Game of Love - 11. Chapter 11: Will Sergio and Trevor's wedding push through?

Eric was seated in his office trying his best to concentrate on the sketches that he was doing. But he kept on messing them up. He ripped the paper and threw it on the floor where hundreds of others were. This was so not him. Whenever he tried to sketch, he always did it with such ease but this time, that wasn’t the case.

‘You rascal, how dare you touch, Eric?’ Sergio’s words rang through his head. ‘You bastard, you shouldn’t have touched my Eric!’

Adrenaline flooded Eric’s system, pumping and beating like it was trying to escape. There were times when he felt like the world was slowly disappearing in front of him, or maybe it was just him who was fading away. His heart was hitting his chest so hard that he thought it was gonna break his ribs.

‘You shouldn’t have even talked to him.’

‘Only a man in love can act the way he did. Don’t tell me you’re the only one who doesn’t see his love for you.’

Eric was restless. He tried to stay calm and just concentrate on his sketches but he soon found himself thinking about Sergio. He was so worried. He had come prepared for work that morning and had left early before Riya woke up.

He was dressed in a sexy wine red designer’s suit which was a little tight on him, a sky blue shirt inside and blood-red shoes on his feet. His hair was made in a long lack hair bun that just looked so amazing. But he was worried, so worried that he couldn’t even concentrate on anything.

Eric sighed, staring at his phone like he was expecting something to come out of there. He took a nervous sigh and picked it up. But as fast as he had picked it up, he put it down, groaning angrily. He didn’t even realize how much his hands were shaking.

“God, keep it together!” He sighed, rubbing his head. “You need to concentrate.”

Eric took a deep breath and held his pencil tighter. He was about to start sketching when he heard a voice, a familiar voice.

“Why are you so confused?”

Eric slowly raised his head and when he looked at the person that was there, his heart twisted and sunk with nerves. His breaths came in sharp pants and he tried to gain control, but nothing was working.

The boy who was standing on the other side of the table looked just like him. He was dressed just like him but he looked fiercer, more confident and he had a grin on his face. His arms were crossed on his chest and he was staring right at Eric.

“A man was trying to get so close to you the other night, Sergio almost killed him. That is where the confusion is coming from.” The boy chuckled. “Look at you, Eric! You are becoming too soft. You’re losing your focus because of Sergio.”

“I am not becoming soft!” Eric said harshly, shaking his head. “I am still the same boy.”

“Really?” He raised his eyebrow. “I highly doubt that. Have you forgotten what your plan was, our plan? You were going to cause so much pain to Giada and her family and you were going to use Sergio in the process.”

“I have been successful in that.” Eric gasped. “And my plans are still pushing through.”

“But Trevor slapped you the other day. What did you do about that?”

“He’ll pay for it.” Eric snarled. “I haven’t forgotten about that and the stunt that Giada pulled the other day.”

“You shouldn’t forget about it. Giada and Trevor had caused you so much pain.” The guy spoke harshly. “There’s no way they’re going scot-free. But we both know that this isn’t about them. This is about Sergio and what’s been happening with him. I see the fear and the confusion in you today.”

Eric felt Sergio’s voice ringing in his head. His fingers slowly curled into a fist as he hesitantly looked away from his shadow, shaking his head. He couldn’t think straight. As the images of Sergio started kicking in, Eric felt like he was going insane.

“You had a whole different plan when you came here. But you realized that Sergio was still very much in love with you.” The guy spoke with a chuckle. “And after all the encounters, you lost yourself in the game. You’ve now realized that he loves you so much.”

Eric gulped, staring at his other-self.

“The confusion here is that, after everything that has happened between the two of you…” The boy paused and made Eric freeze while staring at him. “…how can you still love him? He had hurt you.” The guy leaned on the table, smiling at Eric. “You are scared of repeating the same mistake, going through the same pain again.”

“What are you talking about?” Eric chuckled bitterly. “This is me and I don’t have any feelings for Sergio. What we had was destroyed years ago. I am only using him to hurt Trevor and Giada because… because…”

“You can’t even lie to yourself.” The other him laughed. “You were afraid of the truth. That is why you kept running away from those feelings, the reason why you keep running. You thought that as time passes, those feelings would fade away, but no!”

Eric didn’t even realize he had tears in his eyes.

“Those feelings kept on growing stronger even when you were in Australia. Once again, you’re faced with a really difficult situation right now. You’ve seen Sergio, he’s suffered a lot and you’ve pitied him once or twice.”

Eric shook his head, furiously rising from the chair.

“What the hell are you talking about?” He snapped. “You’re talking…”

But when he looked in front of his desk, the boy was gone. He sat back furiously on the couch, gripping his hair.

“What the fuck just happened? I am officially going insane.” He gulped. “I think I need some hot coffee.”

He quickly picked up his phone and left his phone. He didn’t wanna hear anything about Sergio anymore.

***

Sergio was rushing down the stairs, putting a blazer on himself. He was in a hurry and he was so nervous. He felt like he was gonna go crazy if he didn’t see Eric. His line wasn’t going through and he needed to talk to him about something important.

But as soon as he reached the exit, trying to get out of the house, two guards blocked him. To say he was shocked would be an understatement. He looked at them with a frown on his face.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” He snarled, shaking his head.

“We cannot allow you to go out.” They both said. “We’re very sorry, sir. But we’re just following orders.”

“Are you going insane?” Sergio snapped. “What the fuck do you think I am, a kid that you need to keep in the house?”

“We’re sorry, sir.” They apologized, bowing their heads. “We cannot allow you to go outside the house. We’re only following ma’am Kimberly’s orders. Please understand, we don’t wanna lose our jobs.”

“What are you talking about?” He said hoarsely. “I am your boss. I gave you the jobs that you have right now. If there’s anyone who is gonna fire you, it will be me if you don’t get the hell out of here. Do you understand?”

“Sorry, sir!” They muttered but they still blocked his way.

Anger boiled deep in Sergio’s system, as hot as lava. His fists began to clench and his jaw rooted. He was breathing harshly, his heart pounding so hard in his chest.

“Get the fuck out of my way and…”

“What’s going on here?” Adrianna came rushing towards them. She held her brother and felt him trembling from anger. “Sergio, are you okay?”

“Adrianna, tell these stupid guards to let me go.” He groaned. “I don’t wanna hurt anyone.”

Adrianna looked at the guards and her anger just went overboard. “What do you think you are doing blocking your boss? Have you gone crazy?”

“Sorry, ma’am, but we’re only following Mrs. Alvarado’s orders. She ordered us to never allow Master Sergio out of the house unless she allows it.”

“That’s nonsense!” Adrianna gulped, shaking her head. “Why would ma’am do that? Can you please let him go? He’s got important things to do.”

“And what things are those?” Came Kim’s voice.

The two of them turned and found their mother cat-walking towards them with a frown on her face. She was looking sexy in a tight dress that made her look young.

“I have got somewhere I need to be,” Sergio said abruptly. “It’s very important. And besides, I have important meetings that I have to attend.”

“I am sure that whatever that is can wait until after your wedding,” Kim said harshly. “And don’t think I am stupid. You wanna go see that little whore, don’t you?”

“Mom, why do you always like causing trouble for me?” Sergio groaned angrily. “Why are you keeping me, prisoner, in my own house?”

“It’s for your own good. You can go anywhere you want after your wedding.” She shrugged. “But for the next two days, you’re gonna be in this house. Whatever work you want to do will be done on your PC. And you shouldn’t worry about work, I have asked Steve to take care of everything. So there’s np reason for you to be out there.”

“Mom, why are you doing this?” Adrianna asked with a frown on her face. “Do you think keeping him locked up is solving anything? When did you become this woman?”

“I don’t care if it solves anything or not!” Kim snapped. “All I know is that I am keeping my son away from that desperate whore that won’t leave him alone. I am keeping him from all the troubles that he’s been going through because of that boy. And call me a stupid mother but I am ready to do more just to see that boy away from my son. I wasn’t joking when I said he won’t leave this house until his wedding.”

She walked to the guards, staring at them like she was gonna slap them.

“Do not let him leave this house.” She warned, pointing angrily at them. “Do anything to keep him inside. Should he leave this house, not only will you lose your jobs but I’ll make you and your families pay.”

The guards bowed. Kim looked at her kids in disgust and left there walking like the queen that she was.

Sergio groaned angrily, hitting the wall. Burning rage hissed through his body like a deadly poison, screeching a demanded release in the form of unwanted violence. It was like a volcano erupting; fury sweeping off him like ferocious waves.

“Sergio, what are you doing?” Adrianna held his arm before he could punch the wall again. “Calm down!”

“What am I supposed to do, Adrianna?” He yelled, furiously walking to the living room. “She’s making my life a living hell. I can’t even go to Eric. I am so damn worried about him but she won’t even understand.”

“Calm down, Sergio!” Adrianna had tears in her eyes. “I know that it is very painful and I completely understand your pain. Everything will be alright.”

“Nothing will ever be alright.” He shook his head. “How can I get married without seeing Eric, telling him exactly how I feel? Everything is driving me nuts inside and I feel like I am about to explode. God!”

Adrianna gripped his arms, resting her head on his back. “Sergio, please, calm down. I know how much you love Eric and how far you’re willing to go for that love. But why are you still pushing with the wedding?”

“Because… because…. I don’t know!” He yelled, gripping his hair hard. “I am just so confused, Adrianna. I am trying to reach Eric but his line is not going through. I don’t even know who to call. And I am just so damn worried. What am I supposed to do?”

“I will help you,” Adrianna said with a smile. “I will help you to talk to him. I will go to his house and then I’ll see what I can do.”

Sergio quickly turned and stared at his sister. Tears welled up in his eyes and he quickly rushed to her, pulling her into a hug.

“Thank you so much, Adrianna.” He said softly. “You’ve got no idea what that means to me.”

“You’re welcome. But you’re gonna have to find a way to get out of here.” She said, kissing his cheek. “You need to talk to him yourself.”

Sergio nodded. “I’ll find a way. But thank you.”

Adrianna nodded and just held his hands, smiling brightly. At that same moment, Sergio and Adrianna heard a happy voice behind them.

“Baby!” It was Trevor and he was rushing towards them. “Oh my God, my love, I missed you so much.”

He ran to Sergio and planted a kiss on his lips, holding him tightly like he wanted him to be a part of his body. Adrianna rolled her eyes, getting a little pissed. Even Sergio wasn’t happy that Trevor had come there. The only person that he had wanted to see was Eric and no one else.

“Sergio, I’ll be outside. I suddenly feel suffocated.” She said, eyeing Trevor from head to toe in disgust.

Trevor chuckled nervously, smiling at Adrianna. God, he hated her so much.

“Well, Adrianna, you don’t have to go outside.” He rushed to her and held her hand. “I wanted the three to talk, spend some great time together, and just bond. In less than three days, we’ll be one big happy family, right? I know you and I didn’t quite start on a good note. But it is not too late, right? Blood is thicker than water, remember?”

Adrianna gave fake laughter, uncoiling her hand from Trevor’s.

“As I said, I feel suffocated. And you’re right, blood is thicker than water.” She chuckled in mock. “Your offer is very generous but I am not interested. You’re getting married into this family but not to me. So focus your energy on your wedding and your husband to be.”

With those words, Adrianna rushed out of there, cursing under her breath. If only she could drag him by the ear out of there and give him several slaps. She was just praying for a day like that to come, a day when she’d put him in his place once and for all.

“My love, I don’t understand what’s wrong with her?” Trevor groaned, stomped his foot on the floor. “I have been trying so hard to get into her good books but she just hates me. It’s not good since we’re gonna be family.”

“Don’t worry about, Adrianna.” He said sternly. “She’s always been like that. Excuse me!”

“And where are you going?” Trevor asked, fanning himself sexily. “I came here to spend some time with you.”

“I need to shower.” He sighed. “I am not feeling too well.”

“Well, I am coming with you, boo-boo.” Trevor shrugged. “It’s been so long we spent some quality time together.”

Sergio sighed. “Okay.”

They both headed upstairs with Trevor’s arms coiled around Sergio’s waist. They looked like a happy couple and Trevor was sure they were gonna make love. But if only he knew what was at the back of Sergio’s mind then he would have called off that wedding himself.

***

“Alright, everything is ready, David!” Eric chuckled as he picked up some files from the table. “I am already on my way and I promise we won’t be late for this meeting.”

‘You do realize we’re already late, right?’ David chuckled on the other end.

“Alright, do this.” He laughed. “Go with Reina. She has all my documents for this meeting. You can start without me and then I’ll join you later.”

‘Okay. But do hurry up. This meeting will be useless without you.”

Eric laughed and then cut the call. He started sorting out the documents on the table. He was at his house because he hadn’t gone to the office in the morning. Now, he was already running late for his meeting and he didn’t even know where he’d put a particular design.

It didn’t take time and he found it. Then he picked up his phone and started heading out. But he’d just taken a few steps when he saw Adrianna entering his house and when she saw him, she smiled and rushed to him.

“Thank God I have found you here.” Adrianna gasped. “I needed to talk to you about something important.”

“Adrianna, can this wait?” He asked, wearing a beautiful smile. “I have got an important meeting and I am already running a bit late.”

“It won’t take much time, I promise.” Adrianna put her hands together. “Please, this is very important.”

Eric glanced at his watch, taking a sigh. “What’s wrong? Are you okay? Is Sergio okay? I hope he didn’t get into much trouble because of me and what had happened the other night.”

Adrianna sighed, losing the smile on her face.

“You do realize that the day after tomorrow is his wedding, right?”

Eric felt his heart pound violently in his chest. The weight of everything seemed to press down on his shoulders and he struggled to take even a step. He was staring at Adrianna with shock but he managed a smile, a smile that Adrianna saw through.

“I know, Adrianna, but I can’t attend that wedding. I am not on good terms with your mother and neither am I in good terms with Trevor or his family.”

“Eric, you know that isn’t what I am talking about.” Adrianna shook her head. “I am talking about Sergio. I am worried for my brother. He… he loves you so much. He can’t marry Trevor. They are both so incompatible.”

Eric felt like a storm had just been awakened in his heart. He felt tears welling in his eyes and he quickly turned his back to Adrianna.

“What are you talking about, Adrianna? Sergio and I are just friends.”

“No, Eric!” Adrianna shook her head. “I know everything. My brother told me everything that had happened in the past between the two of you. I know he had hurt you but for the last five years, he’s been living in pain. The only time I saw him happy after five years is when you forgave him.”

Eric felt a tear go down his cheek but he quickly rubbed it. He then turned with a smile, trying to present himself to Adrianna like he was okay.

“Don’t you feel sorry for him? Sergio loves you.”

“Adrianna, please!” He sighed, his smile fading. “Sergio and I have nothing between us. Sure, we have a past but that ended long ago. He was with Trevor before I even met him and they’re still together now. The fact that they’re getting married means they love each other.”

“You do not understand!” Adrianna held his hands. “You don’t know what that Trevor has done to my brother to reach this point. He’s so manipulative, evil, and….” She paused and sighed. “…why do you think I hate him so much? I agree that he made a terrible mistake in the past, a sin. But you shouldn’t hold that against him. I know you love him. I can feel it and I can also see it.”

“Sergio and I…”

“Are just friends?” Adrianna chimed in, shaking her head. “I don’t care about Trevor but should my brother marry him, three lives are gonna get ruined. That’s yours, Trevor’s and Sergio’s. Don’t you think you need to…”

“Adrianna, you’re talking nonsense!” Eric chuckled bitterly, getting his hands from her. “Sergio and I have nothing going on. I know that you love your brother so much and you’re willing to go to lengths just to see him happy. I admire you for that. But I do not love Sergio in that way. Sure, I will not deny that I used to love a lot. But that was a long time ago. Those times are gone and we’ve both moved on. He’s starting a new chapter of his life.”

“A chapter that he doesn’t want to start. Eric, Sergio is in agony.” Adrianna couldn’t fight her tears. “My brother’s life is about to turn a great turn, a dangerous turn. My brother loves you so much that he can’t even bear to see you hurt again. The other night at the restaurant, he almost killed a man just for touching you. Didn’t that tell you anything?”

“He’s just being protective of me as a friend.”

“As a friend, he’d have just talked to the guy and not try to kill him.” Tears escaped her eyes, running away upon her cheek. “But he didn’t do that. Eric, Sergio doesn’t love Trevor. He loves you.”

Eric felt scared and pained. His head spun and it was as if his tongue was too big for his mouth. He felt the need to wipe away the non-existent tears that he felt were on his face but there was nothing. He was just in pain, intense pain.

He quickly moved his hand away, taking a step away from the crying girl.

“Stop it!” He said harshly, shaking his head.

He started going back into his living room, combing his hair with his fingers. His heart was pounding violently in his chest and he felt weak.

“Please, Adrianna, stop talking about Sergio.” He sighed. “You shouldn’t even be here. I told you that I had a really important meeting. I don’t want to talk about Sergio. He’s marrying Trevor just like it should be. You shouldn’t be here talking about this. You should be preparing for the wedding.”

“Put yourself in my shoes.” Adrianna walked to him although he had his back to her. “I know that Sergio’s decision to marry Trevor is wrong. He won’t be happy and they won’t last. Wouldn’t you do anything to ensure the happiness of your sibling, someone that you love so much?”

“I don’t know if the decision he made is right or wrong and neither do I want to know.” Eric was getting mad. “That’s Sergio’s life and I don’t have any right to meddle in it.”

“But…”

“I’d like to be left alone now, please!” He said harshly. “I have somewhere I have to go so please, leave.”

Adrianna rubbed her tears and nodded.

“I will go, Eric! But remember that my brother loves you. He is just trapped and… and maybe I thought you loved him too. I thought you were the one to take his pain and you had forgiven him. But I was wrong, Eric. You only forgave him for formality’s sake.”

With those words, Adrianna turned and stormed out of there like the hounds of hell were after her. She was in tears.

The tears burst forth like water from a fountain, spilling down Eric’s face. He heard his sounds, like a distressed child, raw from the inside. It brought something out of him he didn’t know he had left to give. In just seconds, he dropped to his knees and just sobbed. He didn’t even know that he was crying but he couldn’t stop.

***

Sergio was moving about the room restlessly, breathing like a woman in labor. He wasn’t himself. It was like there was something haunting, killing him from the inside. Once again, his emotions turn jagged and his insides tight. He had never felt so alone, so lost… so incapable of even thinking.

He knew this was only the beginning, the beginning of the pain, the suffering, and the endless line of emotions that were in store for him. Less than 24 hours, less than 24 hours was all he had before he was officially a married man. His wedding suit had arrived. Everything was ready and he knew that the next morning, he was gonna be marching to the altar to marry the boy he’d been dating since high school.

He looked like a mess, his pure white shirt unbuttoned with only a vest inside and a black pair of jean with sandals on his feet. His hair was ruffled and God knows he had a lot in his mind. All he was thinking about was Eric.

‘He’s in denial. I tried talking to him but nothing worked. I can see that he still loves.’ He remembered Adrianna’s words after she had returned from his place. ‘I know he loves you. Your love is not one-sided. You need to let your feelings be known before it is too late.’

“I can’t deal with this.” He groaned, trying to get rid of the killer headache he was feeling. “I need to go and see him.”

He stormed out of his room, banging the door like he was going crazy. In just a few seconds, he was already heading for the exit. But before he even had that chance, the two guards blocked him.

“Get out of my way right now before I do something we all won’t like.” He warned, pointing at them. “Get out or you’ll get hurt.”

“I am sorry, sir!” One of them said. “Please, we don’t wanna hurt you. Go back inside. We’re only following orders.”

Sergio groaned, scanning the two guards. He saw an opportunity and he decided to take it. He took a turn and pretended to walk away but then he made a quick turn, gripped one of the guards, and took out his gun from his waist. Then he pointed at the other guard.

“Drop it!” He warned. “Now!”

The guard dropped the gun to the floor, raising his hands. Sergio threw the guard he was holding to the floor and then took the gun on the floor too, pointing both at the two guards that began shaking uncontrollably.

“Now, if anybody follows me, I’ll make sure I kill them and you know I am not joking.”

He got out of the house and rushed to his car and drove like he was going insane.

***

Eric was seated on a chair, staring at himself in the mirror. He was looking lovely but sad. His hair was just loose, being blown away by the wind which was coming from the opened windows. It was a very cold night but Eric didn’t feel it. He was rather occupied by so many thoughts, thoughts that were preying on him.

He was wearing just a blue muscle shirt with green cargo shorts. Even as he stared at his reflection, Eric could see how sad he was. His life had suddenly since that day Sergio had saved him from the guy in the restaurant. All he ever thought of was him. And Adrianna and Riya’s words had made things even worse. Even that evening, he’d talked to Riya and she had said the same thing.

He took a sigh, rubbing his forehead. When he stared into the mirror, he almost jumped up when he saw Sergio in there, smiling at him. Okay, he was going insane. His heart immediately began racing as he stared at that reflection.

“Wow!” Sergio’s reflection said happily. “You look really beautiful, Eric! But something is missing. Why do you look so sad?”

That voice, it felt so real, Eric thought. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath but when he opened his eyes, Sergio was still there and he was smiling like an idiot. Eric quickly rose from the chair and turned to find Sergio standing at the doorway, staring at him with tears in his eyes and a smile on his face.

“What are you doing here?” Eric gasped. “And how did you get in?”

“I have my ways, Eric.” He started getting closer to Eric. “Eric, I have come here because I cannot take it anymore. I cannot bear to see you with anyone else. I cannot bear to spend my life with someone else either. How can I marry someone else when you’re around?”

Eric’s eyes dripped with tears when he heard that. His walls, the walls that held him up, made him strong just… started collapsing. Moment by moment, he could feel them falling.

“How can I even imagine being with someone else? I had tried to bury these feelings, Eric. I had tried but no matter what I did, my feelings for you kept on getting stronger. The feelings I was scared of, gave me a reason to live.

I was so unaware of it at that time because I had never felt that way about anyone before. I didn’t want this to happen then but it just happened. “

Brick by brick, his walls came tumbling down. He was finding it hard to hold himself together.

“Eric, I can’t live with these feelings deep in my heart anymore. I can’t hide the fact that you’re the one I love. You are the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. You’re the one that my heart beats for.” He took Eric’s hand and placed it on his chest.

Eric felt more tears welling in his eyes as he felt Sergio’s beating heart. It was beating so fast that he got scared at some point that Sergio’s heart was gonna burst through his chest and kill him. He wondered what the hell was happening with him.

“Do you feel that? That’s my heart. I cannot control my feelings.” He sobbed softly, shaking his head. “Eric, I love you so much. You’re the only one that I would love to walk down the aisle with. You’re the only one I want to be sleeping with in my arms every night and to wake up to every morning.”

Sergio just broke down. The sobs punched through, ripping through his muscles, bones, and gut. As much as Eric tried to hold it in, the pain came out like an uproar from his throat in the form of a silent scream.

“Eric, please, I don’t want to marry Trevor.” He cried. “It will not be a mistake but another sin, Eric, a very big sin. You’re the one I love and I just wanna know if you love me too. I can see it in your eyes. I can feel it but I wanna hear you say it. say it to me just once, Eric!”

His hand started moving upwards slowly and reached Eric’s face. He slowly moved the hair that was blocking part of Eric’s face and caressed his sweet face, feeling a fire that he’d never felt before. Eric slightly closed his eyes as a harsh breath escaped his lips.

Sergio moved his head closer to Eric. Eric felt frozen, from both fear and the excitement that was slowly forming in his heart. Sergio leaned in, so his forehead rested against Eric’s. Both their breaths were shaking. Sergio was about to lean in and capture those golden lips when all of a sudden, Eric pushed him and moved away.

“What do you want from me?” Eric gasped as a tear made its way down his cheek. “What the hell are you doing here? Get out of here right now.”

“Eric, I can’t.” He sobbed uncontrollably. “I have tried but I can’t. I love you too much and when I had found you again, I was so happy. But now, it feels like I am about to lose you again. You were heartbroken years ago and I understand. I want to make up for that sin, open your heart to me again and let’s be happy together. I know you love me too.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Eric said, sniveling. “You’re getting married. They must be waiting for you. Go!”

He tried to walk away but Sergio pulled him even closer, so close that their noses were brushing on one another.

“I love you and I can’t bear to lose you again. But can you, Eric?” He muttered, staring deep into those blue glassy eyes. “If it happens again, won’t you be completely shattered?”

“Let go!” Eric tried to let himself free from Sergio’s grip but he found it impossible to do. The guy had a tight grip on him. “Sergio…”

“Love is a strong bond in itself.” Sergio was so slow, so soft. “I can feel that our bond is stronger now. I can feel your love for me even as we stand this close. Your eyes tell me everything but I need to hear you say it, please, my love!”

“Sergio, please!” Eric furiously removed his hand from Sergio’s grip. “What do you want from me? I do not love you and…”

“That’s a lie!” Sergio stomped his foot on the floor, getting closer to Eric. Eric tried to move away but he hit the wall and he had nowhere to go. Before he realized it, Sergio had him pinned there, closer than ever before. “I know it’s a lie. You know what I am telling you is the truth. I love you and I know you love me. If you don’t love me then why do I see tears in your eyes? Why can’t you bear to see my pain right now?”

“Why did you come here?” Eric couldn’t recognize his voice. “Why didn’t you just stay away?”

“Because it would have been more difficult if I had stayed away. My heart was torturing me.” He sobbed. “You’ve got no idea what I had to do just to reach here, to come to you. Believe me, Eric, I’ve come here for myself and also for you. I need to know… I needed to see you so bad. My heart couldn’t let me go down the aisle without seeing you be sure.”

A single tear slid down his warm eyes, followed by another and another, until soon, a steady stream of tears flowed its way down his cheeks, releasing the sadness and pain that had been held inside of him for all this time but still, Eric didn’t even make a sound.

“I know I love you and I can’t hide that anymore. I don’t care if the world sees it.” He said in between great heavy sobs. “I know that if I didn’t come here to tell you my true feelings, I would have probably regretted it my entire life.”

Eric closed his eyes, willing the tears to just go away but they wouldn’t. “Go away, Sergio, please. I beg you, just leave me alone and go start your life anew. Why are you doing this?”

“Because I love you!” Sergio sobbed, slowly caressing Eric’s cheeks. “I can’t leave without you. I want you in my life.”

“Let go!” Eric said harshly, trying to let loose but he wouldn’t. “Let me go.”

“Why are you failing to say it? Can’t you see anything in my eyes?”

“No!” Eric said with tears following. “The only thing I see in there is madness. You’re marrying someone else tomorrow and you’re here telling someone else that you’re in love with them. Get out of here, you’re not in your right state of mind.”

“You’re right!” Sergio gasped. “I am going insane. I am insane with your love, can’t you see. I know you love me too then why…”

“You’re right, Sergio. I love you. But not in the way you think.” He pushed him away and started walking away, furiously rubbing his tears.

To his surprise, Sergio pulled him back. They found themselves oddly staring at each other, as if it were a silent argument. Their glances battled each other until tears arose again.

“If you don’t love me then why do I see tears in your eyes?” Sergio muttered. “Eric, just say it.”

“And then what?” Eric said hoarsely without even bothering to rub his tears. “You’ll make things right?”

“Yes!” He nodded. “I’ll marry you.”

Eric chuckled, shaking his head. “Like I said, I love you but not in that kind of way. If you think I’ll say that I love you and I’ll accept your proposal then you’re dead wrong. You’re wasting your time here so I suggest you go back to your house and stop wasting both our times.”

He moved away from the man, staring at him like he’d said something abominable. Sergio was hurt, really hurt.

“I have always been in pain since the day I hurt you. But maybe, that is my fate, Eric!” He sobbed, taking Eric’s hands in his. “Maybe I deserve it for all the pain that I had caused you. I don’t deserve love from you. But all I know is that I love you so much and I can’t live without you. But I cannot force you to be with me, Eric!”

“Please, go!”

“I will go.” Sergio chuckled in pain, slowly trying to rub his tears. “But I still have hope in my heart that you love me and you want to be with me.”

He took Eric’s hands and kissed them. “I will try one last time. Meet me tomorrow at the temple near Oakridge river. I will be waiting for you there at 10. Am and if you show up, I promise I will marry you. But if you don’t…” He paused and sniveled. “…I’ll go ahead to my wedding and marry Trevor. I promise I won’t bother you again.”

“Serg…”

“Shhh….” Sergio whispered, shaking his head. “Tomorrow at 10.am. I will be there.”

He leaned forward and kissed Eric’s cheek. Then he quickly left.

‘Meet me tomorrow at the temple near Oakridge River. I will be waiting for you.’

Everything felt like a dream, a nightmare. The beads of water started falling one after another, without a sign of stopping. He fell to his knees and wept, tears streaming from his deep blue eyes, loud, heavy sobs tearing from his throat. It was so painful and he couldn’t understand why. He was so scared and he didn’t know what to do. But he just remained there and cried.

***

“Why the fuck did you let him go?” Kim snapped, pointing angrily at the guards that were trembling on the floor. “I had specifically given you orders not to let him.”

“Ma’am, he overpowered us. He took our guns.”

“Do I look like I care? My son’s wedding is tomorrow morning and this is so important to me and everyone else. And what did you do? You let him go?” She snapped, balling her fists. “If anything happens to him you’ll pay with your dear lives, I swear.”

“Mommy, there’s no need for threatening them. This is your fault too.” Adrianna said hoarsely. “You kept him locked up here like a prisoner. He got fed up and left.”

“Adrianna, I am not in the mood for your lectures, right now.” Her voice sounded like an evil robot. “If you know where your brother is, you better tell me. You don’t wanna make me mad.”

“Mom, even if I knew….”

But she didn’t finish her sentence as she saw Sergio entering the house slowly, looking like he had been from a terrible road trip. She gasped and ran to him as fast as she could. Reaching him, she coiled her arm around his waist and started bringing him to the living room where Kim just remained standing with her arms folded.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Kim snapped, breathing like a big cave monster. “How dare you disobey my orders and go out? Did you go to see that bitch again? Honestly, I don’t understand why you’re so obsessed and crazy over that boy. You’re getting married to Trevor for goodness’ sake. What the hell do you want?”

“Mom, is this the time to talk about that? Just look at the state my brother is in.”

“I don’t care.” Kim snarled. “What’s wrong with you Sergio? You get into fights because of him. You almost killed someone because of him. And now you’re disobeying your mother because of him. Why are you…”

“Because I love him so much!” Sergio snapped, yelling right in her face.

Kim felt those words slice through her like a knife through butter. Her heart jumped almost painfully and her eyes widened. There was something in that shout, a pain behind it. Kim watched. She watched Sergio’s eyes and saw the anger, pain, and resentment in them. She’d never that look in his eyes before. She was completely shocked but she was also getting angry.

“Yes, I love Eric so much.” He added with tears in his eyes. “And he’s not a bitch. You know nothing about him and that’s why you say all these things. I deserve to go through all this pain because of what I did to him in the past. And you would have also known that if there’s anyone who deserves to be called stupid, foolish, and maybe even a whore, it’s your son.”

Kim’s eyes became glassy with tears. She was staring at her son like he was killing her with his words.

“You don’t know anything but I’ll tell you. I am the type of person I am today because of Eric. I was irresponsible, stupid, a player until I met Eric. He changed my whole life and I didn’t even realize it because I was stupid.” He said harshly. “For the first time after five years, your son became happy and it’s all because of Eric. He doesn’t deserve this.”

A single tear slid down her cheek as her greatest fear confronted her.

“Are you telling me that you…”

“It doesn’t matter anymore because Eric and I will never be together.” He sniveled. “I am still marrying Trevor tomorrow so your wishes are still gonna come true, mommy. I only went to Eric to tell him my feelings but he doesn’t share the same.”

Kim smiled when she heard that, rubbing her tears. She cupped her son’s cheeks and kissed them softly. She gave a quick hug and chuckled.

“That’s the right thing to do. You and Trevor were always meant to be. You’re each other’s destinies and you’ll be happy after tomorrow. You’ll go on your honeymoon and after that, you’ll start your own family. This is the best decision you’ve ever made and I’ll forever remain grateful to you, maybe even to Eric!”

Sergio just nodded and started heading upstairs.

Kim had never so happy hearing from her son before. He just confirmed to her that nothing was gonna ruin his wedding. That was the best news ever. She had been worried for nothing. Her heart was now at peace, content with what she’d heard.

Adrianna shook her head angrily and left her mother smiling like an idiot. Kim’s happiness was overboard. She just wished her husband had been there to celebrate with her. She missed so much. Now she was pretty sure that her son was gonna get married to Trevor without any disturbance.

***

Trevor was seated sexily on a chair, staring at himself in the huge mirror in front of him. He had a smile on his face, a smile that hinted at just how happy he was. He was only wearing a white robe which was untied, revealing a sexy white boxer brief that fit tightly on him.

Trevor’s heart was beating rhythmically with passion, giving a pleasure, unlike anything he’d felt before. Finally, the day he’d been waiting for was here, the day when his dreams were gonna come true, his wedding to Sergio. Just thinking about him was getting him all excited. The thought of waking up to Sergio every day, making love to him every day, and being called his husband was the best thing.

Trevor’s hair was made in a sexy fishtail crown braid that revealed his beautiful face. A makeup artist was working on his face, making him even more beautiful than he was. He couldn’t hide his happiness that day. It was from out of this world. He’d never looked so beautiful his entire life before.

He glanced towards the bed and saw his beautiful wedding attire and the golden/diamond crown that was waiting for him already. His excitement just got out of hand and he couldn’t help but giggle.

“You look so beautiful, sir!” The makeup artist said as she did the final touches. “I am not your groom and yet I admire you. You groom will go insane when he sees you.”

“He will, won’t he” Trevor giggled, smiling at her. “That’s the idea.”

At that same time, his dresser came inside and started doing his job. In just a few minutes, Trevor was standing in front of a huge mirror looking like an angel in his wedding outfit.

He was wearing beautiful wedding attire, a pure white designer’s suit with sparkly diamonds on it. There was a white shirt inside, a pure white tied and a trouser that was tight on him just like the way he wanted it. His shoes looked they’d been designed by gods of Olympus themselves and he couldn’t help but feel prestigious as he stepped in them.

The jacket wasn’t just an ordinary jacket. It had a long train from the shoulders downwards and made him look a beautiful bride. When the diamond crown was placed on his head that was when it hit him that he was truly getting married. Tears formed in his eyes and he began chuckling to himself. Was there anyone as beautiful as he looked on this earth, he thought? The designers had done a great job and now the whole country was gonna witness his wedding.

“Oh, mi amor!” He heard his mother’s happy voice.

He slowly turned and found her looking like a really beautiful flower in what she was wearing. She looked sexy in a dark red slit off-shoulder dress that showed her gorgeous curves with a long slit. Her cleavage was on view and she had beautiful black and gold high heels on her feet. Her hair was dyed golden and made into a sexy vintage bun. God, she was smoking hot.

Giada felt giddy with excitement when she saw her son. She wanted to run, to shout, to tell everyone what was happening…. but she had to wait. Every fiber of her being was vibrating with anticipation. Adrenaline was coursing through her veins. Her hands trembled and her eyes were wide.

“Oh my God,” She took Trev’s hands and slowly span him. “You look so amazing, my love. I… I can’t believe this day has finally come, the day when you’ll leave me and go to your husband’s house. You have no idea how happy I am. I can taste victory already.”

Trevor chuckled as more tears filled his eyes. “You look beautiful too, mom. You’re just so beautiful and…”

“Hey, what do you think you’re doing? You’ll ruin your makeup with tears. You’re supposed to be happy. We’re finally defeating our biggest enemy and that should make you happy.”

“I am more than happy.” He chuckled. “These are tears of joy. Finally, I will get to have Sergio all to myself. You’ve got no idea how good that feels, mommy. When I was a kid, I always dreamt of a moment like this and now it’s finally here. I am so happy.”

The excitement wired his body like he was plugged in the mains. He felt like his brain was on fast-forward and there was no off switch.

“Where’s daddy?”

“He went ahead, sweetie!” She cupped both his cheeks before she gave both of them kisses. “May no one cast an evil eye on you today. Everybody will see how beautiful you look because there’s gonna be a live broadcast today. Everyone will see you and Sergio getting married, especially that desperate stupid idiot. I want him to smell his downfall.”

“I can’t wait to see his face when I meet him again.” He chuckled evilly.

“Of course, honey! Now come on,” She coiled his arm with Trevor’s. “We need to start going. Kim just called me that they’re about to start.”

Trevor gave an evil grin and held his mother. Both mother and son left the room. Their plans had finally been successful.

***

Sergio was standing in his room, staring at his reflection in front of a huge mirror. He was looking very handsome, as handsome as ever. He was wearing a beautiful, pitch-black designer’s suit which fit him like a second skin. It had some diamonds on it which made it very unique. Inside was a pure white shirt with a red necktie. His shoes were pitch black and the design was just from out of this world.

Sergio’s hair was made in a quiff haircut, revealing his totally blank face. He was so scared that his heart was racing. He hadn’t slept almost the entire night. His mind had been pretty occupied and he was still occupied. He couldn’t think straight.

All Sergio was is sadness, every other emotion had been pushed from his being. Where there was love, the light, the laughter was an aching hollowness. His sadness was like a flowing river, cold and unending. It washed all the goodness out of him and left him a mere shell of what he’d been before.

There was a lot in his mind. The most beautiful memories were the worst, cutting his insides as if they were shards of glass. Just thinking about Eric, all those memories filled him with a sadness that he couldn’t shake no matter what he did. Then suddenly, when he looked at the chair near the mirror, he almost jumped out of his skin.

Eric was seated there with his hair blowing backward so sexily that Sergio’s heart began racing. Eric was drying his hair with a drier, staring at Sergio’s reflection in the mirror with a smile on his face. God, how could anyone be so beautiful, Sergio thought as a smile popped up on his face? Eric was wearing a beautiful yellow attire that made him look as gorgeous as ever.

“What?” Eric spoke, blushing brightly. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

Sergio couldn’t understand the joy that filled his heart. Tears welled up in his eyes and he chuckled softly, a tear going down his cheek.

“Are you gonna stand there whole day staring at me?” Eric asked with a raised eyebrow. “Why don’t you come here and held me? I can’t dry my hair at the back. Come on, baby.”

Sergio chuckled and was about to touch Eric when suddenly, he disappeared from there. His heart jumped harshly and he gulped, rubbing his tear. He was going insane, he thought as he looked all around. But he saw Eric standing at the bathroom door, throwing him hair kisses.

“Come on, Sergio!” He laughed. “What’s wrong with you? You’re making me feel shy, my love. Don’t keep on staring at me like that.”

“Eric!” Sergio muttered and started rushing to the bathroom but again, he disappeared.

Sergio stood still and just drowned in his sorrows, trying his best not to breakdown. He couldn’t remember being that scared in his life before. Not even when he was a kid. It was all so new to him and it weakened.

“You’re truly not here, Eric!”

He closed his eyes and just took a deep breath. Then suddenly, he heard the door to his room opening. He quickly wore a smile on his face and saw his beautiful ladies coming towards him. They were all looking more beautiful than he’d ever seen them. He put up a fake smile as he looked at them.

Kim was putting on a beautiful blue jacquard side drape overlay gown that fit her like a goddess. On her feet were beautiful, blue high heeled shoes that made her a little bit taller than she was. She had to kill it. After all, her only son was getting married. Her hair was made in an asymmetrical twisted updo. She was gorgeous.

Adrianna looked amazing in an open back red, floor-length prom dress that showed off her marvelous and killer curves. She had silver high heels on her feet. Her hair was made into classic finger waves.

“Oh my baby, you look so amazing.” Kim screamed, rushing to him.

Reaching him, she pecked both his cheeks, hugging him tightly.

“You’ve got no idea how happy I am.” She stared at him, caressing his cheeks. “You’ve made me so happy. I had always dreamt of this day and now it’s here. I can’t believe that my baby is gonna be a man now. I feel like crying.”

“You look really beautiful.” He said in a voice that he couldn’t even recognize. He glanced at Adrianna and didn’t miss those glassy eyes. She wasn’t happy. “You too, baby girl. I can’t believe you’re so beautiful.”

“It’s all for you!” She rushed to him and threw herself on his chest, trying to contain herself. But she began shedding tears. “I just can’t believe my brother will be a married man now. I am so happy for you.”

“Hey!” Sergio held her arms, staring into her eyes. “Stop it! You’re gonna make me start crying too. Your brother is getting married and not dying. And besides, we’re both coming here. It’s just that there’s someone else being added to the family.”

Adrianna sobbed and rested her head on his chest. How she wished Eric had agreed to her brother’s proposal and it was the two of them that were getting married and not what was happening. She couldn’t her brother was gonna go ahead and marry a boy that he didn’t even feel a thing for.

“Come on, you two.” Kim smiled, rubbing the tear that was threatening to come out. “We’re gonna be late if we delay anymore. Have you heard of a groom who was ever late for his wedding? You’ll be the first one. Come on.”

“Yes, mommy!” Sergio chuckled happily though he was sad. “You go ahead. I just need to check something here. I’ll be right behind you, I promise.”

“But sweetie, we should be going there together.”

“I’ll be right behind you.” He leaned forward and kissed her cheek, giving her a tight hug. “Don’t worry about anything. I’ll bring your son-in-law home today, I swear.”

Kim sighed, kissing him back. “Alright, my love. But not a minute later.”

“Yes!”

Kim smiled, kissing him once more. Then she and Adrianna happily left the room, leaving him all alone. He lost the smile on his face and just stared at himself in the mirror. This was it. There was no turning back for him.

***

The wedding hall was beautifully and expensively decorated with silver and golden decors ranging from material to flowers and the furniture that was there. There were beautiful golden flowers everywhere you looked, on tables, walls at the corners, and even some on the floor. A huge silver carpet ran from the entrance to the front where a beautiful place for the grooms was made, two golden chairs in front and it was wonderfully decorated by golden and red roses. Everything seemed royalty and classy.

The whole hall was packed with the high and mighty from the society, rich businessmen and women, celebrities, friends, and family. Even guests from abroad were in attendance. Of course, it looked like a royal wedding with every guest in attendance dressed to kill.

There were all kinds of foods, drinks and they all looked yummy and amazing. On the sides of the walls were huge screens for those who couldn’t see in front. The wedding cake was the hues of soft summer roses, everything from champagne to dusky red. It was huge and on top were the most beautiful dolls of Trevor and Sergio. It was romantic… as marriage should be.

Cameras were rolling, capturing the wonderful moments and showing them to those who couldn’t attend. Everyone had expected that wedding but not as grand as it had become. It was absolutely beautiful and it looked like the wedding of the century. Of course, it was. It was gonna be the talk of the whole country for years.

***

A black expensive SUV, beautifully decorated arrived and cameras rushed there. The doors opened and Kim got out in all her glory. She made a powerful pose as the cameramen captured the moment of the beauty queen. She was smiling, giving it all her best. She was the mother of the groom after all and she had to do it for her son.

Even Adrianna had to try her best although the smile that she had on her face was fake. She was smiling and giggling at the cameras, giving it all her best. Although deep down, she just wished she could turn back time and let her brother marry Eric. If that was so, she would have been the happiest being at that wedding. But everything was being forced.

Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. Two cars arrived and in one of them, Giada with her sexy husband got out and started waving at the people, giving them smiles. They had their arms coiled with each other, waving at the cameras. Brice was wearing a blood wine designer’s suit and they matched with Giada, a couple who seemed happy.

“Hey!” Giada greeted as she rushed to greet Kim.

The two hugged tightly, smiling at each other like two evil queens.

“Oh my God, you look so beautiful, Kim!”

“I tried my best,” Kim said as she turned to show Giada her outfit. “And I must say the same for you.”

“Of course, it’s not every day that our children get married.” She chuckled, her heart beating in excitement. “This is a golden moment and after this day, we’re gonna be a family, a great family. You have no idea how happy I am right now.”

“It’s the both of us. Our friends are probably inside envious of us.”

“Who wouldn’t? Sergio and Trevor are the hottest guys in town.” Giada laughed. “And the fact they’re getting married right now should make any mother jealous. I am sure they had plans of their children getting married to one of ours.”

“Lucky us, then!” Kim smiled. “And where’s my beautiful son in law?”

“In there!” Giada gestured. She felt like peeing from all the excitement that she felt. “Of course, you know the tradition, he cannot come out unless his husband is here. He’s looking really beautiful just for Sergio. Speaking of Sergio, where’s he?”

“He’ll be here in a minute,” Kim said happily. “His car was right behind us.”

The two women continued talking while smiling and waving at the cameras.

‘Oh God, if you can hear my prayers right now, make a miracle happen.’ Adrianna thought as she looked towards the heavens. ‘Please, make a miracle happen. I am not asking this because I am selfish but because I just want my brother’s happiness. You know as well as I do that he deserves to be happy. That happiness will only be found with Eric. Please, if you can help me, I’ll forever be grateful.’

She closed her eyes and just wished with her entire heart that a miracle happen.

***

Sergio was in his car, staring outside the window. He was feeling rather suffocated, sick and nauseous. He had a terrible headache that seemed to be getting worse the nearer he got to the venue. He was only a few minutes away and he knew once he reached, there was no turning back.

‘I love you… but not in the way you think.’

‘I know you love me and I still have hope. Meet me at the temple near Oakridge River. I will be waiting for you at 10.am and if you show up, I’ll know that you love me. I’ll marry you.’

Sergio was scared, scared of the words he had used. He knew just how stubborn Eric was and he also knew that whatever he had told him, Eric had made his decision. He quickly glanced at his watch and saw that it was almost 10. It was 9.45.

‘Eric, why do I feel like I am making the biggest mistake of my life?’ He thought, taking a deep breath. ‘You own my heart but your stubbornness won’t let you give in to your feelings. I know you love me so much and I know you also want to be with me. Whatever the cost will be, I’ll hold on to this hope that you’ll show up. If you don’t, I’ll move on with my life and try to be happy.’

“Stop the car!” He ordered the driver.

The driver slowed down and stopped the car.

“Sir, is there any problem?”

“No!” Sergio said as he opened the door. “I need to go somewhere. Go straight to the wedding hall and I’ll find you there.”

“But sir…”

“I don’t want to repeat myself.” He ordered. “Go straight to the wedding hall. Tell everyone I had to go somewhere important and I’ll be there in a just few.”

“Sir! Sir!”

But it was too late as Sergio was already out. And in a hurry, he forgot his phone in the car. He stopped a taxi and drove off to his destination. He knew he was probably gonna regret but he also had hope that Eric was gonna show up and they were gonna be together before the end of the day.

***

The media people and cameramen buzzed with excitement when they saw Sergio’s car arrive beautifully decorated. Cameras were already rolling and when the car stopped, they began fighting on who was gonna be the first to take the picture of the handsome man.

The two mothers held each other’s hands, tears welling in their eyes. This was the moment they’d all been waiting for. They were deliriously happy, giddy even. They tingled from head to toe. Their hearts were racing as the car stopped near them. God, the moment was here.

One of the guards bowed and then opened the door. But all that excitement exploded when they saw that there was no one there. Kim felt her heart pound heavily in her chest, her smile fading. She got so scared that she trembled. She looked at Giada whose smile was also fading. Kim was sure that that was the car her son was supposed to come in.

Kim rushed to the car, her heart racing miles away. Just as the driver was coming out, she looked at him in fear, nodding.

“Where’s my son?” She gasped. “Please, tell me this is a joke and he’s somewhere around. Please!”

“Ma’am, I am truly sorry,” The driver slightly bowed. “Sir. Sergio got out of the car a few minutes ago. He said that he was gonna be here in just a few minutes. He has something very important to do.”

“What?” Kim said under her breath, her mouth shaking. “My son did what? And why did you let him? You knew how important this event was. God, you’re so stupid.”

“Ma’am, I couldn’t do anything to stop him.” He apologized, swallowing his saliva. “Before I could get out, he got into a cab and quickly left.”

Kim felt her heart hammering into her chest and she felt hot all over. She glanced at Giada and gave a nervous smile. She wanted to slap the driver so hard but she couldn’t let anyone know about what had happened, that Sergio hadn’t arrived. She rubbed her forehead, taking a quick turn.

She rushed to her daughter, gripped her arm, and took her away from where there were no people.

“Adrianna, don’t think this is a joke.”

“What?” Adrianna was beyond shocked. “What are you talking about? What joke?”

“Where the hell is Sergio?” She snarled, giving her angry eyes. “I know you know where he is so you better start talking or else I am gonna do something terrible right here. Where did he go?”

A frown appeared on Adrianna’s face as she looked at her mother. But then again, it was as if suddenly there was a trail of gunpowder in her veins which sparked at that moment, bringing her soul out to play. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

“What are you talking about, mommy?” She acted surprised but she was happy. “You and I came here together. We both left Sergio at the house so when did I have time to talk to him? You forbade me from disturbing him yesterday. I obeyed you.”

Kim was starting to panic. “Where could he be? How will I tell people that Sergio is not here already, that he got out of the car?”

“What?” Came a gasp from behind them.

Both of them quickly turned and found Giada shaking her head. “What did you say? Sergio got out of the car? How?”

Slowly, the panic and fear started kicking in and Giada shook. She tried to stay calm to process what she’d heard but she couldn’t do it. Her heart started pounding violently and she felt like poison had just been placed in her system. She couldn’t lie, she was very scared.

“Giada, calm down…” Kim rushed to her. “He’ll be here any moment from now. The driver told me something came up. That’s why he had to leave.”

“Something came up?” Giada gasped, trying to breathe properly. “What could be more important than his wedding? The guests are waiting and so is the entire country. We’re already running a bit late and people will start asking questions. Oh my God.”

The smile that cracked Adrianna’s face was from out of this world. It had just been a simple prayer but Sergio didn’t show up. But she too was getting worried because she had no idea where he was. What if he showed up?

“Let’s not panic.”

“No, Kim!” Giada shook her head. “This isn’t ordinary. Something is very wrong. What if… what if… what if…”

“Don’t panic!” Kim assured. “I know my son and he wouldn’t disobey me. He is gonna come here because….”

“My son, oh my God!”

The two women started panicking. They tried to look calm but nothing was working. She could already see some of the media people talking among one another and she knew that trouble was gonna boom if her son didn’t show up.

Mere seconds started turning into more seconds and then minutes. Minutes turned into more minutes, close to an hour and things started getting sour. Some guests started coming out, wondering what the hell was happening. But both the women assured them that everything was under control and all they had to do was go back inside.

“Aunt!”

It was Steve and he was looking really smart and sexy in a beautiful designer’s suit. It had a pure white jacket with pitch-black trouserss and black shoes. His hair was in a low taper fade that made him look sexier. He’d just come from outside and being the best man, of course, he had to be worried.

“Steve!” Kim sighed.

“Aunt, where’s Sergio?” He asked with a worried look on his face. “People are starting to ask questions and some of them are impatient. What’s going on?”

“He’s not here,” Kim said simply, hitting her forehead. “I am gonna murder that son of mine if he doesn’t show up here, I swear. This is embarrassing already.”

“Let me call him.”

Steve started calling Sergio’s phone but to everyone’s dismay, the driver brought the phone to them. Now they were panicking.

“Oh God, what am I gonna tell my son?” Giada gasped, breathing like she was in labor. She didn’t want the thoughts that were developing in her mind to come to the surface because she was scared of them being true. “Oh my God, please, not today, please. This day is very important.”

“Don’t worry, aunt!” Steve reassured. “I’ll go and look for him right now. I’ll be back with him, I promise. Just handle the guests for now.”

Steve quickly turned and started rushing to one of the cars. Adrianna followed him and the two of them drove off like the hounds were after the two of them.

“I swear, I won’t spare Sergio if he doesn’t show up here,” Kim vowed, balling her fists. “I’ll kill him with my bare hands. I swear.”

***

Sergio was standing at the temple staircase, feeling like he was gonna explode with an anxiety attack. He kept on glancing towards the place where he knew Eric was gonna emerge from but there was nothing. He was a bit sweaty, scared, and very anxious.

His heart was hitting his chest so hard that he thought it was gonna break his ribs and rip his skin apart. And the void. The black hole in his head, deep inside his soul, slowly swallowing all his hopes and dreams. That was the worst of that moment he was in.

He had everything planned for that day. There were beautiful decorations, the best he could do in such a short time. Everything for his wedding with Eric was set and he’d even invited the priest of that temple to marry them off in a traditional way. He’d even bought two beautiful golden bands. The only thing remaining was Eric.

“God, Eric, where the hell are you?” He said under his breath, trying to stay calm. “Please, come here. I am waiting for you, my love.”

He made a glance at his watch and saw that it was now 10:54.am, his wedding was supposed to start at 10. He knew his mother was worried and so was everyone else. But the only thing that he needed to do was be with the boy that he loved so much. He didn’t care about anything.

“Eric, why are you not here yet? Were you serious when you told me you didn’t love me?”

There were a lot of questions in his mind. And when he couldn’t find the answers, his anxiety turned into panic. He started sweating and tears formed in his eyes. His whole body shook, bones rattling in constant fear of the truth that loomed before him.

“Mr. Alvarado, time is running out.” He heard the priest’s voice behind him. “I don’t think your groom is gonna show up. It’s been an hour already and I have other important activities that I need to attend.”

“Please!” Sergio put his hands together, pleading with the man. “Just a few more minutes. He’ll be here.”

“It’s been an hour already, Mr. Alvarado. I know I agreed to help you but we’re running out of time.”

“I know but please understand. This boy loves me a lot.” He chuckled nervously. “I know he’s gonna be here. Just a few more minutes, please.”

The priest sighed. “Alright. But if he doesn’t come anytime soon, I’ll leave.”

“Thank you!”

And he continued waiting, hoping with his entire heart that Eric was gonna show up. But his hopes started getting shattered as there was no hope for Eric. He knew that people at the wedding hall had probably started panicking. Minutes passed and then more minutes but Eric didn’t show up.

“Mr. Alvarado, please, I cannot wait anymore.” The priest said.

“Priest, please…”

“I am sorry.” He apologized. “Maybe this is God’s way of telling you that the two of you aren’t meant to be. I have waited for so long and I cannot anymore. You should do the same and move on. I am sorry, my son, but I have to go.”

The priest turned and started leaving. Sergio felt like his heart had been ripped in half. He furiously took off his jacket and threw it to the ground. Tears welled in his eyes and he started kicking the jacket like he was going insane. He’d never experienced such pain.

“Eric!” He screamed. “Eric, I love you! Why did you this to me?”

There was something in that shout, a pain behind it. He was being haunted by the deep love that he felt for Eric.

“Eric why?” He screamed as hard as he could. “Why did you do this to me? I love you so much, Eric! You’ve broken me, Eric. I thought you were gonna show up. Why?”

He got weak and dropped to the ground, crying softly. He didn’t care who heard him, he didn’t care who saw him and he definitely didn’t a hoot about what they thought of him. The pain was passing through him like water through a circular pipe without leaving. His pain intensified each second.

“Eric, I love you! Why?”

Every breath felt like his last, every breath made him ache for it to be the last. His cries were loud, harsh, and painful. He felt like someone had just stabbed him with a hot sword.

“I love you!”

His screams echoed in his head filling the silence with burning flames of self-loathing. He blamed himself for everything that had happened. He was the cause of it all. He’d caused so much pain to Eric that now the boy didn’t want anything to do with him. It was all his fault. He shouldn’t have played with fire when he did five years ago. Karma was catching up with him in a way he hadn’t expected.

‘But if you don’t show up, I’ll proceed to the wedding hall and marry Trevor. I’ll never bother you again.’

It was over and he had to accept his new fate. Sergio slowly got up and slowly started rubbing his tears. He slowly picked up his jacket and started walking slowly, taking step by step. But even though he walked, he had no idea if he was gonna push through with the wedding.

***

“Kim, this is now 2.pm.” Giada gasped, failing to hide her tears. “Where could he be? This wedding was supposed to happen four hours ago.”

“I know,” Kim said softly, running her fingers through her hair. “I shouldn’t have left him all alone. I don’t even know what’s happening to him right now. What if… what if my son was kidnapped?”

“Kidnapped?” Giada chuckled bitterly. “He got out of the car himself and left to an unknown place. What if that bitch threatened him or something? How could he do this to my son.”

The two women were scared shitless. They looked messy and hopeless well. They didn’t want to believe what was happening. It felt like a terrible nightmare.

Giada sighed, glancing towards the car where her son was. She almost had a heart attack when she saw him coming towards her with a worried look on his face. She couldn’t bear to see the pain that she was in.

“Mommy, what’s going on?” Trevor asked, slowly walking to his mother. “You’ve refused to tell me anything and I have been sitting in that car for almost four hours now. Where’s Sergio?”

“Trevor, sweetie,” Kim chuckled, holding his arm. “Honey, you look really beautiful. Don’t ruin your outfit. Everything is gonna be just fine. Can you please go back inside?”

“No, mother!” He shook his head as tears welled up in his eyes. “I can’t just stay in the car without knowing what’s happening to my husband. My husband was supposed to be here. At this moment, we were supposed to be wed by now. But I have been sitting in that car for almost four hours. I deserve to know what’s happening.”

Kim looked at Giada and gave a sigh of frustration. “Honey, Sergio is missing. He didn’t show up here.”

“What?”

Trevor’s brain stuttered for a moment and his eyes took in more light than he expected. Every part of him went on pause while fear started catching up with him. Limp extremities creaked and cracked under the pressure of his body.

“Sergio isn’t here?” He was panicking. “How come? Where did he go? No!” He shook his head as a tear started rushing down his cheek. “No! He couldn’t have gone to…”

“Don’t have those thoughts in your mind.” Giada held him tighter. “He’ll show up, please. Don’t give the media any hint that something is wrong, otherwise, things are gonna be bad. A scene will be created and it will be bad for us.”

“Giada is right. You’re my son in law so don’t panic.” Kim tried her best to smile. “Sergio is your husband already. Besides, Steve and Adrianna went to look for him. They’re gonna bring him here and your wedding is gonna proceed as planned.”

As if to give them hope, a car arrived quickly and the doors opened. Kim, Trevor and Giada smiled to welcome the groom but they got disappointed when Adrianna and Steve were the only ones that got out of there looking tired.

“Well? Where’s my son?”

Steve sighed, running his hands through his hair. He was a bit messy and he was no longer wearing his jacket.

“Aunt, I am sorry but we couldn’t find him.” He apologized. “We’ve looked for him everywhere we possibly could. But… but we were not lucky. No one has seen him or heard from him.”

The news hit Trevor so much that he couldn’t hold himself. He started crying like a baby, holding on to his mother tightly. His fears had come true. Sergio hadn’t been truthful to him. He hadn’t fulfilled his promise.

“What? Where could he be?” Kim’s voice was barely above a whisper. “How could I have been so stupid as to leave him alone? What if he got kidnapped?”

“Kidnapped?” Steve shook his head. “Sergio cannot be kidnapped. He can handle himself.”

“Yes, he can.” Kim nodded.

“What if that desperate whore manipulated him?” Giada gasped, hoping it wasn’t true. “What if he threatened him?”

“Eric wouldn’t do that,” Adrianna said in defense. “Why is he suddenly being brought into this? I had called his office and his assistant told me he was at the office when I called. So please, don’t put him in this. Sergio probably left because he couldn’t handle the pressure of…”

“Shut up!” Kim snapped, stomping her foot on the ground. “Why the hell are you talking like that? It wouldn’t surprise me if it was true. But let’s focus on Sergio, pray that he arrives here soon. This is gonna be embarrassing. The whole country knows about this wedding, our family members and friends too.”

They decided to wait a bit but Trevor couldn’t hold himself. He was crying the entire time and his eyes got swollen, his makeup got ruined and his wedding suit got a bit dirty. That wasn’t how he had planned for the day to be. Not even his worst thoughts had reached the situation at hand. He felt like dying because Sergio had betrayed him.

One hour turned into two and then three. Everyone started coming out and cameras and media people came to them. It was embarrassing.

“Mrs. Alvarado, what do you have to say about this?” A journalist asked. “It is almost 5.pm and your son hasn’t arrived. Will the wedding still hold?”

“Do you have any idea why Mr. Alvarado hasn’t arrived here today?”

“Is it true that you were forcing your son into this marriage and that’s why he hasn’t come here today?”

“Will this marriage still happen?”

“What do you have to say about this?”

Kim had never been so embarrassed her entire life before. She felt like she was being stripped naked right in front of the entire country. She was dumbfounded, just stood there like a statue. If that wasn’t the most embarrassing thing ever then she didn’t know what was.

“Ma’am, talk to us. You said the wedding was gonna be grand. But your son didn’t show up.”

Steve went in front, blocking the media from Kim and Giada.

“Please, can you leave us alone?” Steve almost lost his temper. “As you can see right now, we have no idea what has happened to the groom. He didn’t do this on purpose. You all know that these two have been in love with each other for years.”

“But sir…”

“One thing I can assure you is that the wedding will hold.” He said softly. “We just don’t know what has happened to the groom.”

“Sir, can we have a word with the groom, Mr. Trevor?” They shouted. “Do you think Mr. Sergio doesn’t love you enough?”

Trevor held Kim tightly, sobbing on her chest. Giada was getting mad with the questions. She furiously rushed to the front, staring at them like she wanted to beat them.

“What the hell are you talking about?” Giada snapped, raising her finger. “My son and Sergio are very much in love. Who are you to say that about them? You don’t know anything so you should shut your mouths before you lose your jobs.”

“This doesn’t call for threats.” They all shouted. “We’re just doing our jobs.”

“Your jobs?” Giada snarled, balling her fists. “Your job isn’t to poke your noses in the personal issues of other people. So shut up before you suddenly wake up tomorrow and realize that you’re all jobless. I am not threatening you. I am promising you.”

“Ma’am, that doesn’t change the fact that the groom didn’t show up.” One of them spoke confidently. Giada looked at him angrily. “You don’t have to threaten us. We know exactly what’s been happening in your life lately. Was this wedding just for business’ sake?”

Giada felt like she’d just been connected to a cable of anger. Her jaws began shaking and she groaned. But luckily, Steve saw what was happening and before she could make a mistake, he rushed in front of her.

“Please, leave us alone! Security!”

The guards came rushing and started taking the media people away. Kim and the rest of them felt surrounded by people that judged them. They were talking among themselves and some of them were laughing. It was like they had become the laughing stoke of the entire country, a really powerful family. It was more than embarrassing and Kim wasn’t gonna spare her son. That was a promise.

***

‘The whole country is talking about it, the wedding which was supposed to be the wedding of the century didn’t happen.’ A woman on the gossip show said, chirping. ‘This was a waste of funds and the whole country is a little bit disappointed.’

‘The question is, where is Sergio?’ A man asked, raising his shoulders in a shrug. ‘He’s not been seen anywhere. Could he have been kidnapped or could he have eloped with….’

Kim switched off the TV before the man could finish his sentence and she threw the remote furiously at the floor, breaking it in half. Not only was she mad, she felt like murdering someone, anyone that she could lay her hands on. She was acting like a monster.

There was tension in the air, so thick that everything could feel it. Everyone was in panic mode, well, everyone except for Adrianna who was seated on the couch with her legs folded and busy playing with her phone. She couldn’t pretend that she wasn’t happy with the turn of events. Her brother had finally grown some balls and walked away from the wedding. She didn’t care where he was as long as he didn’t marry the brat, Trevor.

Trevor was seated on the floor, looking messy like he’d been involved in a brain crush. His eyes were swollen and his heart was broken. It felt like concrete drying in his chest. He hadn’t expected Sergio to break his heart like that. The heartbreak he endured was no less than a hurricane. The devastation was absolute and he was torn apart. His face was still wet with tears. It was already 8.pm and no sign of Sergio.

Kim was pacing around the living room, glancing towards the door, expecting for her son to just walk in. She was gonna kill him and that was for sure. She wasn’t gonna let him live and that was a promise that she made to herself. She’d never been as angry as she was at that particular time.

Trevor’s entire family was there including two of both Giada and Kim’s friends that were like family. They were all worried but Giada was so scared that she was trembling.

“How could he do this to me?” Kim snarled, balling her fists. “I will not spare him, I swear.”

“Kim, what your son has done today is pretty bad.” One of their friends spoke. “He knew just how important this day was for everyone and yet he decided not to show up. What sort of behavior is this? He not only showed disrespect to you as a mother but to every guest in attendance. Who knows what they’re saying about you out there.”

“Can we please remain calm?” Steve pleaded, putting his hands together. “We’re not sure of what had happened. We cannot jump to conclusions. All of us here know that Sergio is not a reckless man. What if he truly is in trouble? No one has seen him. We shouldn’t be mad at him, please.”

“He kidnapped him.” Trevor sobbed. “I know that… that whore did this. My Sergio… my Sergio has been kidnapped.” He said in between sobs. “He’s been kidnapped. How could he do this to me? He knew this wedding was so important to me and that’s why he kidnapped him.”

“There’s nothing like that, Steve.” Kim snapped. “If he was in trouble or let’s suppose he was kidnapped then why haven’t the kidnappers called for a ransom? I know he did this on purpose but I will not spare him, I swear.”

Steve just remained quiet. Somehow, he knew that what everyone was saying was true. He was just hoping that Sergio hadn’t done anything stupid to himself.

Kim was so scared and depressed she couldn’t take it anymore. She dialed a number angrily and placed her phone on her ear.

Suddenly, there was a strange wind that blew from the entrance into the house with a powerful passion. Then a feeling took control of her, a feeling that something wasn’t right. She took a glance towards the entrance and froze when she saw him, standing at the entrance.

First, she saw those beautiful sparkly, blue snickers and started tracing up to the perfect fit black skinny jeans that showed off those curves and then a black see-through shirt with nothing inside and then the face, the face that almost gave her a heart attack and made her so mad.

He was looking handsome in a natural middle-parted long dark hair. He had a long scarf around his neck that reached the ground.

Everyone saw him, standing at the entrance with a look on his face that scared almost everyone. Slowly, Kim removed her phone from her ear, dropping her hand. She got so mad that she felt like killing him. She was gonna kill him for sure.

But suddenly, Sergio emerged from behind him and he had a brilliant smile. He wasn’t dressed as he was early that morning. His shirt was untucked and his shirt was halfway buttoned up and folded at the sleeves. His hair was messy and the smile on his face was something that they’d never seen before.

He rested his hand on Eric’s shoulder and they both smiled at each other. Then he held his hand tightly and started leading him into the house where everyone elsewhere. Even those that had been sitting were now up and acting like they were frozen. They were shocked.

With each step that Eric took closer to Kim, she felt like a part of her was freezing. She couldn’t move. She just stared at the two of them as they got closer and closer until they were standing face to face with her. What surprised Kim a lot is that she wanted to kill Eric. She did. But she couldn’t feel any part of her. She felt numb.

Sergio chuckled happily as he wrapped an arm around Eric, clearing his throat. Eric raised his face and stared at Kim, giving a smile, a smile that she perceived as mock. Then suddenly, Eric used his scarf to cover his hair and then dropped to his knees in front of Kimberly. Kim felt like something possessed her, something evil. She had a lot of questions in her head and her anger started rushing into her.

“I know that we started our relationship on a bad note and I also know that you’re angry at me.” He raised his head and stared into Kim’s eyes, seeing the anger burning in her. “But now I hope that you and I will work out our differences. I am willing to do anything just to get you to like me, mother!”

‘Mother!’ That word hit Kim so hard that she felt her heart jump so high that she felt like she was gonna have a heart attack.

Kim gripped her phone furiously like she wanted to break it. Her face fell faster than a corpse in cement boots. In that instant her skin became pale, her mouth hung with lips slightly parted and her eyes were as wide as they could stretch. Her brain was shaking in disbelief and she felt something repelling her from Eric. She leaped in the air as if a cracker had gone off.

But it wasn’t just her that heard that word, ‘mother’ and it wasn’t just her that got shocked by it.

Giada felt dread creeping down her spine like a careful spider leaving a trail of silk. She felt something crawling on her skin, leaving her almost frozen. Her fear felt like she had her feet planted in a rail line and there was a fast-approaching train. Her heart began racing so much that she began gasping for air as tears welled in her eyes. She’d never been as scared as she got at that time.

Trevor on the other hand felt like something in his heart had just cracked. Right from Eric, she felt a cold move in towards him only to meet the warmth of his blood. He felt it wash over his skin and he instantly became pale. A tear rolled onto his cheek and he felt something sharp stab his heart. It was so painful that he began gasping, his breaths coming out harsh and torturous.

Eric got up and then Sergio held his tightly, so tight that it felt like their very hands were merging.

Kim looked at those hands, the bands on each of their finger, and her fists began clenching and her jaws shaking. She felt her chest tighten into a knot like a cramp and a quiet rage started building inside.

“Is this a joke?” Her voice sounded like an angry robot.

Sergio smiled, shaking his head. “No, mother.” He glanced at Eric, bringing his hand to his mouth. Then he kissed it right in front of everyone. “Eric and I are now married. Because we love each other.”

Burning rage hissed through Kim’s body like a snake’s venom, screeching a demanded release in the form of uncontrolled anger. She placed her gaze on Eric, feeling tears welling in her eyes, tears of anger. God, her hatred just reached its maximum and she felt like kicking something, anything.

Where Adrianna was standing, she gasped in excitement. She felt pumped, excited, more alive than she had ever thought possible.

“Sergio, tell me this is a big joke?” She said under her breath. But everyone heard her. “Tell me you’re lying. Are you mad? Why did you even bring this boy here? How dare you?”

Sergio looked at his mother, still smiling. “Mom, I love him so much.”

That was all Kim needed to add the final ingredient to her anger. She felt like she was possessed. She furiously moved closer and tried to slap him. But to her surprise, she couldn’t do it. She didn’t know if it was because the news had taken her strength or her anger couldn’t allow her. But she couldn’t raise her hand.

“Are you mad? You had a wedding today, a very important event.” She yelled. “You didn’t show up even though you knew how important it was. Guests from abroad, important people in society were there and the whole country was watching. Forget about them, you kept your family waiting, your mother waiting. And you’re here telling me you’re married to this… this boy? How do you expect society to…”

“I don’t care about people in society anymore or whatever they’re going to say,” Sergio said harshly, losing his smile instantly.

“You don’t care about society? What about me?” She yelled, pointing angrily at herself. “What about your mother?”

Sergio felt terrible by the words used by his mother. He couldn’t say a word.

“And you, you’ve finally succeeded in trapping my son.” She was now staring at Eric, balling her fists once again. “This is what you wanted. I was right about you, wasn’t I? Or maybe you’re worse than I thought. I will not spare you!”

Kim raised her hand and started directing at Eric’s face but the most shocking thing happened. She felt someone grip her hand and when she looked to see who it was, she got the greatest shock of her. It was her son. Kim’s eyes widened as she felt someone was burning her in a furnace.

“Mom! I will not allow you to abuse my groom.” He said in a tone that broke Kim. “I’ve brought Eric here so don’t say anything to her. If you wanna say something then say it to me.”

Kim felt a tear trailing down her cheek and she furiously removed her hand from her son’s grip. She’d never been as hurt as she was at that time. She just kept on staring at her son, praying and hoping this joke could come to an end.

“What’s this nonsense, Kimberly?” One of the women spoke, rushing to her. “What’s this? Doesn’t your son have any respect for you, for your friends, and most of all for himself? He knew very well that it was his wedding and yet he went and married someone else, someone that he was probably having an affair with before marriage. He brought this shameless boy to…”

“Enough!” Sergio snapped, raising his finger at the woman. “You’re a guest in this house so learn to respect yourself and know your limit.”

To say the woman was beyond shocked would be an understatement. “What?”

“I have respected you as my mother’s friend but please, I don’t wanna insult you and I’d appreciate it if you keep quiet.”

Everyone in the living room was shocked. The man that was talking acted nothing like Sergio. Sergio never answered back and was always disrespectful. This one was different, someone they’d never encountered before.

“Eric and I are married, we’re husbands now.”

“No!” Trevor wailed as he rushed to Sergio. “That’s a lie. You’re lying. You love me and I love you. You cannot be married to him. I know he’s blackmailing you, Sergio. But I am here, your Trevor, your life. I’ll save you from him.”

He took Sergio’s hands and began kissing them, wetting them with his tears.

“You can… can tell everyone the truth. We’re all here for you, my love.” He chuckled in pain. “I don’t know what this bitch did to you but we’ll protect you. You don’t have to fear.”

He laid his gaze on Eric and breathed in harshly. “You’re not gonna get away with this. Sergio is mine no matter what you try to do, do you understand?”

But Eric just looked at Trevor with nothing but a smile. He didn’t feel pity for him at all.

“My love, you can tell me.” Trevor chuckled. “Tell us and we’ll deal with him. I know you didn’t come to the hall but I am not mad at you. We can go and wed right now. We’ll tell everyone that you’re here and our wedding will happen.”

He was acting like he was insane. He held Sergio’s hand tighter and was about to start taking him out when Sergio moved his hand away from him and shook his head.

“I am sorry, Trevor!” He apologized. “I didn’t want it to get to this but this is the truth. I know that you’re hurt right now because of what I have done. But there was no way I was gonna destroy your life. You very well know that the relationship we had in the past five years was a forced one. Most especially by our mothers. I didn’t want this wedding and you knew that. You emotionally blackmailed me and my mother did too. But I….”

He paused and looked at Eric, smiling as heaven had just fallen on him. He held his hand tighter this time, feeling like crying from the joy that he felt engulf him.

“I have been in love with Eric since I saw him back at the university.” He chuckled softly. “I tried my best to avoid those feelings and concentrate on my relationship with you but I couldn’t do it anymore. I have given in to my feelings.”

Trevor felt his strength completely leave him. He dropped to his knees, a billion tears rolling down his tears. His mouth was open but no word came out of it. What Sergio had said to him broke him and he felt the pain at the back of his mind like a pulse. The pain cut his mind and heart in half stinging with every breath he took. He became a shadow, a shadow of something that he was before that day.

“I will not allow it,” Kim said harshly, furiously rubbing her tears. “He probably has a grudge on our family. All this was planned by him, act all innocent, become friends with you. He got close to you. He played this game of love. Why don’t you understand this boy here is just using you for an unknown motive?”

“Mother, that’s wrong.” Eric shook his head. “I love Sergio and that’s the truth.”

“Wow!” One of the women clapped. “Mother? He’s not shameless at all. He stole someone’s man and he’s got the nerves to talk.”

Kim snarled. “I want this boy out right now.”

“Eric won’t be going anywhere.” Sergio’s voice rose, surprising everyone. He even held his hand tighter. “This is my house and he is my husband. It is also my life and I can do whatever I want with it.”

He was slowly losing his temper. And Kim was shocked that that was her son talking to her in that tone.

Then he looked at the two women, Kim’s friends. “I will not give you any explanation because I do not owe you any. Anyone that tries to say anything against my Eric… can take the high way.” Kim’s eyes widened beyond what she thought was possible. He looked at everyone that was in the living room. “And if there is anyone who is going to be leaving this house, it is going to be you all. Back to your homes. Thank you so much and have a good day.”

He glanced at Eric and smiled. “Come on, baby.”

He held his hand tighter and started leading him towards the stairs. Eric was smiling, happier than he’d ever dreamed of. Before reaching the stairs, he took a glance behind at Giada, and their eyes locked. He saw defeat, pain, and anger in her eyes. Then an evil grin appeared on his face and he winked at her. He looked away and went upstairs with his husband.

“That’s it, Kimberly.” The blonde lady spoke, clapping angrily. “You have insulted us a lot. Did you call us here to insult us? We came here to support our friend, rejoice with her during this period but what did you do, you insulted us. Thank you so much.”

Kim couldn’t even move. She was just so dumbstruck and she had tears on her face. After all these years of planning, it had been ruined by some stupid boy.

“And look at our friend, Giada!” The dark-haired lady spoke, pointing towards Giada. “He didn’t even apologize to her but rather insult her. What has poor Giada and her family ever done to you that you had to break her like this?”

“Aunt, please, don’t blame Aunt Kimberly for this.” Steve put his hands together, pleading with the women. “I am sure that Eric didn’t wanna spoil this wedding. There has to be some explanation for this and…”

“He didn’t wanna spoil it?” The blonde lady snapped. “So he ended the wedding itself? Wow! Very good. Well played.

“And I used to think so highly of that boy.” The other spoke, chuckling bitterly. “But now I have realized that he is nothing but a homewrecker and Sergio is no difference. He allowed that boy to manipulate him and he couldn’t even do anything. He didn’t even think about how the boy he was about to marry would feel. What kind of human being is that, huh?”

Giada’s heart was pounding so violently that she even pictured her lungs cracking. She watched as brick by brick, her entire world started crumbling most unexpectedly. Her plans, her dreams, her power, and everything that was to come with that wedding were being destroyed at a faster rate. She had touched the power and wealth, almost grabbed it but Eric had ruined everything at the last moment.

Adrenaline had already flooded her system, pumping and beating like it was trying to escape. Her eyes were wide with fear and she felt like running away from that place, ending Eric’s life with her own hands but instead, she remained where she was. Her adrenaline surged so fast that she almost vomited and she felt beads of sweat trickling down her brow.

Hesitantly, her eyes looked at her son who was crying silently on the floor. Fear, pain, and anger overwhelmed her body, making it drastically exhausted. She balled her fists, feeling her body begin to quiver.

“There’s no excuse for whatever he’s done today and I think Kim here should deal with him.” One of them laughed. “She always boasts about how her children are well trained and how they’d never go against her. But she didn’t even realize that one of them was having an affair right under her nose. This is so shameless.”

“What did you say?” Adrianna asked harshly as she walked closer to the woman. “Why are you all talking about affairs here because I don’t see any of that going on? How is it even your business if my brother married Eric or Trevor?”

To say it was shocking would be an understatement. The two women looked at each other with their eyes wide open.

“My brother is not having an affair. He’s legally married and like he said, if you don’t like it then you can take the high way.” She pointed angrily towards the door. “I respect your age but please, you shouldn’t poke your nose where it doesn’t belong. And please, get out of here before I call security to throw you out.”

“Kim…”

“Mom is not the one throwing you out. I am.” She snapped her finger, pointing towards the door. “I’ll not allow you to disrespect anyone in my family so get out.”

The blonde lady chuckled bitterly. “We’ll leave but Kimberly, don’t forget that we’re your friends. You know the rules that we have as friends. We’ll return and you’re gonna have to answer us.”

“Let’s go!” Giada spoke in a painful voice. It was like she had sores on her throat.

She slowly walked past her husband who was so shocked that he hadn’t uttered a word. Luckily, the two women helped get Trevor up and they left, holding him tightly. It was the most painful thing for Giada and her family. But they left.

Adrianna rushed upstairs happily while Kim remained standing there like a statue, tears rolling down her face. She had no idea the amount of anger she felt at that time. But all she knew is that she was mad.

“Aunt?” Steve wrapped an arm around her, rubbing her shoulders. He even helped wipe her tears. “I know this has come as a shock to all of us, especially to you, but you need to calm down or you’ll get sick.”

Kim furiously looked at Steve, angrily moving away from him.

“You expect me to calm down when my son just did this to me?” She chuckled bitterly, angrily rubbing her tears. “He didn’t only humiliate me but he insulted me in front of my family. He’s made me a thing of mock throughout the country. And if that boy had seen the worst of me then he was dead wrong. I’ll so deal with him in this house that he’ll have no choice to leave my house.”

She stormed out of there, cursing under her breath.

“God, what the hell is going on?” Steve sighed, hitting his brow. “I just hope Sergio knows what the fuck he is doing, otherwise, things are gonna be pretty bad.”

***

The door to Sergio’s room opens, revealing a romantically decorated room. It was beautiful and the lighting was a little faint. There were red and pink roses in several places and the aroma in the entire room was to die for.

The bed was decorated beautifully with red flower petals and in combination with the white beddings, it looked super romantic. The red petals were made in the shape of love. There were vanilla scented candles near the bed which made the entire room smell like heaven.

“Welcome to my room, our room, Mr. Eric Alvarado, my beautiful groom.” He said as he locked his arms tightly around his waist, slowly walking towards the bed. “I hope it is fit for an angel like you.”

Eric giggled as he rubbed on those arms that were locked around his waist. He’d never felt so fulfilled in his life before. His heart was already racing and although he hadn’t expected to be married that early, he wouldn’t have wished for anything more.

“Sergio, come on!” He moaned. “You know that it doesn’t matter that where I am as long as I am with my husband.”

Sergio slowly turned Eric until they were face to face, staring into each other’s eyes.

“Husband?” He chuckled nervously. “For a moment there, I thought you weren’t gonna come. I lost my hopes of ever being with you. I still can’t believe you’re here with me, as my groom. God, this feels like a dream.”

Eric leaned up and placed a soft kiss on Sergio’s lips. “Does that still feel like a dream, baby?”

Sergio took in a deep breath, licking his lips. “Those lips are real, my love. Thank you for making me the happiest man alive.”

***

A few hours back

*

“Eric, I love you! Why?”

Every breath felt like his last, every breath made him ache for it to be the last. His cries were loud, harsh, and painful. He felt like someone had just stabbed him with a hot sword.

“I love you!”

Sergio slowly got up and slowly started rubbing his tears. He slowly picked up his jacket and started walking slowly, taking step by step. But even though he walked, he had no idea if he was gonna push through with the wedding.

“Sergio!”

Sergio almost ran in fear when he heard that voice. He slowly turned and saw him there, right behind him, the boy he’d loved so much. He was looking really beautiful, his hair blowing backward, revealing his beautiful face.

Sergio’s tears started flowing again as he looked at the smiling boiling, a smile that melted his heart away. He quickly rushed to him, held his hands, and started kissing them. It felt like a dream but he was holding Eric and he knew it was real.

“You’re finally here?”

“Yes, Sergio!” Eric chuckled softly, not losing his smile. “I am ready. I am ready to marry you. I am ready to accept you as my husband.”

Sergio’s world changed with those words. He gripped Eric into a hug, sobbing like a kid.

***

Present time

*

“Can I say something to you?” Eric said, his smile fading.

“Anything! I am all yours from the moment I said I do.”

“I am so sorry for what had happened back there.” He apologized. “You argued with your mother because of me. Sergio, the last thing I want is for you to get jinxed because of me.”

“Eric…” He kissed his hands. “You’re my lucky charm and I do not doubt that you’ll make this family happy, that you’ll make me happy. I was the one that walked out of my wedding and I am the one who’ll answer anyone that asks me. For the first time, I followed my heart and I am happy with it. I don’t care about what others have to say. Marriage is about two people and not a bunch of them.”

“But…”

“Shhh…” Sergio blocked his lips with his finger. “I don’t want them to ruin this night for the both of us. I want this night to be special, a night to remember.”

Unexpectedly, his hand drifted to Eric’s hip. It settled there and pulled him closer. Eric inhaled in sharply. He was against his chest, chiseled to perfection. He sprayed his hand against it and just left it there. His breaths quickened as did Sergio’s.

“You’re so beautiful! Thank you so much.” He said, his voice low and husky.

“For what?” Eric replied in barely more than a whisper.

“For making me the happiest man on earth.” He said as his hand moved up to Eric’s face. “I want us to start our journey on something special. I want us to be one. I want us to consummate our marriage. God knows I am dying to make love to you right now, Eric. My heart is racing and my body yearns for you, my heart and mind too.”

Eric was so nervous. “You’re my husband now and you’re free. I need you too, Sergio.”

Sergio’s eyes welled with tears. He couldn’t contain himself anymore. He held Eric’s head in his hands and pulled him into a fiery and passionate kiss. Eric’s hands worked their way around his body, feeling each crevasse, each line along with his perfect physique. Fuck! Sergio had never thought he’d kiss Eric again without any interruption or any fear of what he was doing. It was a dream come true.

They pulled apart and opened their eyes. They stared at each other, deep into each other’s eyes. Both of them were full of wonder and lover. Their eyes lit with love, passion, and romance. Their breaths were still harsh and their bodies were getting hotter. No words were spoken but a story worthy of them was being communicated.

Sergio smiled as he leaned in and started softly kissing up and down Eric’s neck. Eric dropped his neck to give him more access while letting out little moans of pleasure. He was on cloud 9 and he was a little scared. He pulled on Sergio’s shirt and started dragging him towards the bed.

He sat on the bed, lying on his back as Sergio matched his body’s form without ever breaking the kiss. He was on top of Eric’s body while his hands explored over his curved body, exploring. Sergio works his way up to Eric’s tender, smooth lips.

Eric’s senses were already seduced and he couldn’t even think straight. His hands found themselves on Sergio’s shirt and he quickly began unbuttoning him. It didn’t take long and the shirt went flying to wherever. They both didn’t care about anything but their desires, their love, and their passion.

It was now Sergio’s turn and he was quick to unbutton Eric’s shirt and slightly raised him from the bed and completely removed his shirt. Then off came the trouser and now the boy was just there with only a black fishnet boxer brief that Sergio appreciated. He kissed his way up to Eric’s lips from the belly button while the both of them moaned their brains out.

“Eric!” He whispered slowly, prolonging each letter as if to savor them.

The kiss obliterated every thought and for the first time in forever, Sergio’s mind was locked into the present. His past worries evaporated into that kiss like a summer shower onto a hot car. He didn’t even know when his trouser came off. Before he knew it, they were both naked and their skin was moving softly together, like the finest of silk.

Before time even passed, Sergio was inside of Eric’s sweet channel making slow sweet love to him, changing his breathing with every thrust. Eric was lying in pleasure, feeling as if he lost a life with each thrust that Sergio made into him. His nails were digging in Sergio’s back, gripping him like he didn’t wanna let him go. Even the first time hadn’t felt that ecstatic to the both of them.

Sergio had never experienced pleasure like that before. He felt like he was making love in heaven, each thrust bringing him a pleasure that almost made him cry. Eric was so tight and that was what made everything amazing and passionate.

They didn’t let go of each other’s mouths, not even once. Eric had his legs locked around Sergio’s waist, willing to go in deeper. They were both sweaty and with Sergio’s hands moving all over Eric’s body. As his hands moved over Eric’s skin, his body had a transitory paralysis, his mind unable to process the pleasures so fast.

Their lips fitted perfectly as they made love… as if they were meant for each other. Everything was so intense including the immense magnetic field between them, electricity!

Sergio made love to Eric unlike before. They didn’t want to stop and their kiss intensified with each thrust deep into that channel, moaning in each other’s mouth while their tongues vibrated. But as much as they wanted it to last, they could already feel their orgasms at the surface, begging to be released. But they didn’t want it to come.

But even as they both started coming at the same time, moaning dangerously, they knew their lives were now connected and their bond grew even stronger as they consummated their marriage.

They’d come a long way and none knew they’d be in a moment like that. Now they knew that they could have it all forever. It was now they against the world and they were gonna fight the war together until the end.

It has just begun…