pulling away from him. "I am so happy to see you." Then they just held hands. "It feels like I haven't seen you in a long time." By this time, tears were already forming in her eyes.

"You look really beautiful too, just like a princess..." He held her chin, smiling brightly at her. "But you're gonna ruin your makeup if a tear goes down those cheeks, baby. Right now, I want you to know that I am the happiest person in this entire room seeing my Andrea ready to take another step in her life. It almost feels like you're going away this very night."

Andrea chuckled, fighting her tears. "I love you so much."

"I love you too, sweetie." He then leaned forward and kissed her forehead and both cheeks before giving her a final hug. "Now promise me you'll be really happy."

"I promise."

Emilia quickly rubbed off tears of mirth as she didn't wanna ruin her makeup. Seeing her two bundles of joy so emotional was just too much for her. She remembered the time when she and her late husband, may his soul rest in peace, had their engagement party. She was just as emotional as her daughter.

Emilia hugged her daughter, tears forming again. "You have no idea how happy I am to be part of this day." She said in a cheerful but somehow sad tone. "No mother wouldn't dream of such a day for her daughter. I just wish your father was here."

"I know..." She sniveled. "I miss him so much."

Andrea hugged both her grandmothers, touching their feet for their blessings. They both blessed her and kissed her as well. She hugged her brother and then her aunt, Emma last. She hugged her tight and Emma even shed some tears.

"May no one cast an evil eye on you, my love?" Emma said as she broke the hug. "May you always be happy, sweetie."

"Thanks!" Andrea chuckled.

Andrea started talking to her family while Antonio's eyes scanned the entire room, dying to take a glimpse of the sweet boy that had somehow done things to him that no one had ever done to him and all that in just a week. As he was busy scanning, his eyes landed on Bruce that had those lustful evil eyes and a smile that would have made him horny instantly but for some reason, he didn't feel that lust anymore.

"Hi, Antonio!" Bruce blushed, biting his lips. "I just bought this suit for Andrea's engagement and I hope that you like it."

"Yeah," He ripped his gaze from the guy, chuckling sheepishly while scanning for Praveen. But he was nowhere to be seen. "It's nice and thanks but..." He gestured. "I gotta go."

He started going away but was pulled back by Grandma Katy. "And where do you think you're going?" She asked, gesturing with her eyes while folding her arms on her chest.

"Err.... Granny, you look lovely." He gulped, chuckling like a kid. "...I was just thinking of greeting a friend of mine that I haven't seen in a long time."

"Really?" She somehow knew he was lying. "Why does that sound like a lie? You're looking for Praveen, the love of your life, aren't you?"

Bruce rolled his eyes, folding his arms angrily. "Stupid old bitch!" He said under his breath.

"What?" Antonio chuckled nervously. "No, I..."

"Stop denying!" She hit him playfully and then laughed harder, joined by other members of the family including Andrea. Gonzalez was truly having fun. "Anyway, speaking of love..." She moved her gaze to Andrea. "Where's that handsome husband of yours. I haven't seen him?"

Andrea smiled, shaking her head. "I saw him when we were coming down the stairs but now..."

Before Andrea could finish her sentence, the lights suddenly went off and it became dark. Everyone looked around to see what was wrong, confused because that had never happened before and not on such a day. It was a really important day for Gonzalez because a daughter was getting engaged.

"Antonio!" Emilia was worried.

"I'll go and check what's wrong."

He was about to go when suddenly, the lights turned back on but dim. Then out of the blue, Camilla's "Havana" started playing followed by cheers. Everyone moved their eyes to the front or rather the dance floor.

"Well, there's your groom..." Celine pointed, followed by a laugh.

Everyone was shocked to see Santiago in front with about 6 celebrity dancers, both male and female. The spotlight had shone on them, making everything visible. But the shocking thing was Santiago was not alone. He was holding Praveen's hand, looking into his eyes like he wanted to be one with him. It was sexy that it got everyone's attention, including the cameramen.

Praveen on the other hand was surprised, shy because he hadn't expected Santiago to do that. He tore his eyes away from Santiago, scanning the whole place and found that everyone had their eyes on them.

"Havana oh nana," Camila's voice played. "Half of my heart is in Havana oh nana,"

He looked at the celebrity dancers and the guys had already started dancing beautifully to the song and maybe they were the ones that people were cheering.

"Santiago, I..."

Too late, Santiago was already starting to move his waist to the song. God! Praveen had never seen Santiago dance before and it was a big surprise. The guy had some skill in him, judging by the way he was moving with the music. He was wearing a suit for God's sake but one could already tell that the guy was a pro.

'He didn't walk up with that how you doing,

When he came into the room,

He said there's a lot of girls I can do with,

But I can't without you,"

Praveen smiled faintly and tried to move away from the stage but Santiago pulled him back, wrapping his arms tightly around his waist. Praveen tried to move again but the guy spun him around and then they were back to the same position, looking into each other's eyes.

"Santiago!" Praveen breathed, feeling his heart start to race.

"Don't be afraid." Santiago's eyes were still on Praveen's face. "I am here."

He finally let him go and they were now staring at each other with Praveen thinking of what he was gonna do next. He looked at the dancers and they were doing a really good job by going with the flow. He hadn't expected Santiago to bring him for a dance. He wanted to run away from there. He wanted to just go but then.... he remembered that it was a very special day for his friend plus he had promised to grant him every wish. It was his wish that Praveen danced so, Praveen was gonna dance.
He slowly started moving his body to the music and the crowd instantly went crazy. The way he was moving his waist, his body,, and those hands surprised everyone, especially Santiago who hadn't thought Praveen was gonna dance.

"Hmm..."

Santiago smiled brightly and then started dancing. He quickly took Praveen's hand, spun him,, and went behind him, holding his waist close to him.

'He got me feeling like, Ooh-ooh-ooh,

I knew it when I met him,

I loved him when I left,"

When Camila sang that part, both Praveen and Santiago started moving their bodies together in rhythm, back and forth as the cheers from the watching crowd got louder. The two people dancing on the floor were chuckling to each other with Praveen's head turned so that he was staring right into Santiago's face as the two danced in harmony. It was sexy, amazing, exotic, and spicy. There were celebrity dancers that were probably even dancing better but everyone had their eyes on Santiago and Praveen. They owned the spotlight at that moment.

"Got me feeling like, Ooh-ooh-ooh,

And I had to tell him, I had to go...

Oh na-na-na-na-na'

The two men changed and were now staring at each other, dancing sexily just like the way Camila was dancing with the guy in the video. The song played as the two men showed everyone just how happy they were.

The song went to the chorus and Praveen moved away from Santiago, leaving him staring as Praveen joined the celebrity dancers and just made people's mouths gape. The moment he joined the celebrity dancers, he assumed the front position and what happened next surprised everyone including the dancers themselves.

Praveen started dancing like a true dancer as he danced, following the same dance steps that the celebrities were using. The guy was in front, not seeing how they were doing it but he killed it. It had taken them three weeks of practice to learn those steps and Praveen did it without even observing them. It was shocking but they couldn't help but smile as the crowd applauded.

"Wow!" Celine gasped, her hands finding her chest. "Who would have known Praveen was so good at dancing? Oh my God, this is shocking."

Emilia tried to speak but what came out was a gasp. "Celine took words right out of my mouth. That boy never ceases to amaze me. It's like every day, I know a part of him that I had no idea of. If I hadn't known him, I would have said that he was the lead dancer. Just look at him. I couldn't be prouder."

Emma rolled her eyes, feeling angry.

"Any prouder?" She laughed in mock, giving Emilia a look that she couldn't understand. "That boy is now being a showoff. He just likes to seek attention."

"I knew that was coming," Katy said, clapping while staring at Emma. "But coming from you, I am not surprised. Let the young enjoy their lives. Attention seeker or not, Praveen is doing a good job by making this party livelier. I was starting to feel like we were at the red carpet show with all these interviews going on."

Great, Emma thought as she folded her arms on her chest. Just what she needed, another headache to be added to her. Wasn't Emma and her mother enough? Did her mother's younger sister have to come and ruin her life? Shouldn't she have been at a mountain somewhere, praying? It was annoying.

"Finally, someone to tell her the truth." Granny laughed when she saw the frown on her daughter's face. "Don't make yourself look ugly, darling. Enjoy the party."

While both Andrea and Bruce were in shock, staring at Praveen like they had seen a ghost, Antonio was looking at him lovingly, feeling his heart race. He somehow felt a bit jealous because Santiago was dancing with Praveen when it was him that was supposed to be dancing with Praveen. But all in all, he couldn't have been happier. He just looked with a smile on his face, following Praveen's every move. He was proud because none of those dancers had anything against Praveen. He was killing them and they were supposed to be killing it.

Santiago quickly took off his jacket, throwing it furiously to the floor as Praveen came to him just as young thug started singing his part. The two guys started dancing just like that part when young thug was singing, dancing like two pros. Santiago had his hands all over Praveen's body as the danced. Praveen was so fast that he didn't even know where he got that courage or the spirit from. Maybe it was because he wanted to make Santiago happy by fulfilling his every wish that day.

"Havana oh na-na-na,"

Santiago took Praveen's waist and lifted him in the air while Praveen spread his hands gracefully like they were wings. Santiago spun him in the air as the dancers surrounded them. He brought him down and they danced beautifully as before. Santiago pulled Praveen closer to his body then leaned forward closer to his face, staring into his eyes just as the song concluded.

The song was done but the two guys continued being in that position like they wanted to kiss, smiling brightly at each other. It was when everyone started clapping loudly when they got back to themselves and stood, still facing each other with smiles.

"Wow!" Santiago sounded out of breath. "That was amazing. I had no idea that you can dance like that, I swear."

"Well...." Praveen chuckled nervously, running his fingers through his hair. "...I did choreography back in high school for three years so I can say I am a pro at dancing. Plus, I know the song like the back of my hand." He laughed, raising his eyebrow. "But you should warn me next time before you attempt to do this again. You caught me by surprise and..." He paused, taking a breath as he put his hands on his hips. "Really?"

He shook his head, leaned down, and picked up the jacket. He then handed it to him and felt him chuckle.

"Did you have to take off your jacket?" he raised his eyebrow, shaking his head.

"I had to." Santiago got the jacket and started putting it back on, still staring into Praveen's eyes. His heart was racing and he wanted to say something to him. "I mean when you dance with such a magnificent dancer like yourself..." He whistled, shaking his head. "...you just have to be ready. That's what my instinct told me at that time. By the way, sorry for the..." He pointed to Praveen's hair. The braid was no longer there. His hair was just a simple ponytail. It was a miracle his glasses were still intact.

Praveen touched his hair and smiled. "That's nothing. But, don't also forget that you're a groom and by the way..." his face got stern. "...I wasn't supposed to have this dance with you. Andrea was supposed to dance with you."

And he was glad she didn't, he thought as he smiled even brighter. Praveen was the best person he was with at that time and he wished that dance hadn't ended at all. He wished it had continued the entire night so that he would have been close to Praveen as they had been.

"Like I said..."

"No, before you tell me to dance again," He said, gesturing with his hands. "I gotta run."

He quickly turned and then rushed out of that place, smiling at the happy faces. He just wanted to get lost in the crowd but he wasn't so lucky as he felt someone pull his arm. Before he even knew what was going on, he found himself dangerously close to the man that had driven his mind crazy the past one week.

He felt his heart instantly begin to race as he got engulfed in a powerful flame that set his feelings on fire... he could feel adrenaline making him weak... his breaths came out harshly as he connected with the most beautiful eyes he had ever had a chance of looking into. For some reason, Praveen's mouth shook uncontrollably as he found himself getting hypnotized with each second.

"Antonio!" His voice was barely above a whisper.

"I thought I could get my dance," Antonio said with a smile, his eyes looking into Praveen's very soul. "Are you gonna deny me that?"

Praveen had no idea what Antonio was doing to him. He wanted to go away from him, run away but he found himself getting weak. "Well, err... the dance is..."

"Not now, silly..." Antonio chuckled happily, wondering where his courage had come from. "...later and you owe me that."

"Antonio, I..."

"Shh..." Antonio's finger was quick to reach Praveen's lips. "...you don't have to say anything today. I am the one who's gonna do the talking and you're gonna do the listening. Today your husband will speak and you will listen."

He did something really surprising right there. He leaned down and placed a kiss on Praveen's cheek but making sure that their lips touched. Praveen was shocked. Antonio had been acting weird the past one week and now he was doing that. He thought he was dreaming but...

"Don't be scared." Antonio winked, his hands moving to Praveen's waist. Praveen had never felt the sensations he felt when Antonio touched his waist like that. It was as if Antonio's hands were ice cold. "I got you. Your husband is with you tonight."

Praveen thought he was dreaming. Was Antonio acting like that because there were guests, he thought as the entire world disappeared from them? But no, he didn't even care about Praveen even in front of people.

"Antonio, I wanted to..."

"As I said, your husband will talk tonight and you'll listen." He said with a promise in his heart. "Just trust me and I will not disappoint you."

Praveen wanted to say something but...

"Ladies and gentlemen, let's give it up for the man of the night, Santiago and my brother-in-law turned brother, Praveen Antonio Gonzalez for such a special performance."

Everyone started clapping as Praveen smiled at everyone, getting away from Antonio. But the crazy guy still held him.

"Now the moment we have all been waiting for has arrived." Eduardo continued.

"Yes!" Celine agreed, talking louder in the microphone. "It is that time of the night where we get to witness the engagement of two special souls."

The engagement ceremony started with a few announcements from Celine and Eduardo. Andrea and Santiago took their seats on the special chairs, took off their shoes, and just sat there. Being the youngest and recently newlywed couple in that function, Praveen and Antonio were given the honor of performing the rituals that were involved in the engagement ceremony.

First, there was an exchange of gifts between the two families of the bride and groom and since Santiago's brother who was dressed smartly was the only family member of Santiago present, he had to do everything for his brother.

Then the rituals started. Praveen and Antonio had to wash the feet of Santiago together with milk and then dry it with a pure white towel. After that, they had to pour honey on the feet and they wash them with milk again before wiping them again and putting expensive powder there. Then they had to put new shoes on his feet. This was all done as a sign of showing respect to your in-laws before marriage. Santiago's brother did the same to Andrea.

Praveen didn't know if it was his imagination but he could have sworn that Antonio was flirting with him, staring at him for a long time and deliberately touching his hands as they washed the groom's feet. Though he hadn't said anything, deep down he felt really happy because he was seeing a side of his husband that he had been yearning to see.

Andrea and Santiago finally exchanged rings and Santiago kissed Andrea's cheek for reasons known to himself. All the rituals finished and now reached the part which everyone was waiting for, the dance between the engaged couple.

Santiago slowly took Andrea's hand as, "Perfect," by Ed Sheeran started playing while everyone watched in excitement.

"I found the love for me,

Darling just dive right in,

And follow my lead,

I found the girl, beautiful and sweet

I never knew you were that someone waiting for me,"

Santiago had his hands wrapped loosely around Andrea's waist as Andrea's hands wrapped themselves around Santiago's neck. They were close to each other, staring into each other's eyes with Andrea wearing a really beautiful, genuine smile on her face. Santiago on the other hand was trying his best to smile.

Being so close to Andrea in front of so many people felt like nothing he had expected it was gonna be. It was really weird and he had no idea why he was feeling that way. Dancing with Praveen had felt amazing, gorgeous and he had wished that the dance had continued until morning. But now that he was dancing with his fiancé, someone he was gonna marries in a few weeks, it was really weird and he felt nervous and tense. He tried his best to smile at Andrea but he knew that the smile he was giving her was not genuine. It was fake.

"Aren't they cute?" Emma said, feeling tears in her eyes. "They're gonna be the best couple in the country, I tell you. They look so good together."

"Yeah," Granny agreed. She couldn't deny that. "Santiago and Andrea sure look cute but I think Antonio and Praveen are the cutest couple ever. I don't mean to be choosy but I am telling the truth."

"Yes, mother..." Even Emilia couldn't agree more. "...there's just something about them that makes me happy." She moved her eyes to where they were standing and almost cried when she saw Antonio staring at the smiling Praveen whose eyes were on the couple on the dancing floor. "Just look at them. You can tell that they're so much in love."

Everyone moved their eyes to where Antonio and Praveen stood and they couldn't help but smile, all except for Emma. She was really mad because she hated Praveen and Antonio was staring at him like an idiot.

"Well, that's your opinion," Emma said, furiously dropping her hands. "You can think whatever you want."

She quickly turned and went away, cursing. She was mad. She went to get some food and drinks so that she could get away from all the drama that was going on at the party which she was supposed to be enjoying.

Antonio's eyes couldn't tear away from the beautiful boy that he was with. He was staring at him, dying to confess his feelings to him so that they could live happily together. But he couldn't do it at that time. He was gonna do it at a time when he had planned and he was gonna share a kiss with him too, right in front of everyone. He had decided that it was the time to go with his feelings and take responsibility for what he had done and his duties as well.

Bruce on the other was staring at Praveen and Antonio, gripping hard on the glass of champagne to the point where it almost broke. Veins had shot up his neck, his eyes red and his jaw shaking uncontrollably. He wanted to throw that glass he was holding right at Praveen's face and watch him bleed to death.

"No," He thought, tears of anger forming in his eyes. "I will not allow you Antonio to get close to that boy. Now I know that you've been treating badly the previous week because of that whore. I own you, Antonio and I won't allow that boy to succeed in sleeping with you. I'll make sure he leaves this house without getting a taste of your joystick because it belongs to me just like you."

Seeing Antonio looking at Praveen with so much love was killing Bruce. The fact that he was close to Antonio was bad enough. He wanted to vent but he didn't wanna ruin his friend's party because she was never gonna forgive him.

"This isn't fair!" He groaned, furiously moving away from that place. "I need to get away from them."

The couple on the dance floor was busy dancing, going with the music while everyone still watched in admiration.

'Baby I.... am dancing in the dark

With you between my arms

Barefoot on the grass

Listening to our favorite song

I have faith in what I see,"

The song was almost done and Santiago hadn't enjoyed any part of it.

"I hope I am not disappointing a great dancer like you?" Andrea said with a chuckle as Santiago slowly spun her around.

Santiago chuckled nervously as they got back to the position they were in. "Don't flutter me with such words. I am not a great dancer. I was just trying to suit with you brother in law, he's the great dancer."

"Well, I thought you were great, both of you." Andrea commented, making Santiago smile brightly. "Praveen always surprises me with one thing or the other and I never thought he could dance like that. He didn't even dance like that in my brother's music videos."

"Hmm..." Santiago sighed, still wearing that gorgeous smile. "Guess, I am the lucky one."

"You truly are." Andrea chuckled happily, staring into the eyes of her man. "I hope that one day, I'll be able to dance like him."

"It's not too late," Santiago said softly. "There are still a few weeks before our wedding. You can learn something and surprise us all on that day."

Andrea breathed in deeply. "You're right. Today it was your turn but the next one is mine. I'll give you a great surprise."

Both of them chuckled and they wanted to continue talking but the song had already ended. They just hugged each other and then moved away to where Andrea's family was standing, clapping with the entire people in that room.

"Thank you so much, all of you," Andrea said, hugging her mother tightly. "You guys are the best."

"You were great on that floor, honey," Emilia said as she planted a kiss on her daughter's cheek. "I am so proud of you."

"Thank you so much," Santiago responded, slowly bowing. He looked at Praveen and both of them smiled at each other.

"And right now, I am sure you're hungry and thirsty." Granny Katy said, putting her hands together. "I know this is your party but please, go and eat something."

Andrea and Santiago both nodded and they went away to have something to eat while greeting people along the way and posing for photos because everyone wanted piece of the two of them and they couldn't resist them.

"You too, Praveen!" Granny said with a smile. "You haven't had anything to eat since this thing started. I am sure you're hungry."

"Not really?" Praveen shook his head. "I will eat later."

He took a glance at his husband and saw that the guy was still staring at him like he wanted to eat him. Praveen just sighed and looked at his granny, smiling brightly at her while she talked to some people and Emilia, anything to get Antonio out of his shoulder.

He was doing his best until...

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a special dance from none other than Antonio Gonzalez and the love of his life, Praveen Gonzalez."

Praveen felt his heart sink to his stomach when he heard his name being mentioned like that. He stood still, feeling a powerful wave hit him like a thousand bolts. His heart instantly started racing as he quickly moved his gaze to his husband, staring at him like something bad was about to be done. But all the guy did was just smile even more. He wasn't joking at all.

"Can we please have the two lovers to give us a dance, please?"

Praveen was still staring at his husband and all the guy did was shrug, still smiling. Praveen tried to speak but at that moment, the spotlight was now shining on them and he remained speechless. He took a glance at the family members and they were all smiling, gesturing him to go ahead.

He took a deep breath and almost passed out when he found Antonio on one knee with his hand asking for his, staring into his eyes. Praveen slightly smiled as the people started clapping loudly. He hesitantly extended his hand and put it in his husband's. Antonio placed a kiss on it and the crowd went crazier.

He got up, coiled his arm with Praveen's just as Shania Twain's 'When you kiss me," started playing.

The two walked slowly to the dance floor and when they reached there, Praveen coiled his arms around Antonio's neck as the guy held his waist tightly. He suddenly felt hot as all kinds of sensations took him by storm. He gulped, raised his face up, and felt Antonio's nose brush on his. His heart started racing miles and miles as his hands trembled and he got nervous.
'This could be it, I think I'm in love,

It's love this time, I think I'm in love,

It just seems to fit, I think I'm in love,

This love is mine.

I can see you with me when I am older,

All my lonely nights are finally over,'

The two slowly moved with the song, staring deep into each other's eyes. For the first time, Antonio felt lucky and for some reason, his heart started pounding in his chest. Having Praveen so close to his body, feeling his hot breaths on his face was giving him really powerful sensations. He felt weak to the point where he started breathing heavily. It instantly got hot and he could feel himself start to sweat.

His hand slowly moved to caress Praveen's cheek. Praveen closed his eyes when he felt Antonio's hand on his cheek. It felt incredibly nice and he couldn't help but give out a low moan. Shit! Antonio bit his lip as he stared at Praveen, dying to take his lips and taste them. But not just yet.

He moved his hand to Praveen's and slowly turned him so that he had his back to him. He wrapped his arms tightly around his waist, bringing him dangerously close. He rested his head on Praveen's shoulder. Praveen turned his head to look at Antonio and their lips brushed. Both couldn't suppress the moans that escaped from their lips. They were close, their gaze fixed on each other.

'When you kiss me, I know you miss me

And when you're with me the world just goes away,

The way you hold me, the way you show me, that you adore me

Oh, the way you kiss me,"

The couple was slowly moving to the music, enjoying each other. Both were suddenly overtaken by a myriad of emotions as they danced, love, lust, ecstasy, excitement and to sum it all, need for each other. It was like suddenly the entire world disappeared. It was just the two of them in that room and no one else. They wanted to dance to their heart's content.

It was like there was an invisible wind that started blowing on their bodies, bringing them even more emotions. Their hearts were suddenly set on a fiery passion that couldn't be put off. Praveen moved his hands and slowly rubbed on Antonio's hands, for the first time feeling loved and needed by his husband.

The way he was staring at him like he wanted to kiss him insanely... the way he was breathing like Praveen had taken his breath away... the way he was licking his lips like Praveen was taking his saliva... The way he was holding him like he wanted them to be one. It was sexy and Praveen didn't wanna move away. He didn't care if what Antonio was doing was just for show but right at that time, he was having the time of his life and he didn't wanna get away from his husband.

"Wow, I have never seen Antonio act like that." Emilia's hands were on her chest, feeling her heart pound sharply in her chest. "It's like they've just fallen in love suddenly. I can't believe this."

"I don't know, mother..." Celine was speechless. "...with the way Praveen is looking like, anyone is bound to fall in love with him."

"Bless my two grandsons, almighty," Katy said, putting her hands together and looked towards the heavens. "Let no one cast an evil eye on them and let them be happy just like that."

"Amen!" Granny agreed, equally putting her hands together. "They deserve all the happiness in the world."

They just continued watching them.

"Praveen..." Antonio didn't sound like himself. His voice sounded low. "...for the past week, I have wanted to speak to you, to tell you exactly what's in my heart. But I didn't dare to talk to you. That's why today, I wanna talk to you."

Praveen opened his mouth to respond but unfortunately for him, his voice was gone. He couldn't find it.

"I know I have been kinda a jerk to you since we got married and you were right when you got angry with me." He sighed, licking his lips. "But God is my witness, I don't wanna do that anymore. I don't wanna cause you any more pain because right now, Praveen..."

He paused and quickly turned him so that they were facing each other, back in the position that they were already in.

"...you've become a really important part of my life. That night..." He gulped, feeling his body jerk a bit when he remembered what had happened. "...I never expected that night to be that special to me." He chuckled nervously. "It happened and although I felt guilty after, I didn't regret what happened because that guilt showed me what kind of jerk I have been to you. You're very important to me right now, Praveen!"

Praveen was getting emotional and he could feel tears forming in his eyes. His heart raced even faster as his breaths started coming out harshly. A lot was going in his mind but that right there, what his husband was telling him was real and he didn't want it to stop. It was amazing and the few words that Antonio had told him made him feel special.

"I am your husband and I want to take responsibility as your husband. I will play my role in your life as your husband, your soul mate."

Praveen couldn't hold his tears. They came running down and he didn't even wanna rub them.

"I don't know how it happened or when it started but I guess I was just ignoring it." He chuckled softly, feeling his own tears building. "A lot has happened and maybe that's what made me have feelings for you. I guess they've just been there and I never paid attention to them. The past one week, since I made love to you that night, I feel like a new chapter had started that very night. I am never a coward when it comes to proposing but... with you..." He sighed, stopping to dance. He moved his hands up and wiped Praveen's tears. "...it's very different. You've turned me into a coward and right now, I just wanted to profess my love to you. Believe me or not, I have fallen in love with you, Praveen. I love you. I love you."

"I love you!" Antonio's words echoed in his head. "...love you..."

Praveen felt a cool breeze from Antonio's eyes hit his face. He couldn't believe what he had just heard from Antonio. He felt really weak and he couldn't help the smile that popped up his face. He had no idea how long he had been waiting to hear something like that from someone that he loved. It was amazing and he felt really happy.

"Really?" his voice was barely above a whisper.

"Yes, Praveen, I love you so much."

By that time, the couple had already stopped dancing and the song had ended long ago. Everyone was just watching them with pounding hearts, admiring their love and closeness. Cameras were ready, taking the entire moment because they knew it was gonna be a hot story in their newspapers, magazines, and their web pages.

"And I wanna spend the rest of my life with you." He slowly took Praveen's hands and kissed them. "Would give me a chance, please, baby, my love?"

Praveen was now hyperventilating.

"Please, would you love someone like me?"

Praveen nodded abruptly. "Yes, my love, because I love you too. I love you so much and I wanna be with you. I love you, my love."

Antonio laughed as a tear went down his cheek. He felt like he had started life all over again. He moved his hands to cup Praveen's cheeks as both of them laughed, enjoying their newfound love. Antonio was dying to do one thing before what he had planned started. He slowly started leaning forward with only one thing in his mind, to taste those sweet lips once again and claim his love. He was almost near, feeling Praveen's breath on his face. He slowly closed his eyes as he felt Praveen's lips on his but...

"Stop!" An angry voice of a woman said loudly. "Stop this drama."

Antonio quickly moved away and turned to find a great shocking thing, his aunt, Emma looking at the two of them like they had betrayed her and she was there for revenge. Seeing her, Antonio had never been so mad at his aunt as the way he felt at that time. He watched as she came near, looking at Praveen like she wanted to kill him.

"Stop this." She warned, pointing at Praveen. "I'll not let you manipulate him anymore."

"Aunt!" Antonio's voice rose. He couldn't believe it. "What are you doing?"

"What I should have done a long time ago." She furiously gripped Praveen's hand painfully, pulling him away from Antonio.

Praveen was shocked. He had no idea why Emma was doing that. He just looked at her without saying anything, wondering why she always did her best to make him feel bad. That was supposed to be his happiest moment and she was ruining it.

"Aunt, leave him alone." Antonio took Praveen's hand and pulled him away from her. "What has he done? Even if it is bad, you should talk to..."

"I will not do such a thing..."

"Aunt," Antonio's voice was angry. "Please, don't..."

"You think I am the bad guy here." She yelled, getting the attention of everyone there. "If there is anybody worse in this room, it's that boy." She pointed. "And now you're shouting at me because of him."

"Emma!" Granny pulled her, looking at her like she wanted to kill her. "What do you think you're doing? Why do you like creating unnecessary trouble? You're creating a scene and everyone is..."

"Let them watch!" She rasped, breathing like a predator. "And you're talking about a scene? Well, news flash," She gestured with her fingers. "A scene has already been created by your loving son-in-law."

"Emma, stop this nonsense," Emilia warned. "I will not let you ruin my daughter's party and most especially I won't let you talk about Praveen like that."

"Ooh..." She folded her arms, shaking her head. "What can I expect from a blind mother that is trying to ruin her children's future?"

Emilia was more than surprised. She couldn't believe Emma had just said that to her.

"You don't even know what's happening in your children's lives." She roared, now pointing at Emilia. "You're ruining them by bringing them bad omen. I am the only one in this family that seems to care. And please, if you don't have anything to say then please..." She put her hands together, literally begging Emilia. "...shut up and allow me to handle this situation."

By that time, people were already gathering right there, watching the drama going on. Everyone knew that what Emilia was doing was bad because the media people were also there, probably capturing what was going on.

"Now back to you," She moved her eyes to Praveen, getting closer to him. "How long did you think you were gonna hide this?"

"What?" Praveen was confused. "Aunt, I know that you don't like me but please, for the sake of your family, please stop this. We can talk about this when the party is over."

"Well, there isn't gonna be any more party." She glowered, surprising everyone.

"What?" Andrea's voice was heard followed by high heels as she rushed to her aunt. She was with Santiago and Bruce. "Aunt, what are you saying? What are you even doing? This is my engagement party and you're making a scene. Please..."

"I am sorry, baby..." Emma sighed, holding Andrea's hands tightly. "...I love you so much and I don't want you to make the biggest mistake of your life."

"Mistake?" Andrea was gasping, frowning because she was confused. "What are you talking about? What mistake am I making?"

Emma slowly moved her head and looked at Santiago. "You're making the biggest mistake of your life by getting married to this man. He's been deceiving us all this time, him and Praveen too."

"What?" Santiago yelled, looking at Emma with so much anger. "Aunt, why would you..."

"Emma, stop this nonsense." Katy lost her cool. "Till when will you continue being like this? Can't you be happy while seeing others happy? What have these kids done to you that..."

"Well, I am sorry," Emma said rudely. "But I care about my family so much that I can't watch them make the biggest mistake of their lives."

"Okay, can we please talk about this in..."

"Why?" Emma gestured. "Why should I? These two have been doing it in secret but I am gonna expose them in front of everybody."

Everyone was confused by Emma's words.

"I know that you think that I like ruining everyone's mood but I won't allow my family to suffer." She said with tears of anger in her eyes. "Praveen and Santiago are not what they seem to everyone." She started while holding Andrea's hands tightly. "I would have surely let it go but this is my family we're talking about. I won't allow anything to happen to them."

She looked at a teary Andrea and then everyone there.

"Praveen and Santiago have been deceiving us all." She said calmly. "That boy is only after our money," She yelled, pointing at Praveen angrily. "He got married to this family to steal everything we own, both of them want our money. They've got all this planned out."

Praveen felt hot tears fall to his cheeks as pain slipped through his system. His heart gave a sharp pound in his chest as more tears flowed. He felt like his system had been injected with poison. Emma's words echoed in his head as he felt even more pain. He couldn't believe she'd utter such harsh words against him in front of the guests.

"What?" Praveen gasped, his mouth shaking uncontrollably. "Aunt, why would you..."

"Why would I what?" Emma chuckled bitterly. "Cat got your tongue? You thought you were gonna hide this from us forever. Well, your secret is out about you and your lover. You had all this planned out."

"Excuse me!" Santiago frowned. "What are you talking about? Why would I need your wealth when I've got mine? This is insane."

"Emma, please..." Emilia pleaded, putting her hands together. "Stop this."

"You still don't believe me?" She laughed. "Fine! Maybe this will convince you."

She brought a big envelope in front, took out some photos, and threw them harshly at Emilia. The photos hit Emilia hard and fell to the floor and scattered all over. Everyone now had their eyes on the floor, looking at the photos. They were all pictures of Praveen and Santiago in different situations.

Antonio slowly moved his eyes to the floor and once they landed on one of the pictures, his heart simply broke at the picture he saw. He slowly let go of Praveen's hand, leaning to the floor. He slowly took several pictures and stared at them.

In one of those pictures, Praveen was lying on the floor and Santiago was on top of him. Though they were all dressed, they were staring at each other, looking deep in each other's eyes with smiles on their faces. Their faces were close and it seemed they were about to kiss. Praveen's hands were on Santiago's back. And to make matters worse, it was in Antonio's room. Antonio's heart started bleeding right there and something he could have described as the worst pain hit him so hard that his vision became blurred for a second. He felt like he couldn't breathe.

He slowly switched to another picture and he felt his heart tear as a sharp pain hit him right in the chest. Tears of pain formed in his eyes as they started becoming red. The picture was of Praveen and Santiago, lying on the grass with flowers all over them and Santiago holding a flower to Praveen's nose as both of them laughed hard, their noses brushing. It was romantic.

But when he looked at the third picture, he felt himself go weak. Praveen was kissing Santiago on the cheek near the lips and that had been right in his house. Now he couldn't hold his tears. They came flowing to his cheeks, especially when he saw that lustful smile on Santiago's face.

The last straw that killed him was when he looked at the fourth picture he was holding. It showed Praveen and Antonio on the bed, completely naked with Praveen on top of Santiago, riding his cock. He had his hands up, holding his hair while Santiago held his waist. Though it was just the back of Praveen that was showed and he couldn't see any of their faces, Antonio could recognize that long pitch black, curly hair anywhere and those hairy hands with a golden ring that were holding Praveen. It was Praveen and Santiago alright.

Feeling his heart stop beating for a second, Antonio's hands began shaking uncontrollably as the pictures he was holding fell to the floor. There were other pictures with Santiago fucking Praveen doggy style though only the guy's ass and back were shown and holding each other in the shower, having dinner together, holding each other. It all just killed him even more.

The entire family was in shock as they looked at the pictures. Emilia's face was completely wet, her heart dead. She was crying because she still couldn't believe what she saw. She thought she was dreaming but it was all right in front of her, the truth which she couldn't escape.

Both grandmothers looked away from the pictures because they couldn't bear to watch the abominable act there. They couldn't even explain the pain they felt because they trusted Praveen so much. Their faces too were filled with tears. Celine was crying too and Eduardo was completely in shock.

Antonio slowly got up, clenching his fists as he stood still, facing Praveen who was staring at his husband with tears, shaking his head. He had never been so scared in his entire life before. Seeing Antonio's face, his blood-red eyes, his shaking jaw, and the look of death that he has him, Praveen was bound to be scared. He knew that Antonio was very hurt.

"Oh my God," Andrea cried, covering her mouth as Bruce held her tightly.

Emma felt bad. "I am sorry about this. But when you trust someone blindly, the consequences are usually severe." She sighed. "I was just as shocked as you are when I found out. I received this mail just a few minutes ago with a letter from our well-wisher. I didn't wanna do this but I can't just watch my family fall into a pit. In the letter," She raised the envelope. "The person that ha failed to identify himself has explained everything.

Praveen got married to this family because he wanted our wealth. His goal has always been to get his hands on our wealth. He knew that it was gonna be difficult to seduce Antonio and I have no idea how they met with Santiago. He knew that it was gonna be difficult so he brought his lover in the game too so that he marries Andrea. The photoshoot of Antonio at his company was all just for show so that Santiago could enter our lives, act nice, and be liked. But their plan worked when Emilia and mother suggested the wedding. Both of them knew that after Andrea's marriage our companies would merge and it would be very easy to get all the wealth then. All this has been planned by the two of them." She said in an angry tone. "Get married to Andrea and then divorce her later so that they could run away with all the wealth.

This was their plan all along." She yelled, pointing at Praveen who was busy staring at his husband. "They've been sleeping with each other all along behind our backs, pretending like they're just friends. And we've been blind to all this thinking they just spend time together doing innocent things but..." She just grimaced as she couldn't say the word. "Disgusting!" She spat on the floor. "This boy is not so innocent at all. He's been pretending all this while but now, we get to see his true colors. I am sorry it had to come out like this but I couldn't wait for them to ruin us before I say something. Now the entire world will see just how disgusting they are."

Praveen's tears couldn't stop flowing. He didn't care about what anyone else thought. His focus was only on his husband.

"Ant..."

Antonio had no idea where his anger came from. He felt so angry when he heard Praveen's voice that he angrily groaned. He furiously raised his hand and smacked Praveen across the face, sending him flying to the floor. It was the greatest slap he had ever given anyone.

Praveen felt his cheek burn but he didn't even bother touching it. It wasn't as painful as the pain that he felt in his heart. He quickly raised his face to stare into his husband's eyes. That was when everyone saw the red mark on his cheek and the blood coming out the side of his mouth.
"Praveen!" Santiago sounded scared.

He quickly held Praveen tightly, helping him get up.

"What do you think you're doing?" Santiago was really mad. "He didn't do anything and..."

"Wow!" Emma chuckled bitterly, looking at the two. "Oh, so now you're saving your lover. How original. You two are so shameless and disgusting. We treated you so well."

Praveen didn't care about what Emma was saying right at that moment. All he was concerned about was his husband. He didn't care what even the people that were watching were thinking of him. All he wanted was to hear his husband say something but he was looking at him like he wanted to kill him.

"Antonio, I..." He spoke but his voice was weaker than he had imagined. "...please, I swear I..."

"Shut up!" Antonio pointed his shaky finger angrily. "Not another word from you because I might just kill you."

"Antonio, I..."

"I am such a fool!" He chuckled in his pain, shaking his head. "I am the stupidest guy on the planet. Here I am happy and jumping that I am in love with someone that loves me too." He chuckled, hitting his head. "Foolish me for thinking that someone like you would love. Whatever have you been lacking in this house? What did you lack that you had to betray me? Forget about me. What did granny and mother ever do to you? What did my poor sister do you? And how long have you been fucking that idiot?" He yelled, gripping his hair. He'd never been so much in pain.

"Antonio, I swear by the almighty..."

"Don't..." Antonio warned as a tear went down his cheek, clenching his fists. "...All this time, you've been deceiving me, trying, by all means, to seduce me and put me under your control. No wonder..." He paused, visiting the past. "...no matter how badly I treated you, you never left because you had a hidden agenda. I was ready to give up everything for you, start anew with you but all that was gonna be a mistake. I rejected my aunt's advice, chose to give you another chance but what I didn't know is that I was siding with the greatest, most disgusting, pathetic, dirty whore in the entire universe."

Those words hit Praveen like a thousand flaming arrows, piercing his heart roughly. He felt his heart stop beating for a second as he just stared at the guy that he'd learned to admire and love. What he felt was from out of this world.

"Please, trust me," He sobbed, pointing to the photos on the floor. "It's not what you think, I swear. I didn't do anything wrong. Antonio, you know I would never..."

"I don't know anything!" Antonio furiously thrust his hands forward, gripping Praveen's arms powerfully.

Praveen felt his arms burn as Antonio's grip got rough. Pain slipped through his entire system as he stared into the eyes of the man he was married to. He was acting like an animal, hurting him. But Praveen didn't care. All he wanted was to explain himself to his husband and let him understand what he was trying to say.

"What is it that I don't understand?" Antonio applied even more pressure, making Praveen feel like his bones were been compressed. "What don't I fucking understand? Is it the fact that you were fucking Santiago behind everyone's back or the fact that you deceived me? Which one?"

"I was framed." Praveen wailed, putting his hands together. "Take a look at me and tell me that you believe me, Antonio. You know that I have always had the interest of this family at the back of my mind. That was why I didn't leave even when you treated me badly."

Antonio stared into Praveen's face but all he saw was the face of a betrayer, a cheater. He could picture Praveen's face as Santiago fucked him and while he rode his cock. With a groan, he furiously let go of Praveen, pushing him away. If not for Santiago, Praveen would have fallen to the floor.

Santiago was hurt. He could take people insulting him, humiliating him, and doing anything they wanted to him. But he couldn't bear to see Praveen in pain. It was too much for him. He needed to say something.

He took a deep breath. "Antonio, I know that you're angry right now and I understand you. But please," He put his hands together, pleading with him. "...Praveen and I didn't do anything wrong and..."

"Shut the fuck up, son of a bitch!" Antonio snapped, furiously thrusting his hand forward. He punched him right across the face, sending him flying to the floor.

Santiago could feel a sharp pain on his lip and immediately tasted his blood. His lip had been cut. But he didn't care. He quickly got up and stood still, staring at Antonio with nothing but pain in his eyes.

"Go ahead!" He said, shaking his head. "Hurt me all you want, Antonio. Kill me if that means that you'll be able to hear out Praveen and understand him. He loves you so..."

But Santiago didn't even finish his sentence as Antonio gave him another punch that sent him back to the floor. This time his nose was bleeding and he didn't even bother rubbing it off. He quickly got up and just stood still.

Antonio got so mad that he felt like killing the guy, he furiously raised his fist but before he could do anything, Praveen quickly came in front of Santiago, shielding him from Antonio. Antonio felt something to possess him right there. He wanted to go ahead and throw the punch but when he saw Praveen's face, he couldn't do it. He just stared at him, breathing harshly with more tears forming in his eyes.

"Please, don't hurt him," Praveen said softly, putting his hands together. "He's innocent. Santiago and I have never slept together not to talk about a kiss. What you saw is just a frame-up to..."

"You think I am stupid?"

"I am telling the truth," Praveen said with tears following. "I have never slept with another man. You know what I am telling you is the truth. Before that night..." He said, crying even more. "...I was a virgin until that night, Antonio. You know I am telling the truth because you're the first man that I have ever slept with."

Antonio clenched his fists, feeling his jaws shake. "I don't know anything because that was also probably one of your plans to lure me into your trap so that you can get my wealth."

"No!" Praveen cried at the top of his voice, putting his hands together. "Please, believe me. I swear in the name of God,"

"Really?" Emma barked, getting closer to the two. "You are even more despicable than I thought. Using the name of God in vain. How dare you? Did you think you were gonna get away with this? We're not stupid, Praveen. They don't call us the mighty family for nothing." She snapped her fingers in his face. "You should have done a background check on us before you decided to mess with us. You and your lover will pay for this."

Emma then moved to Santiago. "And you, we welcomed you in our home, we gave you our daughter and we showed you nothing but love and what did you do?"

"Look, aunt..."

"Don't call me that!" She snapped.

"I swear on the graves of my dead parents that we are innocent." Santiago pleaded. "I will not deny that I love Praveen so much and I loved him since the first time I met him but..." He paused and looked at the sobbing guy. It was too much for him. "...I have never, ever thought of having an affair with him or taking him away from Antonio."

"Wow, you just admitted it." Emma chuckled bitterly. "He's not even ashamed to admit it. No matter what you say to me, you've been exposed."

Praveen cried softly, trying to rub his tears. He knew that he was gonna have to make his husband understand somehow. With a sob, Praveen slowly held one of Antonio's hands and brought it to his chest.

"You told me just a few minutes ago that you loved me, Antonio." He cried softly, feeling his head start to pulse. "Please, listen to my heart and tell me, Antonio, do you think I am capable of doing this? Do you think I can betray you and your family like this?"

Antonio felt a sharp pain hit him. The love that he felt for Praveen was torturing him inside. But he quickly withdrew his hand, leaving Praveen feeling helpless and lonely. Praveen didn't wanna lose Antonio because he had become really important to him.

"I don't wanna listen to the heart of a cheater." He glowered, his voice getting harsh. "I don't even wanna hear what you have to say because right now I might just kill you. But maybe what they say is true, the poor are only good for working for the rich, being used."

Praveen felt his heart bleed. He wanted to say something but before he did...

"Granny!" Celine shouted.

Everyone moved their eyes and saw Celine holding granny in her arms. She looked really weak. The whole thing was too much for the old woman's heart to handle. She couldn't hear anymore. Her face was wet with tears and her body was shaking weakly.

Antonio ran to her and held her tightly.

"Granny!" Praveen started rushing to her but just one look from Antonio stopped him.

He stood still, watched as Antonio and the family members rushed granny out of that room while some people took pictures. He felt vulnerable and he wanted to follow her but he didn't want her to suffer anymore.

"Praveen..."

"I am sorry, Santiago." He sobbed as he raised his eyes to stare into the face of Santiago. He was hurt and had several bruises on his face. "But you need to leave right now."

"Praveen, how can you..."

"The situation will get worse with you being here." He sighed, rubbing his tears. "Please, go."

"He's right." It was Santiago's brother. "The situation will get worse if both of us stay here. I will take you home."

Santiago didn't wanna leave Praveen alone because he knew that they were gonna hurt him. But maybe Praveen was right. The situation was only gonna get worse with him being there so he needed to leave. He nodded and left with his brother with the nosy media people following him to ask lame questions.

When Praveen remained there, he could feel the eyes of the people looking at him, judging him and insulting him. They were talking among themselves, probably talking among each other how despicable he was. But he just wanted to talk to his family so he rushed out of there.

***

Praveen slowly entered the house, feeling a strange breeze that he hadn't felt before hit him in the face. He felt his heart start to pound deep in his chest... his body felt cold like he was in a tub of ice... his hands visibly shook as he took a few steps inside. He was looking messy, his hair untied... a bruise on his face and red eyes. He had rubbed his tears but he couldn't get rid of the fear that he felt as he entered the house. He was scared because he had no idea what was gonna happen. All he wanted was to explain and for them to understand. He prayed to God to help him.

Entering the house, he found granny sleeping on the chair with a cold towel on her forehead. Katy was seated next to her, looking at her pitifully. Everyone else was in the living room, looking worried with tears in their eyes. They were all looking really worried and hurt.

Andrea was standing close to Bruce, looking messy and Bruce was soothing her. Emma was staring at her mother, praying in her heart that nothing happened to her. Antonio was looking mad, his body shaking and his hands clenched into fists which were visibly shaking. His eyes were blood red and the way his jaws shook scared Praveen to the core. He had never seen him act like that before.

He started taking a few steps closer to his husband but...

"What do you think you're doing here?" Emma said harshly, quickly rushing to him. "What do you want?"

Praveen shook his head. "I came here so..."

"How dare you even show up here after what you've done?" Emma snapped, blocking his way. "Don't you have any shame left in you?"

Praveen felt like crying but he fought his tears. "Aunt, I just wanna speak to my husband, please." He pleaded, putting his hands together. "I know that he's probably hurt because of what he saw and..."

"Damn right he's hurt, did you expect him to congratulate you? Get away from here right now." She said in a low grating voice. "I don't wanna see your face."

Praveen felt his heart race even more. Emma hated him. Granted! Talking to her wasn't gonna help him in any way. He slowly rubbed his tears, tried to move past her but she gripped his arm and pulled him back.

"Please, I just wanna speak to my husband." He said, shaking his head furiously. "Please!"

Antonio moved his eyes to where Praveen was, clenching his fists even more. He slowly started moving to him, staring at his face, the face that he wanted to punch so badly. But for some reason, he couldn't afford to do it. His heart was preventing him from that.

"Who's your husband?" He said in a hoarse voice, folding his arms on his chest. "I don't see Santiago anywhere."

Praveen rushed to him and stood right in front of him. "Antonio, please, I beg you." He couldn't fight his tears anymore. "Please, listen to me. I was framed. They are trying to separate us, please. You know I love you so much, Antonio. Please, believe me, I don't know what...."

"I can't believe this." Antonio chuckled bitterly, shaking his head. "Everything I was ready to give up just for you. I thought I could give up my whole life just to be with you. I ignored aunt's warnings because I thought you were innocent."

Praveen shook his head, crying. "I am innocent..."

"I almost gave up on the person that has always loved me truly..." He paused and looked at Bruce, seeing tears in his eyes. "...someone that has always shown me love, someone that I truly love. And for what?" He furiously dropped his hands, making Praveen move backward in fear. "...for a whore, a cheap slut like you. I am not your husband and I will never be. All this was a big mistake."

Praveen shook his head because all that was not true. "Please, believe me, I..."

Praveen looked at everyone, seeing Emilia in tears. He knew she was hurt and because of him. He quickly rushed to her and then put his hands together, crying even more. She was a good woman and didn't deserve what was happening.

"Mother, believe me, talk to Antonio." He cried, getting closer to her. "You know me and..."

Praveen didn't finish his sentence because something shocking happened, something that wounded even his very soul. At first, he thought it was his imagination but then realized that it was all real. It had happened. As he had been talking to Emilia, he felt a sharp pain on his cheek and he moved his head to the side. He slowly touched his cheek, realizing that Emilia had given him a dirty slap.

Praveen felt his entire world shatter... his heart broke to tiny bits and he started bleeding, literally... the pain he felt in his heart and soul was from out of this world... his head pulsed for a few seconds as tears started flowing like water. He slowly brought his eyes forward and for a second thought, he was in a parallel universe.

Emilia was staring at him and god knows that he had never seen that sullen look on her face. He was really surprised and he failed to believe that that was the same face which had smiled at him just a few hours back.

"Mother..."

"Don't you dare?" Emilia hissed, raising her hand to point her angry finger at him. "Never call me that in your life ever again. I am not your mother."

"I am not your mother." Emilia's voice echoed in his head.

Praveen couldn't move or blink. He just froze, staring at Emilia as she had just grown another head. He couldn't believe what he had just heard. The only thing that was able to move were the tears that flooded his face.

"Even a witch doesn't attack her own home but you..." She spat on the floor. "...you stabbed us right in the back. You're worse than our worst enemies and I am sure your mother must be turning in her grave right now."

Praveen felt a really cold wind blow on his face, freezing his soul. He failed to breath and for a few seconds, he could have sworn his heart stopped beating due to the pain. He couldn't cry... he couldn't even do anything. He was just staring at her without even blinking.

"What did you want to say, huh?" She yelled, getting closer to the boy. She had never been as mad as she was at that time. "That you married into this family because it was your mother's wish? Do you think I'll believe your lies blindly? What did I tell you?" She angrily gripped Praveen's hand, pulling him closer. "I trusted you even more than I trust my children. I thought you respected my trust but you showed me no mercy."

Praveen shook his head as soft painful sobs started coming out of him.

"Santiago came to my house almost every day and I used to be happy because... because..." She paused as tears started rushing down her cheeks which she furiously rubbed. "...I thought you were just friends but you were doing something so disgusting right under my nose."

"No..." Praveen wept, shaking his head. He was in agony.

"You were having an affair with him." She growled, yelling in his face. "Praveen you have betrayed me, my trust and my husband's last wish. I let you stay in my house, I took very good care of you and I loved you even more than my children because you were my husband's last wish, his last memory for me." She cried in pain, letting go of his hand.

"But no..." She furiously rubbed her tears. "...you're the reason for our pain in this house, our grief and agony. You're a bad omen!"

Praveen's eyes widened as harsh gasps escaped his mouth. He quickly moved his hands up, covering his mouth. His pain kept on increasing with each word that Emilia spoke. He was being wounded and he could feel his chest tightening.

"Please, mother, believe me..." His voice was really low and weak. "...I didn't do anything."

"Enough!" She gestured angrily, clenching her teeth. "You didn't show us any mercy. I don't ever want to see your face again."

With those words, she furiously turned and went away from him crying. Praveen watched as she went and couldn't help but cry even more. He would have taken anyone telling him what Emilia had just told him but coming from her, it was the most painful thing ever.

He moved his eyes and rushed to Celine, holding her hands. He was starting to act like he was going insane. He was developing a terrible headache that made him feel like he was about to pass out. His sobs were uncontrollable and his eyes were already swollen.

"Celine!" He cried at the top of his voice. "Please... believe me.... I..." He said in between sobs. "...I am innocent."

"Praveen, I am sorry..." Celine moved her hand and caressed his cheeks, feeling like her heart was pierced. She loved Praveen like her own brother and seeing him in that state was too much for her. "I know, darling that..."

"Amazing!" Andrea chuckled bitterly and then clapped furiously. "Despite everything that has happened, you're still saying sorry to him and you can't even see past his mistakes."

Praveen moved his head and just stared at Andrea who looked like a villain in a ghost movie. She was looking furiously though with tears in her eyes.

"And you..." She pointed. "I was right about you this entire time. I would have taken it if you had done this to me alone but this also involves my brother. I am not going to remain quiet and sad for a man that didn't deserve me." She seethed, breathing harshly. "I am not going to cry either because God saved me from being destroyed.

I should have known this from the very first time. First, the alliance failed and then suddenly you brought him to me. I never wanted to marry that bastard but for my mom and my granny's happiness, I agreed to get married. Had I known that they were gonna be hurt like this, I would have refused. You know what..." She furiously removed her diamond ring and threw it right at Praveen. "...that belongs to you. And listen to me," She warned in a tone that scared Praveen to the core. "I don't like anyone messing with my brother because I love him so much and I can kill just for him." She sounded dangerous.
"Take that cursed engagement ring and leave this house and leave us alone to live in peace just like before."

Praveen shook his head. "Andrea..."

"Don't ever call my name." She growled, her jaws shaking. "People like always carry bad luck wherever you go. I am even sure that your mother died because of you. You were such a curse to her life that I am sure she's thanking the almighty for taking her from a curse. How am I not even sure you killed father?"

"W-what?" Praveen stammered, his mouth shaking.

"People like you are only born to kill, steal, and destroy." She added, making sure that she rubbed it sweet and nicely in his wounds. "But I know exactly how to deal with people like you." She snapped her fingers severally. "I have dealt with the likes of you and by the time I am done, you'll wish you had died with your mother."

She groaned, furiously turned, and rushed up the stairs with Bruce following right behind her.

Praveen felt like he had died. He moved his eyes and saw Ethan leaned to a wall, crying. He rushed to him and then stood in front of him, cupping his cheeks. At least, Ethan was gonna believe him, right? The guy had always supported him.

"Ethan, remember that you had always told me that I could count on you for anything, right?" He asked, his voice sounding low. "Remember how you had believed in me and always helped me, right?"

Ethan slightly closed his eyes, feeling hot tears fall to his face. He was in so much pain and shock such that he hadn't uttered a word since he had seen the pictures at the party. He felt betrayed and stabbed.

"Please, believe me, I...." He paused and just cried. "...I am innocent."

But Ethan's silence broke him. No one was gonna believe him and he had no idea what he was gonna do. Things were turning out for the worst. Before he could utter another word, Emilia gripped his arm painfully and pulled him closer to her.

"Stop your drama because we know what you are." She said in between clenched teeth. "You're not so innocent after all. I am glad my Ryan isn't gonna be around someone like you because you're a bad omen to this house. And you know, we'll surely need cleansing after this. Thank God to that person that showed us the truth, we'll be saved from you."

"Aunt..."

"You always speak about values, traditions, and religion." She raged, dragging away from Ethan. "Where did those values go? Guess even gold-diggers use the almighty's name to disguise themselves. Get out of this house!"

She started dragging him towards the door but he quickly loosened himself from her grip, rushed to Antonio, and threw himself at his feet like a beggar. He held Antonio's feet and just cried his heart out. He couldn't afford to lose him.

"Antonio, my love, please, believe me." He wept, holding those legs tightly. "All I need is you to trust me. You said you love me so much and you know I am telling the truth. Whoever is doing this is trying to separate the two of us, please, don't let them succeed."

Antonio felt like something disgusting was crawling up his skin. He grimaced, clenching his fists while feeling anger filling him up. Veins had shot up in his eyes and he was just a few seconds away from snapping and probably making a grave mistake.

"You know that love is strong and can stand against anything. They just made this up to defame me." He mewled, wetting Antonio's trouser with his tears. "You're my husband and my greatest strength right now. All I need is for you to believe me and we overcome this together. I have never slept with Santiago and you know I am telling the truth. I lost my virginity to you that night."

Antonio angrily shook his head, leaning down. In a rage, he gripped Praveen's arms and rose him up, staring at him like he was a criminal. He didn't even feel sorry for him because the pain that he felt was too much and the anger wasn't helping him at all.

"I am not your husband. I don't love you and I don't care about you." His voice sounded like a dangerous wild animal. "Do you understand?"

Those words cut through Praveen's skin like a knife through butter. He felt really cold. Suddenly, the pain intensified to the point where he couldn't even feel it. He stopped crying, staring at his husband nonstop.

"I only have one love and that's Bruce." He hissed, applying pressure to Praveen's already bruised arms. "I don't know you and I don't even care to. You're dead to me and this family. You're not important to us."

Praveen tried to open his mouth to speak but all that came out were painful loud cries.

"My love..."

"I am not your husband. This relationship is over." He yelled in Praveen's face, letting go of his arms. His eyes were blood red and the veins in them were scary. He looked dangerous. "It's dead. There's nothing between us."

Praveen felt something cold hit his heart, instantly freezing it. Everything went quiet including his cries. His mouth was open but nothing came out of it. The only thing he was able to hear was his heart beating weakly, almost giving up. His chest tightened badly that he felt like something heavy was placed on it. He couldn't breathe and as if that wasn't enough, he couldn't even feel anything either.

Antonio's breaths came out harshly. "Is this the only thing connecting me to you?" He raised his hand, showing the wedding ring to Praveen. Praveen weakly looked at it, tears flooding his face. "Well..." He took the ring off and threw it angrily to the floor. Praveen slightly closed his eyes to the sound of the ring bouncing on the floor. "...I don't want it. It can go to hell together with you."

Antonio felt a lump developing in his throat. He had no idea why he felt like shit when he removed his ring after six months of wearing it. He felt his pain intensify as painful tears built up in his eyes. His heart pounded so hard that he felt like he was gonna have a heart attack.

Antonio tried to look away but his eyes landed on Praveen's neck, seeing that sacred wedding necklace. He remembered the time he had put it around there and his anger started overflowing. He groaned, furiously thrust his hand forward, and gripped that necklace. Before Praveen could even realize what was going on, Antonio pulled hard on the necklace, breaking it. He then threw it to the floor.

Praveen robotically moved his eyes to the floor and once he saw that broken wedding chain on the floor, his heart died. He couldn't feel it anymore. His strength left and he knew it was all over for him. He was dead. After fighting and getting what he deserved, it was all destroyed in just one night.

"And this...." He took Praveen's hand and took the ring off him, throwing it to the floor once again.

Praveen was just staring at him without uttering a word or doing anything to him. He was already defeated and couldn't do anything.

"A married person's greatest defeat is when he loses his husband." The priest's words rang through his head.

He had finally accepted it. He didn't even have any word to say to Antonio or plead with him anymore. It was done.

"Nothing is connecting us anymore so get out of my life and get out of my house," Antonio said in a low but harsh voice. But it didn't hurt Praveen. He was hurt to the point of no return.

As he was standing there, he heard some noise on the floor and looked there. It was his bags, five of them, and they were already parked.

"Those are your bags," Andrea said angrily, pointing towards them. "I don't care how you'll carry them but get out right now."

"Get out. You're dead." Antonio yelled.

Praveen looked at his husband one last time and then down to the floor. He slowly leaned down, took one bag, just one bag, an old and ordinary bag that he had come to the house with after marriage. That was all he needed.

He slowly opened it, took out an old black jean and blue t-shirt, and then did what everyone hadn't expected. He first took off his expensive shoes and then his shirt. He wore his old blue t-shirt and then took off his trousers and wore an old pair of jean. He closed his bag without even putting anything on his feet and then picked it up.

With a final look at Antonio, he took a few steps back and slowly turned and started walking slowly towards the exit. He was now disorientated, looking like a zombie. He was in a terrible state and was unconscious of his environment. He didn't even feel it when he stepped on broken glasses and hurt his feet.

Each step he took left a bloody foot print in the house. Images of him entering the house the first time started forming in his mind... the rituals they had performed... his first kiss with Antonio... the intense lovemaking the night Antonio had taken his virginity... Granny and Emilia taking care of him and making him happy. The images couldn't go away. They were causing him anguish.

Antonio on the other hand felt his life going away, following Praveen as he went. Images of the kiss, the lovemaking, and all the moments he had spent with Praveen started forming in his head but also the betrayal. He wanted to stop him, hug him and kiss him but he couldn't. Pain and anger had already +taken control of his life, filling him up each second. He just quickly turned and rushed upstairs angrily, feeling warm tears flooding his face.

Everyone watched as Praveen went away from the house disappearing at the door. But none saw the bloody footprints that he had left in the house, reaching the door except for Katy. Seeing those footprints, she quickly covered her mouth as her eyes widened.

"Almighty, no!"

She was so much into the religion that she knew a lot about such things. Those footprints meant that the almighty had left the Gonzalez house together with Praveen according to what she knew or what she had been told. She had never believed in it because it was just a story that her mother had told her when she was a kid. According to her mother, that only happened when the almighty's devotees and chosen ones had been wronged. Could it have been right?

***

"Cheers, darling!" Andrea smile, raising the glass of wine to her friend.

"Cheers!" Bruce raised his glass too.

Both of them chuckled happily, putting the glasses on the small table. They were in Andrea's room enjoying their victory.

"I can't believe our plan worked." Bruce gasped, holding his cheeks. "Please, wake me up. I must be dreaming."

"No, baby boy..." She sighed, licking her lips. "You're not dreaming. We've won the war. I told you that it was a full proof plan. Nothing could have ruined it for us. We're victors. No more Praveen. He's gone forever and no more Santiago too. That what we call..." She held her chin, looking like she was thinking of a word to use. "...killing two birds with one stone. Now Praveen is gone and I can finally keep my eyes on the love of my life, Ethan!"

Bruce's mouth gaped, his eyes widening. "Shut the..." He paused, really surprised. "...front door. So you've been in love with Ethan the entire time and you never told me about it."

"Since I was in high school." She blushed, rubbing on her temple. "The fact that he's bisexual gives me a greater chance. All I have to do now is use my seduction skills and I'll have him just like..." She snapped her fingers. "...that. Praveen's gone and all the thorns in our flesh have been taken with him. Antonio is now a free man and he's all yours."

Bruce smiled, blushing when he thought about Antonio. But then again...

"I was a virgin until that night." Praveen's words rang through his head. "You took my virginity, Antonio!"

Bruce felt a cold shiver ran down his spine and he felt his heart begin to race. "But Andrea..." He sighed, losing the smile on his face. "...Antonio already consummated his marriage to Praveen. They already had sex and..." He felt hurt. "...it happened while he was here and all this time we thought..."

"And now he feels bad about it," Andrea said without even caring. "That was a prize he had to take from that whore. He's all yours. No one else knows the truth except for you and me. And it shall remain so. We still have a lot of work to do. We're not done yet. Now, why don't you..." She paused and breathed inaudibly. "...go and be there for your man?"

Bruce nodded, gracefully got up, and then went to Antonio's room to show him how much he loved him.

'I told you Praveen that no one messes with me and goes scot-free. You thought you had already won but you underestimated me. It just unfortunate that I had to do what I did to get you out of here."

Andrea visited the past to the time when her plan with Bruce had started. She had come up with a plan to spy on Praveen and Santiago, the unfortunate moments, and take pictures of everything that they did. When she couldn't make it, she had hired someone to do it for her. She had been really lucky and once she thought she had enough, she compiled everything and set a bomb to go off on her engagement. She had sent an envelope containing everything to the party, paid a waiter to give it directly to Emma because she knew Emma was the only one apart from herself and Bruce that hated Praveen. Her plan had worked perfectly.

The fake pictures of Praveen and Santiago fucking had been provided by Bruce and they had worked perfectly. She had also written a letter to Emma disguising as a well-wisher and explained a fake story that Emma had used to hurt the boy. Now everything was the way it was supposed to be.

"Goodbye Praveen and good riddance...." She raised the glass. "...to bad rubbish. Next time, you'll know better. That is if you'll be able to show your face to anyone else."

An evil grin appeared on her face as she took a sip of the wine celebrating her victory.

***

Lightning split the dark sky continuously as a strong wind blew... the smell of the storm could not be missed... the wind was blowing violently, blowing everything on its way. It was dark but it felt like it was already day due to the continuous splitting of lightning. Thunder roared furiously like the heavens were angry as lightning again split the sky.

And here he was, completely disorientated and in the worst state. He was walking barefoot, unable to feel the sores on his feet. The wind that was blowing furiously was blowing his hair backward, revealing his once happy face and the blood-red swollen eyes. Tears were still coming out, flooding his face. It was like they had a mind of their own.

Praveen still couldn't feel anything. He was beyond pain and his mind was elsewhere. He was walking on a lonely road just a few miles away from Antonio's house, near a railway. There were abandoned buildings, scraps of paper, wood, and even glass. But Praveen was too lost to even care. He didn't even realize where he was going. All his mind told him was just to walk. He just wanted to go back to where everything started, his aunt's house.

"I love you." He remembered Antonio's words that same night. "I have been fighting my feelings for a long time. Guess I just never knew they were always there."

Vivid images of his traditional marriage, entering the Gonzalez house, the first kiss, the night he lost his virginity, his pride, his fights with Antonio, and being kissed and hugged by granny and Emilia were all playing continuously in his mind. They were making him weak, taking his will to live away.

"Even a witch doesn't attack her own home."

"You were my husband's last wish, my husband's last memory. I don't ever want to see your face again."

Praveen kept on walking, going down the painful memory lane that seemed to kill a part of him each second. He was like a walking corpse, unable to feel anything or hear anything. All that was left was just for his legs to take him to wherever they were gonna land him.

"Your mother must be turning in her grave right now."

"I am sure your mother considers herself very lucky because she's dead and doesn't have to put up with a curse like you. Who knows if you didn't kill our father?"

The voices that were inside Praveen's head were deafening. They all kept on talking at the same time and he had no idea how to remove them and just move on with his life.

He kept on walking until suddenly someone gripped his arm, stopping him. He was just staring in front without even bothering or caring who it was. Then all of a sudden about four gang members came in front of him, staring at him lustfully.

"What have we got here?" One of them laughed in a deep manly voice. "Hmm, babe, you're hot. Where are you going at such a time? A storm's coming and you don't wanna be out here when it starts."

But Praveen wasn't moving or even reacting to anything. He wasn't even aware of his environment.

"What?" Another said, rubbing his crotch. He got closer to Praveen and caressed his cheek. "You don't speak? Well, don't worry baby, we're gonna accommodate and protect you tonight. We can even make you happy if you make us happy." He got closer to Praveen.

They all laughed together.

"Looks like it's our lucky night!" Another, a tall black guy spoke in a scary voice. "He doesn't speak, he's not even resisting and to top it all, he's a beauty."

A guy held his shoulder and leaned forward, smelling Praveen's neck sensually. "You don't have to be so quiet when you smell so nice. Anyway, it doesn't matter as long as you're able to moan for us."

They all began laughing as two guys took hold of Praveen's hand and started leading him to an abandoned building nearby. They were happy because the entire night, they were gonna be happy or so they thought but...

"Leave him alone!" A deep manly voice spoke angrily from behind them.

All the men quickly turned and found about two men looking at them angrily.

"Who are you?" The mean asked. "This doesn't concern you. Leave from here and we promise not to hurt you."

"The fuck!" One of the men raged, clenching his fists. "I am your worst nightmare."

With those words, the men charged and started fighting or rather beating the four gang members. Praveen wasn't even aware that he had just been about to be raped or that a fight was happening. He just stood still with his eyes forward like he was frozen.

The fight continued for almost a minute and Santiago and his brother won. Santiago's entire anger was vented on the men. He made sure that each of them he touched went away with something broken. He had been so mad that the filthy men had just wanted to rape Praveen. He was mad. By the time he was getting done, his hand was bloody.

"Praveen!" He rushed to Praveen. Seeing him looking disorientated, Santiago couldn't help but shed a few tears. "Why aren't you saying anything?" He slowly patted him on the cheeks. "What did they do to you?"

But Santiago didn't get any answer from Praveen. Before he could do anything, Praveen collapsed in his arms. Santiago held Praveen tightly, crying softly. He wasn't used to seeing him like that. He was really mad, hurt, and didn't know what to do.

"I think he's in so much pain." His brother said in a weak voice, hiding his tears. He had just known the boy but loved him so much. "That's why he was looking so disorientated. Let's take him home. It won't be good to leave him alone in such a state."

Santiago quickly nodded and then took Praveen to his car. He thanked the almighty for bringing him to the boy he loved when he needed him the most. They drove home and Santiago took Praveen to his bedroom so that he could rest. He was really worried about him and he was gonna be until he finds out what had happened and why it had happened.

Once he was sure that Praveen was okay, he took a shower before he went to see his brother because he knew that he was really worried.

"Bro, I don't know what's going on but I can assure you that a scandal is on its way," Logan said, rubbing his face. "Do you have any idea who could have done this?"
"I don't know." Santiago sighed, sitting back on the couch. "But I am really worried. I have a feeling that this was aimed at Praveen, Logan." Tears were building up in his eyes. "And I also know that he's gonna be more hurt than he is right now. This boy is..." He sobbed softly, rubbing his tears. "...he's an orphan and he doesn't have anyone to care for him and support him in these hard times. There's no denying that I love Praveen. I can't deny the fact I have fallen in love with him." He couldn't hold his tears. "But I have never had any intention of having an affair with him or taking him away from Antonio although my feelings for him are really strong.

I have always respected the fact that he gave me a chance to be his friend without question. I love him so much that I was ready to do anything for him. For his sake, I accepted the alliance to marry that...." He grimaced, feeling hurt. "...that girl so that he couldn't suffer. I have never felt this way about anyone in my life before, Logan. But since I saw him, I knew that he was special. Unfortunately, life wasn't fair to us. He was already married. He loves his family so much and he's a devotee of the almighty. It's not fair."

Logan gulped, trying to be strong for his brother. He sat beside him, patting on his shoulder. He was in so much pain and he didn't know how to calm his brother down or take away his pain.

"I know for a fact that you love him." He chuckled softly, staring at the floor. "I have seen it in your eyes each time you're close to him. I have always wanted to ask you about your feelings but I wasn't sure. Although those allegations were flying like that, I didn't question you because I know you would never do this. Ever since our parents died long ago, I took care of you and I watched you grow stronger each day and take up responsibilities." He paused and looked at his brother, getting weaker. "You wouldn't do that because you have the values of both our parents. But... I have a very strong feeling that whoever did this must be someone close, someone from their family, someone that doesn't like Praveen."

Santiago raised his head and fixed his gaze on his brother, staring at him as he'd just grown another head. There was some sense in whatever Logan had said to him. Those photos, the nudity, the sex, and their bodies. It was a perfect photoshop. It only had to be done by someone very close to them, someone that knew both of them very well. Someone that had taken some time to study both of them. They had been accused of trying to steal the Gonzalez wealth when Santiago was super-rich. The person might have been a family member. He was sure of it.

"It's possible and maybe..." He paused and just shook his head. He didn't wanna make any assumptions. "...Logan, I can take it if anyone were to insult me and do anything to me but Praveen... god, it hurts." He ran his fingers through his hair. "I have no idea what they said or did to him and I am helpless."

"I understand and I don't want you to do anything irrational." Logan sighed, slowly squeezing his shoulder. "The Gonzalez family are very powerful and influential people. They can do anything, anything that they want and it would be bad. But don't worry..." He squeezed his brother's shoulder. "...your brother has got this. Now why don't you go and get some rest? You've been through a lot. We'll continue this conversation tomorrow."

Santiago nodded and hugged his brother tightly. He went back to his room, checked on Praveen, and went to sleep on a couch near the bed. He woke up several times during the night to check up on Praveen but the boy was still asleep.

***

The next day, Santiago woke up early and still found Praveen sleeping. He sat by his side, held his hand sweetly in his, and told him to be strong, and fight everything that was going on. He told him to be strong, to remain the committed devotee of the almighty, and leave everything to be sorted out by him. But he also promised Praveen to always be by his side and protect him. But one thing he couldn't assure him was the situation getting better. He knew things had just started getting worse but he told him Praveen that he was gonna take him abroad if he had to, just to protect him from every harm. He was ready to give up his life for him.

At the break of dawn, the oldest maid in the house, someone that Logan and Santiago called nanny, Regina, came to Santiago's room panting. She was really scared. She gave Santiago some bad news that there were many reporters at the gate and they were all fighting to come inside. Santiago felt hot all over. That was when he knew that their situation had just gone from bad to worse. He called all the guards and gave the order of not letting any reporter or anyone from the media past his gate.

Just before he could even finish giving the order, he received another news from the security men at all his companies that there were many reporters there asking loads of questions. He still gave the same order and then told Regina to take care of Praveen. She told him that she knew that both of them didn't do anything wrong.

He went downstairs and found his brother already awake in his robe. He was scrolling through the channels, groaning and cursing as he did. It was every channel that was talking about the same incident that had happened at Santiago's engagement party. They even had Santiago's and Praveen's pictures there with the word, "Caught in the act; millionaire, Santiago and multi-billionaire and celebrity, Antonio Gonzalez's spouse, Praveen exposed!"

Shit! Santiago felt his heart sink in his stomach. He was ruined for sure because it was gonna the grace of God to get out of that mess he had found himself. And forget about him, he was more worried about Praveen than himself. He needed to keep him safe, from everything that was happening. Everything had been so perfect.

His brother switched off the TV and assured him that he was gonna make some calls to try and resolve the whole issue. Santiago thanked his brother and he made few calls to his friends for help. When he went back to the room, he found Praveen awake but the boy was still disorientated, looking like he was in so much shock. Santiago cleaned him up, changed his clothes, and tried to make him eat but nothing was helping. He wasn't snapping out of his mood.

"What did they do to you that turned you into this zombie?" He sighed as a tear went down his cheeks.

Things got worse as hours passed. The reporters wouldn't go and everywhere he looked, it was the same thing. Logan even showed him a video of Andrea and Emma telling the media, telling the world just what kind of evil person Praveen was and also thanking the Lord that he was now exposed and out of their lives.

"We've now seen the true colors of our ex-..." Andrea paused, grimacing. "...he's a green snake in green grass, the most disgusting dirty whore I have encountered." She added. "Everyone now knows who he is and we don't wanna talk to anyone about this. He's not part of us and we want to forget everything about him. He's dead to us and we don't ever wanna see him. We don't even wanna meet him so leave us alone."

For a lady whose engagement and the wedding had been ruined, Andrea was looking rather... Anyway, forget about it. What was important was for Santiago to get Praveen away from every poison, every harm, and every trap. He vowed to get away from everything, far away from where no one would bother him or treat him like trash. It was a promise. He was gonna get Praveen back to the state that he had once been. But what he didn't know was...

***

'Praveen Garcia; latest whore in town.'

'Praveen Garcia; sheep in wolf's clothing.'

'Santiago and Praveen finally exposed.'

'Billionaire celebrity, Antonio Gonzalez's family breaks all ties with Praveen Garcia after being exposed.'

'Millionaire Santiago and lover exposed at his engagement party after hot sex pictures were seen.'

'Praveen Garcia, green snake in green grass.'

There were just a lot of newspapers with the front cover talking about Praveen's character and how he was a whore. Each newspaper he looked at had the same or similar story. The boy's character had been talked about and it was sad how a nice boy like him would get to suffer that kind of fate. As if that wasn't bad enough, many magazines had Praveen's photo with glasses on, looking handsome but the story in there was just bad.

'How deadly can someone as young as Praveen Garcia be?' A lady from a gossip show said. 'For an 18-year-old boy, I don't expect such behavior to be portrayed.'

'That's what these boys always do.' A man said with a smile on his face. 'First, they come to your house, pretend to be nice, holy, ideal husbands but they are truly snakes. And this Praveen Garcia is the worst by far. I sympathize with the Gonzalez family because they're really good people and I support the fact that they broke all ties with him. But what would have been good would have been getting him arrested and letting him spend his entire life behind bars? I wouldn't be surprised if he charmed the young man, Mr. Santiago. He's a good guy and I am sure that he was seduced. You know, when you're hungry for money and power, you can go to any extent to get it. I wonder what he didn't get from a handsome and sexy man like Antonio Gonzalez that he wanted to destroy them all.' He laughed.

Santiago angrily took a vase from the table and sent it flying to the 75-inch screen in the living room. It hit the screen, breaking it instantly. He was really mad because he didn't know what to do. Praveen didn't deserve what he was getting.

"Fuck!" He swore, furiously throwing things off the table. "It's not fair!" He groaned.

Logan came rushing into the living room when he heard all the noise only to find it in a bad state. He looked at his brother and found him seated on the floor sobbing. For the first time, Logan understood just how deep his brother's pain was. It showed him that his brother truly loved Praveen. The only time he had been in that kind of state was when their parents died and man, he didn't even break anything at that time.

Logan sighed, leaning near his brother. "It's everywhere, on social media and every media network. I have tried to make the situation die down but... they are just too powerful, bro." He said in a weak voice. "The Gonzalez are on top of this game. They want this to continue and I can't assure you that it will get better. At least, your situation isn't that bad but Praveen's..." He chirped, shaking his head. "...it is spreading like a wildfire."

Santiago rubbed his tears, looking at his brother. "They've tarnished his image, his reputation, and his respect." He couldn't hide his pain. "And I can't do anything because everyone is afraid of losing their jobs if they get involved. I wish I could take away his pain but that family is..." He paused and sniveled. "...it's just too powerful and influential. There's just one thing left to do to save him."

Though Logan was scared of asking the question...

"What's that?"

Santiago looked at his brother and cried softly. "I'm gonna have to get him out of this country, away from everything where no one will recognize him or know us."

Logan felt his heart pound. Tears started forming in his eyes. "Don't you think the situation will only get worse if people see the two of you together?"

"Right now, I don't care." He rubbed his tears furiously. "I don't care because nothing can be worse than this. I am ready to give it all up and start a new life with him...." He paused and sighed. "...a simple life. But one thing I can promise you is that I won't stop until I find out the truth and bring back his honor, my honor. They'll all regret everything they've done to him and they'll come crawling back. I swear."

Logan smiled as tears made their way to his cheeks. He patted on his brother's shoulder and pulled him into a fierce hug.

"I know kiddo! I will support you."

As the two brothers embraced each other, Regina came rushing in the living room, panting and sweating. When the brothers saw her, they all got up, looking worried.

"Regina!" Logan gasped, holding her sweaty hand. "Why do you look like that?"

"He's gone!" She shuddered. Tears forming in her eyes. "I went to check up on him and I found that he's not in the bedroom. He's gone and he's nowhere to be seen. No one has seen him in the house."

Santiago felt like a lightning bolt had just hit his heart. Fear, anger, and confusion hit him at the same time. Then without wasting any time, he quickly rushed to his room to look for Praveen. He checked his bedroom, his closet, his bathroom, and even his study but he wasn't there. He checked the entire house, asked everyone but no one had seen him leave.

He knew that in Praveen's current state, he could do anything, even hurt himself. He had to find him and quickly. He rushed to his car, started it off, and ordered the guards to open the gate. Reporters were at the gate but he didn't give a fuck. He drove right in between them, hitting a couple of them in the process. He didn't care. All he needed to do was find Praveen and in time, he hoped.

***

Santiago entered the temple, his eyes filled with tears. He was barefoot, staring at the almighty's idol which looked like it was smiling and blessing him at the same time. He was really scared, tired, and confused. He had looked for Praveen almost everywhere but couldn't find him. Praveen had told him so much about that temple and that he used to come there most of the time.

As soon as he stepped his foot there, a strong wind had started blowing all over. He reached the front, lit up a candle, and put his hands together, staring at the statue. He couldn't fight off his tears as they came pouring like a river. There was no one else in the temple except for another man that he found praying there.

He leaned down, touched the almighty's feet, and closed his eyes. When he opened his eyes, he bowed down, still holding his hands together and his eyes fixed on the almighty.

"8 years ago, you had taken the most important people in my life." His voice was really weak and his pain was coming back. "I had come to you before they died, to save them but you still took them anyway. I vowed never to come to you for help until I met Praveen, the boy that believed in you, worshiped you, and never thought about anything without consulting you first."

His lips were shaking badly and his eyes were turning red. "With great difficulty, I was able to believe in you again because of him. Praveen cannot be wrong. He doesn't deserve this kind of punishment. I am about to beg you for something else today." He said in between sobs. "I am looking for Praveen. He's always believed in you and has said you've always supported and protected him. Please, protect him from any danger or any pain." He cried softly. "I just need my friend back, please. Show me the way so that I can find him without him being harmed. I am sure that you won't do what you did with my parents because this boy is your devotee. Prove me wrong and show me that you're not weak..." He said, his voice slightly rising. "...show me the path I must take. Please!" He cried.

Santiago fell to the floor on the ground, crying like a baby. He didn't know what to do or where to look. He just wanted the almighty's guidance.

Meanwhile, the man on the other side had his eyes closed, praying to the almighty. He could hear the cries of the other man but he concentrated on his own. He had no idea who the man was and what he was searching for. All he wanted was to find his wife and child. That was all.

Suddenly, there was a loud sound of metal hitting the floor behind them, and almost immediately, the wind died down.

"Two seeking hearts..." The priest's deep manly voice sounded. "....a seeking father and a grieving friend and lover. Two hearts unknowingly seeking the same thing."

Santiago quickly got up from the floor without even bothering to rub his tears. He quickly turned and rushed to the priest with the other man following behind. He needed to know what the priest meant by what he said.

"Priest..." Richard said abruptly when he reached him. "...my name is..."

"I know who you are and I know what both of you are looking for." He said, hitting his staff on the floor.

Santiago slowly moved his eyes, staring at the man. He looked familiar but he didn't care. All he wanted was to know the whereabouts of Praveen. That was all. But then again, the priest's words were confusing him and he needed to know what he meant.

"Priest, what are you..."

"A lot of things happen, things that may sometimes bring lots of questions," He laughed, and then his face got serious. "Why do you seek the one who doesn't wanna be found?" He asked. "Why do you seek one who has lost hope and a desire for a living?"

Santiago felt his heart pound in his chest. He quickly glanced at Richard and saw the worried look on his face.

"The one who both of you seek doesn't wanna live anymore!"

"No!" Santiago threw himself to the floor, putting his hands together. He was crying once again. "No! Please, don't let anything happen to him, please!"

"It is not my will but his will that the almighty take him."

Richard was already scared and being a heart patient, he couldn't take it. He was feeling as if his heart had stopped beating and his breaths had stopped. He couldn't lose after getting some news after so long.

"Priest..."

"He's lost the will to live and wants the almighty to take him. He wants to go back to where his mother resides so that he can escape the shame and pain." The priest said with a serious look.

Both Richard and Santiago couldn't fight off their tears. They were staring at the priest wide-eyed and with their mouths gaping. There was only one thing at the back of both their minds, find Praveen, and save him.

"But you can save him." He said hitting the staff on the floor. "If you hurry up, you'll find him at the holy river. Go!"

Santiago didn't waste any time. He quickly rose to his feet and started running faster than his legs could carry, not minding where he was stepping. All he wanted was to reach Praveen before he did anything stupid. He knew where the holy river and it wasn't nearby. He needed to run fast. He couldn't lose Praveen because that meant his death. Richard was right behind him, equally running as fast as his legs could carry him, ignoring the burning sensation in his chest. He didn't care if he died as long as he had reached the river in time to save his child. That was all that he needed to do.

"May the almighty guide you!" The priest said, staring at the statue. "I know you won't let him come to you, almighty."

Question was, were they gonna make it in time?

***

Praveen was standing at the edge of the Holy River, feeling the cold water beneath his feet. He was staring right into it, his tears falling there and mixing with the water. The river was really important because it was where all the holy rituals, ceremonies and baptisms and healings took place. They had kept it well, built concrete around it, and also stair-like structures that led into the deep river. He was feeling really tired... his eyes were red and badly swollen... the pain, though he couldn't feel it, was unbearable... he was in torment... He was in so much anguish.... so much torture... So much everything. He had had it all. It was impossible to regain what he had lost and go back to the way he was. He was still disorientated.

'I know I have been kinda a jerk to you since we got married and you were right when you got angry with me. God is my witness, I don't wanna do that anymore. I don't wanna cause you any more pain because right now, Praveen... you've become a really important part of my life. That night... I never expected that night to be that special to me. It happened and although I felt guilty after, I didn't regret what happened because that guilt showed me what kind of jerk I have been to you. You're very important to me right now, Praveen!'
All the words that made him feel special for a few seconds, something that he had been dying to hear from Antonio, he heard it and lost it all in one night. All he kept remembering about was the painful way everyone had treated him like he was trash, a whore, a characterless person. Everything kept on torturing him inside, killing his soul, and harming him more and more.

'This marriage is very important to you. It was arranged before you were born. Even the almighty knows and had blessed it.' His mother's assuring voice echoed in his mind.

'Even a witch doesn't attack her own home but you...' Emilia's painful words hit him again. '...you're worse than a witch. You were my husband's last wish, his last memory for me but you have betrayed me and my trust. Your mother must be turning in her grave right now. I don't ever want to see your face again.'

He closed his eyes as tears flooded his face. When he opened them, he slowly raised his hand, stared at the finger that had once held his wedding ring. It was no longer there. It had been removed and painfully too. He had once worn a sacred chain around his neck but it had been broken into pieces.

Then images of the pictures that destroyed everything began forming in his mind, the kisses, the sex, the fake cheating, and the affair. It was too much for him to handle. He had never even thought of cheating on Antonio although he had many reasons to.

'I promise to take my responsibilities as your husband and play my role in your life. I love you.'

He took a deep breath, crying. "That's a lie." He dropped his hand. "Every promise was a lie." His voice was really low and it was breaking. It didn't sound like him at all. "I loved you. But, you only deceived me. That was all it was. Deceit."

He didn't even know what he felt anymore.

'This marriage is a punishment for you and you'll be suffering for the rest of your life.'

'You don't belong here and if I don't get you thrown out then my name is not Andrea.'

"They were all right." He wept. "I don't belong here, not even anywhere in this world. I have lost everything, my parents, my support, my respect, my pride, my self-esteem, my husband, and my family. I have nothing to live for. Now almighty, I come back to you because you're the only one I have."

He looked to the heavens, putting his hand on his chest as more tears flooded his face to his neck. His shirt was wet on the chest area like water had been poured on it. He had been crying for hours since leaving Santiago's house and now it was almost evening.

"I am sorry mom and dad," He said in between sobs. "I could never do anything productive for you both. I do not deserve to be called your son. Antonio," He sniveled, feeling a huge lump suddenly develop. "See what your love has done to me. Perhaps, this is the consequence of marrying and loving someone blindly."

He brought his eyes to the river, took a short painful breath, and started moving forward, walking further into the water. He kept going as all the painful memories, all the painful words kept on torturing him inside. He kept on going deeper, feeling the water going up against his body. He didn't care because he had set his mind and nothing was gonna stop him.

Praveen kept on going further and further until the water reached above his head. But he didn't stop. He kept on going until he reached a deeper part where he couldn't walk anymore but just floated in the deeper. Then he tried to breathe but water got in instead. He started struggling to breathe, feeling all the pain that came with death.

Praveen's vision started blurring quickly as the pain of lack of oxygen started setting in. Everything instantly started getting dark at a faster rate as the most painful thing he had ever experienced took him by storm. He was being filled with water each breath he tried to take. It was like someone was choking him right in the water. He was losing strength each second and then all of a sudden, he started feeling sleepy and couldn't feel any more pain.

Before a minute could even finish, Praveen was gone. People had gathered around shouting that someone had drowned in the holy river but it was too late and no one dared enter the river without the priest's guidance so nothing could be done.

Praveen's lifeless body was floating deep in the water. He was dead, gone forever.

Goodbye, Praveen!

The end...