Destined Hearts - 7. Chapter 7: Praveen comes home to a different storm.

"What have you done?" Ethan gasped, feeling as if the air was being dragged out of his lungs.

"Ethan!" Antonio called, quickly grabbing a nearby towel. "What are you doing here?"

Ethan couldn't believe Antonio had just asked him that question. He had seen his friend completely naked before but seeing him half-naked there, he felt disgusted.

"What am I doing here?" Ethan chuckled bitterly, pointing at himself. "Is that all that you can ask me right now?"

"Ethan, it's..."

Antonio tried to explain himself but he got cut off by Ethan who was staring at him as if he had just killed someone.

"How could you do this?" He almost yelled at his friend. "I... I don't even know what to think of you right now. You... You are a married man and... You are cheating on him, right in the room where you and he are staying? How..."

"Ethan, please... Let me explain." Antonio said, slowly moving to his friend but Ethan just took a step behind, away from his friend.

Ethan had never felt the way he did at that time. He took a deep breath, furiously turning to face Bruce who was playing with his hair

"And you..." He yelled. "...what the hell are you doing here? Are you not ashamed to be sleeping with a married man?"

All this time, Bruce had been quiet but Ethan was getting on his nerves and he didn't appreciate it at all. He gave Ethan a confident look, rolling his eyes.

"Look, Antonio and I didn't do anything... yet and you know why..." He paused, giving an evil grin. "It's because you disturbed us. What the heck is wrong with you? What are you even doing here?"

Ethan wanted to give Bruce a hot slap but for only one thing that was stopping him, he would have sent him in a coma with a hot slap.

He turned and faced his friend. "I still can't believe you did this after I begged you not to do it. What part of you are a married man don't you get?"

"Ethan!" Antonio sighed. "Man, I told you already that..."

"I don't wanna hear it." He slightly closed his eye, looking all around. "It's a good thing he's not even here and..." He gave Bruce a cold look. "...I think Bruce needs to leave."

"What?" Bruce chuckled bitterly, folding his arms on his chest. "I am not going anywhere because Antonio is my boyfriend and I have every right to be with him. He and I have been together for so long. Do you expect me to leave him just like that?"

"Can you hear yourself?" Ethan yelled, pointing at him. "Don't make me angry because I am not as happy as it is. You and I need to leave before Praveen comes back and sees."

But it was already too late. Before Ethan could even say another word, the door opened wide revealing the gorgeous boy who had just returned. The moment he saw what was going on in the room, his face just got blank, an expression that Ethan couldn't read. He got really scared, his heart pounding deep in his chest. He hadn't expected Praveen to find them in that situation.

Praveen on the other hand got surprised when he entered the room. His husband was half-naked and Bruce was only with a towel. They had probably been making out and who knew what else they had done. But that didn't shock him. The most shocking thing was when he saw Ethan with them. His heart simply shattered and his body felt cold.

He took a deep breath and walked away, leaving all them in the room.

"Oh my God!"

Ethan shook his head and rushed out of the room to follow the boy and explain things to him. When he came out of the room, he found the boy rushing to the elevator. He started running after him and when he reached him, he gripped his arm and stopped him.

"Praveen, please, let me explain." He breathed audibly, trying to find a way to resolve things. "It's not what you saw back there. You've completely misunderstood things."

But Praveen was standing there without even looking at Ethan. He was so disappointed that he somehow blamed Ethan for everything. He knew everything and yet didn't tell him anything. His heart was on fire.

"What..." Ethan was failing to breathe properly. "...you saw isn't what it looks like. You see... I... that was my boyfriend you just saw back there." He lied which he regretted later. "We... we just came to give you a surprise before..."

"Surprise?" Praveen quickly turned and faced the hunk. "Ethan, I may seem naïve to you but I am not stupid. I know what was going on there because..."

"I seriously..."

"You don't have to lie to me to help him." He felt like such a fool. "But you know what..." He chuckled bitterly, feeling himself melting. "You could have at least given me a heads up to let me know what I was gonna go through once I got married. But you just watched and played me for a fool. You even supported him in everything, smiling and..."

"What are you talking about?" Ethan frowned, shaking his head. "I swear to you that..."

"He's Antonio's boyfriend, Ethan!" Praveen fumed, yelling in the man's face. "I know about him because that is the same man that has been trying to make my life miserable ever since he returned."

To say Ethan was surprised would be an understatement. "What? How..." He was scared. "How did you know that? I mean, did he..."

"I know everything because Antonio told me himself when he arrived." He chuckled softly, not even bothering rubbing his tears. "You don't have to cover for him and make me a fool. I know he is your friend but you could have at least told me what I was getting myself into. You could have said something but you just sat there, smiled, and supported him through..."

"No!" Ethan shook his head, feeling tears building in his eyes. "I had no idea that you knew and I didn't know that he was gonna come back in his life. I swear I just wanted him to settle down with someone who could make him happy. I never had any idea that Bruce would return or that Antonio would have an affair with him."

"But you knew that he was in love with Bruce all along." He slowly rubbed his tears. "Just leave me alone, Ethan."

He quickly turned and started leaving but Ethan ran in front of him, blocking his path. He was trying to explain himself, probably bring the situation to order, and try to convince Praveen that Antonio was a good man but Praveen wasn't listening. Praveen simply turned and started rushing up the stairs, away from his troubles. But Ethan followed him there.

Meanwhile, back at the room, Antonio quickly took his jean and started putting it on quickly.

"What are you doing?" Bruce asked harshly, moving closer to him. "Don't tell me you are gonna be running after that plain Jane?"

"What?" Antonio frowned. "No! I need to talk to Ethan. I need to explain some things first."

"What?" Bruce gripped Antonio's arm. "But for what? He saw us trying to make love and disturbed us. Why should you talk to him? He needs to apologize for what he did because..."

"Are you serious?" Antonio raised his voice as he zipped himself. "Ethan is my best friend and who knows what he thinks of me now?"

"And I am your love." Bruce bellowed, pointing at himself. "Don't you care what I think? Fuck Ethan because I am the one you love and not him. If he cannot understand then he might as well go to hell."

"Ethan is my best friend who is like a brother to me. He is mad at me and besides, I don't want mom finding out about this." Antonio said as he grabbed the shirt from the floor. "I don't want him to..."

"Can you hear yourself?" Bruce was getting angrier by the moment. "Ethan is my friend!" He mimicked Antonio's voice which made Antonio a little mad. "What about me? You've always let your family get in the way of our relationship. And now you want to leave me alone because of..."

"What's wrong with you?" Antonio yelled, surprising him. "I love you and I keep telling you that."

"But you don't show me that love anymore." He said angrily. "Please..." He moved seductively to Antonio, gripping his collar. He brought his lips down and kissed them softly. "Let's just finish what we had started earlier and forget about Ethan and plain Jane."

"No!" Antonio walked away from Bruce. "I have to leave and look for him. I will be back later."

Before Bruce even had anything to say, Antonio quickly left the room.

"Fuck!" Bruce yelled, furiously gripping the sheets from the bed. "Fuck!"

He removed all the sheets and threw them angrily to the floor. Then he sat on the bed, feeling like he wanted to follow both Ethan and Praveen and then kill them with his bare hands. He was so angry that his breaths started coming out harshly. His entire body was quivering and his heart pounded deeper in his chest. He was just so mad.

***

"Please, try and listen to what I am saying." Ethan pleaded as he followed Praveen who was furious.

They were now at the hotel terrace and Ethan was still trying to explain himself but Praveen wasn't ready to listen to him.

"I am sorry but..."

"To what?" Praveen furiously turned. "You've already hidden things from me and now I am suffering."

"But I already..."

"What do you want me to hear?" Tears went down Praveen's face. "The lies that you are giving me or what? I already know everything in case he didn't tell you so you can now go back and continue your party with him."

Ethan remained dumbfounded, shaking his head. He could see pain and anger in his eyes, making him even more worried. He got really scared but he was gonna remain confident and find out the truth.

"I am sorry..." Ethan softly apologized. "...I didn't know you knew. You see..."

"You don't have to explain yourself, Ethan."Praveen chuckled bitterly, rubbing his tears. "It's not you who is at fault. You probably did it because you love him so much, like a brother, and want what's best for him."

"What are you saying?" Ethan asked softly.

"I am talking about Bruce." He said in a tone he didn't even recognize as his own.

"I didn't know that Bruce would return." Ethan nodded. "I agree that they were dating but I had no idea that they would continue after your marriage or that he would follow you here. I tried talking him out of this and I thought he understood. Besides..." He took in a deep breath, moving a little closer. "...I never intended for you to find out about this. I had no idea he would..."

"He made it clear to me the first day of our marriage." Praveen sobbed softly. "He told me to stay away from him. I am only married to him because he wants revenge on me. He said I did something to him and his family and the reason why he agreed to marry me. He promised to make me suffer."

Ethan felt terrible. "I am sorry..." He apologized, his voice sounding like that of a stranger. "...please, forgive me."

"For what?" Praveen chuckled bitterly, shaking his head.

"I didn't know about this. I..."

"This marriage is just a punishment for me." He said with a tear following. "I have already accepted what he told me and I don't love him either. Everyone used to tell me that we were destined to be together. I thought everyone was happy with this marriage. I was ready to give myself to him completely, to give my marriage a chance but everything changed when I found out the reason why he married me."

Ethan was hurt by what Praveen was telling him. And here he had been rushing to come and save his friend's marriage but turns out the boy was already suffering.

"I... I am sorry." Ethan apologized, taking a deep sigh. "You don't deserve to pass through all this. I swear I didn't know this was what was happening. I knew that Bruce was back but Antonio promised he wouldn't do anything against his marriage."

He got closer to Praveen and looked at him. "But why didn't you fight?"

"Fight?" Praveen laughed, wondering why Ethan had asked him that question. "Fight for a man that doesn't even want me? No!" He shook his head. "Had he told me he loved me or even accepted our marriage then I would have fought Bruce to keep our marriage. But..." He paused and took a deep breath, pain taking control of his body. "...I don't think I don't have that right. I am not even sure if I am the one married to him or if it is Bruce. I am like a mistress to him. Bruce has been making things worse and... I don't have that right over Antonio. Bruce is the one who owns him."

"But you are the one married to him."

"Yes!" Praveen yelled in Ethan's face. "I am married to him but... but I don't own him. He doesn't love me and I know my boundaries when it comes to him. I am only in this marriage because of mother and granny. If my mother had still been alive..." He paused as he cried softly. "...I wouldn't have probably been suffering like this because she would have understood."

"But then..." Ethan sighed, shaking his head. "...why are you still living like this?"

"Because I have to make a lot of people happy." Praveen sighed. "I have to sacrifice my happiness to make other people happy. Maybe seeing them happy will make me happy and who knows..." He shrugged, raising his eyebrows. "...I might just be happy one day."

Ethan looked at Praveen and felt vulnerable. He had no idea what to say to him or what to do at that moment. He could see through his pain and wanted to help him. He promised to do everything to help him. He was gonna do it.

"You deserve all the happiness in the world, Praveen," Ethan confessed, taking both of Praveen's hands. He rubbed on them sweetly, trying to smile. "I am sure that the almighty will reward you one day."

Praveen raised his face, staring into Ethan's eyes. "Why does everyone keep telling me that?" He quivered, feeling a bit cold. "Everyone I meet always tells me that but maybe only the almighty can answer the questions I have. I know you're Antonio's best friend and you love him. You probably didn't know this but please..." He put his hands together. "Whatever you do, don't tell mother about this? She'll be heartbroken if she ever found out about this. I don't even know what granny will do. And please, whatever you have found out about Antonio, don't ever let it get in your friendship because of me."

Ethan opened his mouth to answer but before he did...

"I want you to promise me this." Praveen pleaded. He didn't wanna hurt Emilia and granny. "I beg you."

"Okay..." Ethan nodded. "I promise you. I will be going back and I am taking Bruce with me. He won't bother you while you are here."

Not sure it helped but Praveen nodded and gave a fake smile. Ethan turned around and left him on the terrace. As soon as he left, Praveen burst into tears as the pain instantly came to him, making him feel as if it was blinding him. He was so unlucky. He missed Victoria and her family so much.

***

"Get ready..." Ethan said hoarsely, furiously entering the room. "...you are leaving this hotel right now."

"What?" Bruce laughed in mock, folding his arms on his chest. He was already dressed because he was pissed at his boyfriend. "Excuse me? I am not leaving this place because I didn't come with you. First, you interfered and now you think you..."

"I interfered?" Ethan laughed, pointing at himself. His anger was rising. "You should be ashamed of yourself, Bruce because you are fucking a married man.'

"What does it matter to you?" Bruce furiously walked towards him. "We love each other and that's something that even you won't ever break. Antonio and I are..."

"Don't preach to me." Ethan snapped, pointing angrily at him. "You have no sense at all, Bruce. You are a model and I expected you to have a little bit of sense. Don't you know that sleeping with a married is a..."

"Shut up!" Bruce yelled, stumping his foot on the floor. "Don't insult me, Ethan, because I might just forget that you are my boyfriend's friend."

"Good!" Ethan clapped, angering Bruce even more. "It is good that you know I am his friend but what are you to him? You are nothing but a prostitute who..."

"How dare you?"

Bruce tried to raise his hand to smack Ethan but Ethan blocked him and gripped it, pulling him painfully. He looked in his eyes and then showed him nothing but anger.

"You don't have such right." He warned. "And you are leaving these two to have their honeymoon in peace whether you like it or not."

"I am not..."

"This is not a request but a command." He said, grating his teeth. "You might just force me to do something that we will both regret so don't push me."

Bruce had never seen that side of Ethan. He was always so sweet, kind, and nice whenever they spoke. They had been fucking friends for goodness sake. What was happening now, Bruce thought as he tried to release his arm free but Ethan was really powerful. He got it! It was because of the stupid Praveen. Even Antonio had shouted at him once. The boy was truly a wizard.

Lucky for him, the door opened and Antonio came rushing inside. When he saw the scene happening, he just stood and watched. He had no idea what to say to his friend or Bruce. He knew his friend was mad at him and so was his boyfriend.

"Antonio!" Bruce finally managed to free his hand. He ran to his boyfriend and stood by his side. But the guy's eyes were on his friend. He had no idea what to say to him. "Baby, please talk to him and make him understand. Because of that stupid plain Jane, he is ready to hurt me..."

Antonio took a deep breath. "Ethan..."

"Antonio if you are gonna be talking about Bruce then I am not interested." He said acidly, eyeing his friend. "All I have to say to you is that I am disappointed."

"Ethan, I didn't mean to shout at you, and honestly, I am sorry." He apologized. "But you've got to understand what I am saying to you. Bruce and I have come a long way and I love..."

"Antonio, I don't wanna talk about it." Ethan brushed him before he even went further. "You've hurt that boy so much and I could see it while I was talking to him. Where is your conscience?"

"I don't love him," Antonio screamed at the top of his voice. "I love..."

"Then why did you agree to marry him?" Ethan asked calmly. "Why did you take all those vows you are now breaking one by one?'

"Because..."

"You know what?" Ethan raised his hand as if he was surrendering. "I don't wanna hear your answer but I am getting Bruce out of here even if it is to make that boy feel better."

"I am not going anywhere," Bruce argued, holding on to Antonio tightly. "I am staying here because I belong to the side of..."

"Wanna bet?" Ethan chuckled sinisterly.

"I ain't going nowhere so if you want, you can go back but me..."

"Go with him."

The moment Bruce heard those words, he felt a cold shiver run down his spine. He froze, his heart-stopping in the process. His breaths stopped as he felt as if his chest was being compressed. He slowly moved his eyes, staring at his boyfriend.

"What?" He gasped, his eyes widening.

"Go with him," Antonio said without looking at his face. "Just go so that all this drama could stop."

"What?" Bruce yelled, suddenly letting go of his boyfriend. "I am not leaving you here with that..."

"Just leave..." Antonio said, clenching his teeth. "...Leave if this is going to end all the tension."

"But Antonio, I..."

"Leave if you love me like you say you do."

"What?" Bruce was really mad. He couldn't believe Antonio was questioning his love for him. "Are you trying to..."

"If you love him like you say you do then come with me," Ethan said with a mocking smile on his face. "And leave him alone forever..."
Bruce gave Antonio an angry look who was busy looking at his friend. He loved him so much and it wasn't fair that he gave him such an ultimatum. He was really mad and he seriously expected his boyfriend to stand up for him and not act like Ethan was the most important thing to him.

"Whatever!"

He gave Ethan an angry look and stormed out of the room, shutting the door with such force that Ethan could have sworn the ground shook. Seeing him leave, Ethan started leaving but Antonio gripped his arm and pulled him back.

"I..."

"If you are truly sorry then make things right."

With those words, Ethan left Antonio all alone. Antonio remained standing, thinking about what his friend had just said to him. He loved Ethan so much but he also loved Bruce as much. That was the reason why he did what he did because he didn't wanna upset either. But that didn't mean that he was gonna talk to Praveen or beg for forgiveness because he didn't owe him anything. He was still gonna pay.

***

"Hello, mother..." Praveen said as confidently as he could.

"Hey, Praveen!" Emilia said excitedly on the other end. "How is your honeymoon going? I hope my son isn't being such a pain?"

Praveen remained silent for a while and then cleared his throat. "Everything is fine. But..." He paused and took a deep breath, not knowing how Emilia was gonna take what he was gonna say to her next. "...I... I..."

"Praveen?" Emilia sounded worried. "What's wrong, my darling?"

"I wanna come back home." He blurted it all out with a tear following. "I think I have had enough of this honeymoon."

"What?" Emilia laughed softly. "Why? Are you afraid of your husband or something? Spend more time together. You know you didn't know each other before this."

"I know that but I miss all of you." He said emotionally, holding the phone tightly. "I just wanna come back and be with all of you."

"Oh, sweetie!" Emilia moaned on the other end. He could hear her harsh breaths. "We miss you too and I want to see you but... Mother and I are currently not home."

"What?"

"Yes, we had decided to visit a temple in another city to pay our respects and also give presents there." She sighed. "We have just arrived and we'll start work tomorrow. You see, we just wanted to thank the Lord for Antonio's marriage and ask for blessings as well."

"Huh?" He smiled softly.

'All of you are so happy.' He thought as more tears formed in his eyes. 'You are also getting blessings for this marriage but with those blessings, I shall suffer while I see you happy. That will be enough for me and maybe one day, you might find out and I may be free from this burden that I am carrying.' He closed his eyes and prayed. 'I am sorry for keeping this from you but you'll get to understand why I am doing this. I just hope I get the courage to..."

"Praveen!" Emilia's voice disturbed him, getting him from his thoughts. "Are you still there?"

"Err... Yes," He said. "I am still here."

"Okay." Emilia babbled. "Why don't you talk to your husband? If he agrees then you may come home. We will find you there."

"Okay."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

Praveen cut the call and slipped it in his pocket. He had no idea that while he had been holding the phone, he had taken it together with the card that Adrian had given to him. It slipped and fail to the ground without his knowledge.

He took a deep breath and left the terrace for the room. He had been there for many hours, thinking and trying to correct his mind. After much thought, he came up to the conclusion that he wanted to go back home. He didn't care about anything else. At least back home, some people loved him and showed him care.

He went straight back to the room and entered, finding Antonio busy typing something on his laptop. Their eyes met and they both looked away. Praveen took his confidence and went to Antonio, standing straight in front of him. He wasn't afraid of anything.

"I wanna go back to the house tomorrow." He said with a small voice. "I have already talked to mother and she has agreed. She told me to ask if we could go back tomorrow morning."

Antonio raised his face, staring at the boy. He went back to the things he was doing.

"Good!" He said harshly. "Going back is a really good idea because being here with you is such torture already. Besides, I see nothing to do here since my boyfriend is gone already."

Praveen stared at the man he called his husband and said nothing. He took their bags and started packing their clothes.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Antonio asked, getting up from the bed. "Don't touch my clothes okay."

Praveen raised his face and chuckled, getting up. "It's not like I love touching your clothes, Mr. Antonio. But if you tell me that you'll pack on your own then I have no problem."

Antonio clenched his fists, giving the boy a long look. "No!" He said softly. "Just do it for me."

Praveen continued what he was doing and so did Antonio. He finished packing everything and then went to take a long shower. Everything went fine. He ordered dinner and then slept early. The next morning they checked out of the hotel and left for their hometown. Praveen was both excited and happy. At least this time, there was no Bruce to bother him.

***

"Take me to the office," Antonio ordered the driver that had picked them from the airport. "I need to do something important there."

"Yes!" The driver said, bowing his head.

Praveen couldn't believe he was hearing that. Antonio did realize that he was with him right, he thought as he gave Antonio a confused look. There was only one car that had picked them up and Praveen honestly had no idea what was in his husband's mind. He didn't need to go to the office. He needed to go home.

"Antonio, I..."

"And drop Praveen home when you do." He ordered before Praveen even finished his sentence. "Then come back and pick me up in the afternoon."

"Yes, sir!'

Praveen felt at least happy. Antonio was quiet ever since they had boarded the plane and landed. He had hardly spoken a word to Praveen and somehow, Praveen loved it so much. He was happy.

Praveen was dressed in a deep blue skinny trouser, yellow t-shirt, and blue snickers. His hair was tied in a braided ponytail which made his face to be in full view. He was looking really beautiful for a guy and his body was looking gorgeous although his clothes weren't perfect. Anyone could see through his beauty.

Antonio on the other hand was wearing a black designer's shirt with his hairy chest exposed which was tucked in a white designer's trouser that was a little tight on him and shiny black shoes. His hair was gelled and then combed back. He was looking perfect, just like a celebrity. Oh wait, he was a celebrity.

A few minutes later, they were parked at the entrance of a huge building. Antonio took his laptop and then left. As soon as he got out, one of the security guards took his laptop and led him inside. It wasn't long before Praveen left the big building.

The rest of the way home, he just thought about the way things had been while he had been on the so-called honeymoon. It had been horrible and he was glad he was back home. He couldn't wait to see people at home and he definitely couldn't wait for granny and Emilia to return the next day.

An hour later and they were passing through a huge gate. Praveen's heart skipped a bit when he saw the beautiful pure white mansion. He got nervous, excited,, and all kinds of emotions. It had only been a few days but he had missed it a lot, mostly he had missed the city. He had prayed to travel by airplane and it had suddenly happened but not as he had expected.

"Finally!" He smiled brightly. "I am back." He put his hands together. "Thank you so much, God."

The car stopped and the guard outside opened the car door for him. He got out, breathed in the wonderful air, and just looked around as the guard took the bags inside the house.

The door to the house was already wide open as if the house itself was welcoming him. He slowly started going inside and just as he was about to step a foot inside the house...

"Stop!"

Praveen heard a voice that he had never heard before. He quickly withdrew his foot, stood at the entrance, and then slowly moved his eyes forward to see what was going on. The moment he raised his face, he saw a woman quickly coming to him.

Praveen had never seen the woman before. She was a bit fat, a bit tall, and really beautiful. She had dark hair that shone as if it had been attended to by the most talented hairstylists in the world. It was short, reaching her neck. She was putting on a beautiful black shiny dress that reached her legs and she was walking in heels. Her face had makeup and she was looking really beautiful.

The woman looked elegant, rich, and did I mention extremely beautiful? She must have been in her mid or late 40s. Praveen had never seen her before in his entire life so he couldn't guess who she was. He also wondered why she had stopped him.

The woman came and stood in front of him with her arms on her chest. She first eyed him from head to toe as if examining him and honestly, the woman gave him chills. He dropped his eyes to the floor, not making any eye contact.

The only time he raised his face was when he heard her chirping.

"And where do you think you are going?" She asked sassily, looking at him as if she wanted to kill him. "What are you looking for here?'

"I... I live here, ma'am." He said, stuttering in the process.

"You live here?" She said as if mocking him. "Really, now?"

"Yes!" He couldn't understand why she was questioning him. He connected with her eyes for the first time and they were piercing brown eyes, somehow scary. "I got married to this family."

"Oh!" The woman chuckled bitterly, dropping her hands to her hips. "So you are the one that forced your way into this house? When I was told, I was surprised so I came to see for myself."

"You must have been mistaken, ma'am." Praveen shook his head. "I got married recently to..."

"You think you are smart?" The woman raised her eyebrow. "Do I look like I am joking to you?"

"Ma'am, I..."

"I can't believe this." She quipped, almost raising her voice. "You are married into this house, to my Antonio? No way!"

Praveen was surprised, caught off guard. He had come home expecting to receive a warm welcome but he was really surprised. He didn't know the woman or what she was talking about. His heart was now racing miles and miles away.

Meanwhile, Andrea was standing on the balcony in the living room watching the entire drama with an evil grin on her face. She was looking amazing as usual with her yellow dress and slippers. She was enjoying the drama and she had her accomplice with her, Bruce who was equally watching.

"Andrea, what's going on?" Bruce was just as confused as Praveen. "Who is that woman? What's going on?"

Andrea looked at Bruce and her evil grin just brightened. "That is our savior, sweetheart."

"Savior?" Bruce frowned, shrugging. "I don't understand."

"Let me just say," She chuckled. "That is the woman that will get Praveen out of this house just by snapping her finger."

"But..."

"Shh..." Andrea whispered, moving her eyes to the entrance door. "...we will talk later because right now I am enjoying this."

"Okay."

Bruce moved his eyes forward and smiled. He was gonna have Antonio all to himself if what Andrea had just said to him was gonna happen.

"So now that I left this house, people stopped thinking?" She yelled, stomping her foot on the floor. That stamping made Praveen's heart to hit in his chest. "You are the son in law of this house?"

"Yes, but..."

"Nobody talks when I am talking, especially not an impostor like you." She yelled. "My name is Emma Gonzalez and the boy you are married to is someone that I do not like anybody messing with."

From the last name, Praveen didn't need to be a genius to know that she was related to the family or something, maybe Antonio's father's sister, his aunt. But why was she so rude, he thought as he tried hard to contain himself.

"Just take a good look at yourself." She pointed rudely at him. "You think you are a son in law of this house?'

"Yes!" He nodded. "Like I told you, I..."

"I said nobody talks when I do." She grated her teeth, making Praveen take a step back. "So you like playing games, huh? You are now playing games with my family, trying to threaten their lives?"

"What? No!" Praveen shook his head. "I have never done that, I swear to you. I love them like..."

"You love them or their money and fame?"

"What?" Praveen felt tears building in his eyes. He was hurt by her words. "I promise that I am not like that. I never married into this family because of money. I did it because..."

"Then why did you get married?" She asked harshly. "Why didn't you get married to a family that suits your standards? You do realize that the Gonzalez family is very rich, very influential and very powerful in this country right?"

Praveen felt a sharp pain in his heart. "I am aware but..."

"And as such a son in law of this house must also come from such a family." She growled, giving him her serious face. "It shouldn't just be any trash that is picked from the gutters, not from a middle-class family or even lower class or whatever class you are from. Take a good look at yourself and honestly tell me..." She folded her arms on her chest, disgustingly looking at him. "...do you think you deserve to live in this house, among the rich and powerful? Forget about yourself, your shoes are not even worthy of stepping into this house."

Emma's words pierced through Praveen's heart, making him bleed emotionally. He had never heard such painful words in his life before. He couldn't control himself. Tears rushed down his cheeks which he quickly rubbed. He couldn't be that weak because she was gonna take advantage of that.

"You used to blackmail and made sure that you got married to Antonio, a celebrity."

"Ma'am, I promise that whoever told you this lied to you and..."

"Enough!" She raised her hand, signaling him to stop talking. She started moving closer to him, circling him. He just stood and did nothing. "I don't even know what everybody was thinking by allowing you into this house.

First, you played your little tricks and then manipulated Emilia and mother. I am sure my poor son must be depressed having to spend time with you. Who knows what he is going through?"

She came and stood in front of him, making a disgusting face. "I can't even manage to stand in front of you but guess what?" She warned. "I will not allow him to suffer anymore. I don't like you because you don't deserve anything from this house. You are not even worthy of working here not to talk of being married into this family. You don't deserve our name because you are nothing but a disgusting boy from the slumps..."

Praveen closed his eyes as a huge lump blocked his throat. He felt as if he was running out hair... His heart pounded so deep in his chest that he felt as if he was gonna have a heart attack. It was really painful.

"My sister in law might be stupid and naïve but I am not like her." She yelled, making Praveen tremble. "You are a mistake that entered this house and today, I am gonna correct that mistake. You are gonna leave this house."

"You are gonna leave this house!" Emma's words rang through Praveen's head. He shook his head as a tear went down his cheek.

"In this house, only the rich, the mighty, and the popular live here." She laughed sinisterly. "We all don't wanna associate with classless people like you. But that is a mistake that I will rectify today."

Praveen closed his eyes, trying to control his breaths.

"Don't let them step all over you." He remembered Adrian's words remind him. "You need to stand up for yourself."

"I will show you your place. Now..." She gripped his arm and pushed him outside. Praveen fell to the floor and then opened his eyes. "...you'll get out and I don't wanna see your face anywhere near here. Nobody needs you because my son was forced to marry you and he doesn't even love you. Only God knows what witchcraft you used on her."

Praveen slowly got up from the floor and then rubbed his tears. He looked at the woman and slowly rubbed his tears.

"It's fine!" He said in a weak voice. "For rich people like you, you measure yourselves through the riches and wealth that you possess. But for middle-class people like me, wealth and riches do not matter because we don't need them."

Emma was surprised by the tone in the boy's voice. She wanted to say something but remained quiet. He had tears in his eyes but he was still talking.

"Riches and wealth are not that important to people like me..." He continued. "...our worth is through our characters and values. I might not be rich, powerful, or influential but I have values that are in me that control and determine who I am. These values that I have are far more important to me than the riches that you speak of."

Emma was shocked by the boy's words.

"These riches and wealth can be obtained easily. But the values inside of me are things that your riches cannot buy. I was just a poor boy but mother and father saw something in me that no rich boy had and that is the reason why I am in this house and married to Antonio."

Praveen had no idea where those words came from but he also had no idea that they made Emma so angry. Her breaths became harsh and her blood started boiling. She wanted to kill the boy but she played it cool.

"So you have no right to question my values and my character, madam."

"How dare you?" Emma barked, angrily pointing at Praveen. "Who do you think you are to talk to me like that? First of all, you invaded us and now you are trying to act mighty. Well, you are leaving this house and never come back. We do not need you and neither does Antonio. He will marry the one he loves and live happily so if I were you, I'd get myself out of here."

With those words, Emma furiously turned and closed the door right in Praveen's face. Praveen sighed and then looked around, remembering the day he had come to the house for the first time. Now he had to go and maybe it was for the best. He quickly turned and left.

***

"Oh my God!" Bruce chuckled, his voice echoing throughout the room. "I can't believe he's finally gone. Serious..." He looked Andrea who was ever smiling. "...I was really mad but after the gift you've given me I am really happy."

"Don't worry about that, sweetheart." Andrea sat elegantly on the bed, giving him a satisfying look. "If there is anyone who never disappoints, it's Aunt Emma. She's always on point."

"Why didn't you call her earlier?" Bruce asked, now frowning. "You know exactly how I felt when you told me about his wedding. Had she been here, I am sure that this marriage wouldn't have even taken place."

"Huh?" Andrea raised her eyebrow, giving him a look that he couldn't read. "Then we wouldn't have had our wealth back. You seem to forget that dad had left everything in that stupid boy's name. Forget about our wealth, we would have lost everything because every business including Eduardo's hospital is connected to the mother company. We would be on the street by now."

"Yeah!" Bruce sighed, sitting on the bed. "But I still get angry when I think about it."

"Well, you won't have to think about it anymore," Andrea reassured, squeezing her friend's shoulder. "He's gone for good and he's not coming back here. Trust me, not even mom will bring him back because Antonio will be happy..."

"And then he will marry me." Bruce blushed, licking his lips. "I have been waiting for this moment for a long time."
"Well, your wait is finally over." Andrea grinned. "Now it will only be you and Antonio."

Bruce couldn't express just how happy he felt at that particular moment. Now that the obstacle in his way had left, he was gonna get married to Antonio with ease. He was gonna spend the rest of his life with him. Just thinking about it was making him extremely excited.

***

Antonio was busy signing the documents when the door to his office opened. He stopped what he was doing and moved his eyes to the door. It was his best friend and he was not even smiling. Seeing him, Antonio took a deep breath and then closed the file.

"Hey, man..." He got up from the chair. "...look I know you are here to talk about what had happened the other..."

"Forget about that." Ethan was breathing harshly. "I have been calling you since I left your house an hour ago. Your phone is off."

"Oh!" He smiled softly. "I am sorry about that but my phone went off while I was on the plane. Why, do you have something to say to me?"

Ethan sighed and then moved closer to his best friend. "Yes! It's really important and you have to listen to me."

"What is it?"

"Well, I don't know how to tell you this but..." Ethan paused and stared at his friend. "...your aunt is back and she..."

"Aunt Emma?" Antonio gasped in excitement, feeling his heart give a sharp pound in his chest. "Oh my God, it's really been long. Why didn't you tell me this earlier? That woman is like a mother and..."

"She has thrown Praveen out of the house." He said naturally, shaking his head.

Antonio remained quiet when he heard that. He stared at his friend without even saying anything to him or giving him any form of reaction. He didn't even know how to react in that situation. There was a larger part of him that was rejoicing.

"I went to take something to the house and was surprised that you were back but before I even entered the house, one of the security guards told me what had happened." He said pleasantly, resting his hand on his friend's chest. "He told me that she insulted him and threw him out of the house."

Antonio cleared his throat and then just sat down on the chair and continued going through the file he had been going through. When Ethan saw what he did, he got even more surprised. He went to his side and then closed the file.

"Did you hear what I had said to you?"

"Clearly." Antonio sounded not to care. "But what do you expect me to do? She has thrown him out so..."

"Can you listen to yourself right now?" Ethan's voice was rising. "This is your groom we are talking about here. That boy doesn't deserve this from you or your family because he has sacrificed a lot and..."

"Sacrificed?" Antonio furiously got up from the chair. "What sacrifices are you talking about? Is it the wealth and companies that he almost stole or that he turned my mother and my granny into his puppets? What are you talking about?"

"Antonio, I have never known this side of you," Ethan said, shaking his head. "Fine! Your father left your entire wealth in his name and your mother and granny love him so much. Is that his crime? Okay!" He raised his hands as if he was surrendering. "Go and get him for the sake of your mother and your granny."

"No!" He shook his head, folding his arms on his chest. "I didn't throw him..."

"How do you think they will feel when they find out about this?"

"Maybe, just maybe..." He walked away, looking through the window. "...they will finally understand that I don't love him and I am in love with someone else. I have been doing this for their happiness and their feelings but maybe it's time that they got to understand me and my feelings. I have hurt Bruce enough for the sake of that boy. All they ever do is not care and..."

"Maybe if you would also try to understand why they love him you would understand."

"Don't be ridiculous." Antonio chuckled bitterly. "What is so special about that boy?"

"He's not so bad." Ethan shrugged. "He's really young and maybe a bit naïve but..."

"I don't wanna hear it." He snapped, furiously gripping his hair. "I just arrived a few hours ago. I am tired, hungry and I just wanna go home and greet my aunt whom I haven't seen for a long time."

"But you know that boy doesn't have a family here." Ethan was concerned and scared. "Aunt Victoria left him in your care. Do you want him to go back and..."

"Where he goes is not my business." He said angrily.

Ethan went closer to his friend, gripped his arm, and made him turn around.

"You know what, Antonio..." He said angrily. "...your father chose that boy because his mother saved your life. Your lives are intertwined and the priest confirmed this. Don't do anything that you might regret later. Please!" He put his hands together. "Just..."

"No!" Antonio said in between clenched teeth. "I won't do that."

"Okay," Ethan said with a serious face. "I have said what I came to say to you. You are proving stubborn but..."

"Why are you so concerned about this anyway?" Antonio wondered, raising his eyebrow. "This is my life we are talking about and maybe you are in love with that boy and..."

"Ant..."

"Yes!" Antonio yelled in his friend's face. "This is my life and I choose to run it in any way I want. Why should you be concerned?"

"But I was just..."

"You shouldn't because I am fine." He said hoarsely, causing his friend pain. "I know what I am doing and stay off okay? I am sick and tired of always trying to make you understand my feelings. Maybe you should just leave me alone."

Ethan was surprised by Antonio's painful words. They burned his skin like hot coals and he felt a shiver run throughout his entire body. It was really painful and he had no idea what to do. He tried to open his mouth but figured it was best to keep quiet.

"Fine!" He furiously dropped his hand. "You can do whatever you want and I promise I won't ever say anything about your life. Forgive me for being such a good friend to you. It is my fault that I got this kind of insult from you." He put his hands together angrily, looking into his friend's angry eyes. "Forgive me, Mr. Antonio."

Ethan furiously turned and left the office. Antonio looked as he left and then furiously went to his table and started reading through the file. But as much as he tried, he couldn't concentrate. He was still very angry but he was disturbed.

"I am sorry for being such a good friend." Ethan's words kept on ringing through his head. "It is my fault that I got this kind of insult from you. Forgive me, Mr. Antonio."

"Fuck!" Antonio angrily threw the pen to the ground and it broke into pieces. "Why do you always affect me like this?" He yelled, throwing the file he was reading to the ground as well.

He didn't care about it because his friendship with his friend was more important. He furiously picked the office phone and dialed reception.

"Hello..."

"Don't let Ethan leave this building." He ordered in a tone that scared the shit out of the receptionist. "Plead with him to stay. I will be down in a minute."

"I... I am sorry, sir." The receptionist stammered. He could feel the fear in her voice. "He just left right now. Did he do something because I can send security to..."

"You can do that." Antonio chuckled bitterly. "But also make sure that together with that security guard, fire yourselves because I won't spare you if you touch him."

"What?" The receptionist gasped. "I am sorry, Sir..."

"Sorry for yourself." He rolled his eyes. "Just get back to your job."

He furiously put the phone down, covering his eyes with his hands. His heart was pounding so deep in his chest, making his adrenaline to prey on him. He felt like punching something to cool down.

"What do I do with you?" He whispered, passing his hand through his hair. "I don't know why you are putting me in this position."

He was vulnerable when it came to Ethan. He couldn't afford to lose him. They were bonded like glue but it was more than that. They had grown up together, went to school together, and even did most of the things together. Ethan was like an important part of his life. They were more than brothers.

***

Praveen was slowly walking on the beach, along the shore. He was looking at the beautiful sea which was calm and the water which looked so lovely. There was no one at the beach as usual and he somehow felt worse than he had ever been when he had left the house.

"There is no one here..." He spoke softly, feeling tears building in his eyes. "...just like always. You are lonely and abandoned just like me. I don't know why my life cannot just be perfect. It's like I have been running from one problem to another since my marriage."

He sat down with his arms around his legs. Then he rested his head on his knees, staring at the beautiful sun that was setting. He had gone back to his Aunt's place and was lucky that no one had moved in. He hadn't even gone inside and had gone straight to the beach.

"Please, forgive me mother for everything." Tears were now going down his cheeks. "I hope you won't be mad at me when you find out that I have already gone. A lot of things have happened and maybe with my leaving the house, everyone will be happy. And by the almighty's blessings, I will find happiness as well."

Praveen closed his eyes as he started crying there... he felt so abandoned, so alone and so stupid... His life had been perfect but now things were wrong. He wished he could go back in time and relive the moments when his mother was still alive. He used to be happy and loved. No one insulted him or even called him ugly. They had been poor but they had been happy. He wasn't interested in money or wealth. All he ever wanted was to be happy.

***

Andrea was seated in the living room talking to Emma and telling her how happy she was that she had come as soon as she had called her. Emma was happy too and she thanked Andrea for letting her know. Andrea had told Emma about the boy that Antonio loved so much. He was handsome, classy, rich and one of the top supermodels in the world. Emma just told her that Antonio was now free to marry whoever he wanted.

It was already evening and they had all just come from having their dinner although Eduardo had gone to the hospital due to an emergency. His wife had already gone to her room. They were both waiting for Antonio to come back and Andrea was the happiest. She knew that her brother was gonna be happy and relieved that the boy was gone.

"Ding dong!"

"I'll get it," Andrea said with a very beautiful look on her face.

She went to the door happily and as soon as she opened it, she got the shock of her life. Seeing what was going on, Andrea's eyes widened in shock... her heart started pounding... her breaths became harsh. She clenched her fists, giving the person an angry look.

"You!" She gasped, gripping the door handle as hard as she could. "How dare you show your face here again? I thought she made it clear that..."

"Andrea, listen..." Praveen said, slowly moving closer.

"Don't even think about it." She yelled. "Won't you leave us alone? What the hell do you still want in this house?"

Praveen dropped his eyes to the ground, not even looking at Andrea.

"You know what," She chuckled bitterly. "This time I am gonna throw you out myself because you are shameless."

Andrea furiously started moving to the boy, gripped his arm, and started getting him away from the door. But before she went further...

"Andrea, stop!" She saw her brother coming towards her with a serious look on his face. "Leave him alone."

To say she was surprised would be an understatement. "What?" She let go of the boy. "Antonio, this boy was thrown out of this house by Aunt..."

"I know." He said with a sigh. "But I brought him back."

"What?" She yelled, shaking her head. She couldn't believe it. "You brought him back to this house? Why?"

"Andrea, I am really tired," Antonio said with a sigh. "I have been working for the entire day. Please, just let him enter the house for peace to reign."

"Peace?" Andrea chuckled bitterly. "What peace are you talking about? Has there ever been peace since this boy came to this house? He was thrown out and now you brought him back? Have you suddenly lost your mind or..."

"I did this for mom and granny," Antonio said softly, resting his hand on her shoulder.

He passed her and went inside the house. Andrea gave Praveen an angry look and then left cursing. She was so angry that her brother had ruined her plans. She hadn't expected that at all. But she wasn't gonna let that go because her brother owed her an explanation.

Praveen took a deep breath and followed inside.

"My love?" Emma smiled brightly as she hugged Antonio tightly.

"Aunt!" He chuckled like a little boy. "I have missed you so much and I am glad you are finally here. How long has it been?"

"I don't know." She kissed his cheek, pulling away from the hug. "It's like I haven't seen you my entire life. But my love for you has grown stronger." She pinched his cheek.

"Well, I had spent most of my time abroad and the last time we saw each other was at dad's funeral." He sighed, wrapping his arm on her shoulder. "I miss him so much."

"Yeah!" She breathed audibly. "I... What are you doing here?"

The moment she saw Praveen standing near the couch, she got furious. She got so mad that she let go of Antonio and furiously moved towards Praveen. She folded her arms at the poor scared boy and gave him a really angry look.

"Aunt, I..."

"Aunt?" She chuckled bitterly. "The nerve of..."

"Aunt please," Antonio pleaded, wrapping his arms on her shoulder. "Don't be angry. I know you threw him out of the house but I brought him back."

"What?" She looked at him wide-eyed. "Why? Don't tell me you like him."

"No!" Antonio frowned, giving Praveen a look he didn't like. "I only did it for mom and granny. I know they won't be happy when they found him gone. Please, try to understand, aunt. I have no say in this matter."

"Yeah, aunt..." Andrea moved angrily towards him. "...ever since this boy arrived in this house, we have to share or rather beg for mom or granny's attention. He is like their favorite right now. He is good at manipulating people."

Praveen dropped his eyes to the floor. He couldn't look at any of the people in the living room. They were judging him wrongly. He wasn't the kind of person they portrayed him to be. If only they could give him a chance.

"So he likes playing those games?" She chuckled, her eyes not moving away from the boy's body. "I wonder where they even got him. I mean, why couldn't they get someone worthy of getting our name? What will people say, especially your fans, Tony?"

"Hmm, I am still trying to adjust." He sighed, kissing her. "I need to go and take a shower. I am really tired, aunt."

"Alright, baby..."

Antonio left... he freaking left Praveen with the two women that he feared the most. He had no idea why he feared Emma. The woman gave him creeps and maybe if he slept, nightmares.

"So you've returned after my warning, uh?" She asked, slowly moving closer to him. "I don't know what drove Antonio to bring you back but don't think for a minute that I will accept you or forget about that insult easily."

"I... I..." He raised his face and her eyes just pierced through his. Was anything soft about this woman, he thought? "I didn't insult. I was just trying to say that..."

"Just because you are married to my nephew and you think you can say whatever to me." She scoffed, noncommittally. "Well, we are gonna see about that. These kids are like my own children. I love them to death and I am ready to fight anyone just to see that they are happy."

Praveen softly nodded. "I don't intend to hurt anyone."

"But you've already hurt someone." She yelled, furiously dropping her arms. "You've hurt my son and he is hurting. He had a boyfriend and the two are not together because of you. You've separated them and you are now enjoying what he should."

Praveen didn't need to be a genius to figure out that Andrea had called the woman to the house. She gave her a look and could read through that evil grin on her face. Things were gonna turn sour and he knew he had to be prepared.

"I didn't know about that." He shook his head. "I swear, I didn't even know that..."

"Silence!" She raised her hand to make Praveen quiet. "You are really lucky but I wouldn't be comfortable if I were you. I don't like you at all. And this house is probably too small for the two of us. But that is something I am gonna have to fix while I am around here."

She gave him a cold look, turned, and left with her catwalk. Praveen felt terrible, cold, and scared at the same time. Just the tone of her voice and her very presence was scaring the shit out of him. He knew he had to be careful with her.

He started going but got stopped in the way when...

"Did you like my surprise?" Andrea finally spoke with those giggles that annoyed him. "Do you like your new favorite mother-in-law?"

He quickly turned and looked at her. "Andrea, do you honestly hate me that much that you want me to leave this house?"

"Is that a question?" She started moving closer to him. "The word itself cannot express how I feel about you. I hate you more than the word itself and I won't rest until I separate you and my brother. That is a promise that I will fulfill very soon."

"I don't get it."

"Oh, you will very soon." She laughed. "You will get it and when you do, you will leave this house. Mom, granny, or anybody in this house won't help you at all. So if I were you, I wouldn't be comfortable."

She left him all alone in the living room. He was really surprised. Maybe if granny had been around, things would have turned out differently. It was no longer Antonio who wanted him out or Bruce or Andrea. Now there was another one who hated him so much.

He rubbed his face and went straight to the room. The moment he entered the room, he found Antonio exiting the bathroom, toweling his hair. His shirt was unbuttoned and he was only wearing a short that was a bit thin. Praveen could see the boxer inside.

He closed the door and both of them just looked at each other and passed. Praveen went to take a shower to get some of the problems he was facing out of his life. He just wanted to rest after. At least, in his dreams, they didn't bother him that much.

Antonio threw the towel on the table and then took out his phone. He dialed Ethan's number and wasn't surprised when Ethan didn't pick up. He tried again and a few times but his friend wasn't picking up.

"Hey, please, I need to talk to you." He wrote. "Answer my call and get me out of this misery once and for all. I am so sorry but... Please, just pick the damn call."

He sent the message and waited for a while before calling back again. But still, there was no answer.

"What the fuck?" He swore, dialing the numbers angrily.

He called again but there was no answer. He threw the phone angrily on the bed and sat furiously. He was about to pick up his phone when he saw Praveen's phone on the table. He looked to the bathroom and heard the shower running.

"Good!"

He quickly rushed and picked Praveen's phone. He dialed Ethan's number and it didn't take him even a second to pick up which greatly annoyed Antonio.

"Hello!"

"Oh, so you've finally picked up."

"Antonio!" He couldn't mask the surprise in his voice. "Why are you calling? If I didn't pick up when you were calling me then it means that I didn't wanna talk to you. I told you I wasn't gonna interfere in your life anymore and..."

"I am a jerk, okay?" Antonio sighed, slowly sitting on the bed. "I was just tired and..."

"Just tired?" Ethan said angrily on the other end. "I am sick and tired of trying to beg you for everything, Antonio. Ever since your marriage, you've been doing everything wrong but who am I to talk to you about..."
"You are my friend." Antonio pleaded, taking a deep breath. "I am apologizing to you."

"What are you apologizing for?" Ethan laughed on the other end. "I thought your ego is bigger than your friendship, Antonio. You broke..."

"Don't say that."

"But it's what you insinuated back there." He carped, almost barking at his friend. "I am really tired and just wanna..."

"I brought him back," Antonio said in a small voice. "I already brought him back to the house and he isn't leaving."

There was a moment of silence from the other end of the line. "Really?"

"Isn't that what you wanted?" Antonio quipped, getting up from the bed. "I am truly sorry, bro. You are not only my friend, but you are also my business partner and my music company manager. I can't live without you."

Ethan sighed on the other end. "Antonio, you are hurting me but I can take that because I love you. I don't like interfering in your life but some things are just too much, bro."

"I am still adjusting."

"Anyway, it's fine." Ethan yowled. "I will see you tomorrow at the office."

"Okay. I love you."

"Dude, whatever!" He laughed and cut the call.

Antonio felt really happy, at peace after talking with his friend. Now everything was back to normal. He put the phone on the bed and heard the door to the bathroom opening. Praveen came with a towel wrapped around his head.

When he saw Antonio seated on the bed, he slowly walked to him and stood in front of him.

"Thank you so much." He said softly, wondering how his husband was gonna react. "Thank you for bringing me back because honestly..."

"You know..." Antonio got up from the bed with a smile on his face, a mocking smile. "...I don't know what you've done to some of my family members and my friend but you are one lucky boy. They keep standing up for you and they are ready to break up all bonds with me."

Praveen felt a bit cold when Antonio told him that. "I am sorry but..."

"But whatever you do," He warned, pointing at him. "It will never work on me, ever. Pray that those people still support you because I won't hesitate to throw you out of here. You are only lucky because granny and mother have your back otherwise, I wouldn't have even dreamt of bringing you back here."

"Don't worry," Praveen said confidently without any fear. "I have no intention of falling in love with you. I wouldn't even dream of it. I am only doing this to make everyone else happy."

"Good!" Antonio chuckled. "I am glad we understand each other."

He turned and left the room. As soon as he left, Praveen sat on the couch and took the wedding chain and just stared at it for a long time. It meant nothing to him and he had no idea why he had to keep wearing it. To the world, he was a happily married man and he had to act like one.

He slept on the couch thinking about his aunt and in no time at all, he drifted off to sleep.

***

Praveen was coming down the stairs wearing a beautiful yellow t-shirt with a brown short. Those were his clothes since he hadn't bought any recently. He had blue sandals on his feet. His hair was loose and he was looking down as he slowly came.

He was lost deep in thought when he came down the stairs and got the surprise of his life when he found a little child running around the house with a ball. He hadn't seen the child before so it got him surprised. He even thought it was one of the workers' children.

The little boy was wearing a beautiful spider man printed shirt with a black jean and blue sandals. He was throwing the ball and it came straight to Praveen. He caught the ball and smiled brightly when the boy came to him with a smile. Praveen loved children a lot and this boy somehow made him happy.

He had short brown hair that was shaven on the sides, deep green eyes, and a cute little smile. Seeing him, Praveen couldn't help but smile himself. He knelt and smiled even brightly.

"Hey there, cute boy." He said in a cute little voice. "How are you doing?"

"I am fine." The boy said in his sweet little voice.

"Having a good time, uh?"

"Yes!"

"Hmm..." He ruffled the boy's hair, getting tiny giggles from him. "How old are you?"

"Five!"

"Five!" He laughed, pinching the boy's cheeks playfully. "That's really great and very soon, you are gonna be a big boy and you will start school. But tell me, who are you within this house."

"Granny!" The boy said softly. "I arrived here with my granny yesterday. She said we will be living here. Do you also live here?"

Praveen frowned when he realized who the little boy was. She was probably Emma's grandson or something. When he realized this, he simply smiled and hoped the boy wasn't gonna put him into trouble.

"Yes!" He gave a controlled smile. "I also live here and you know what," He held his tiny little hands. "You will love it here because you have everyone to play with you. Now, why don't you run along? I will tell the maid to give you something delicious for breakfast."

"Ye..." The boy shouted. He took the ball from Praveen and left running.

Praveen got up and watched the boy go outside with a smile on his face. He quickly turned to leave but got the surprise of his life when he bumped into someone and tripped. He was about to fall to the floor but luckily someone caught him in his arms.

He opened his eyes and looked into the most beautiful light green eyes he had ever stared into, Antonio's eyes. Their faces were closer, feeling each other's breaths. Praveen wanted to move but he suddenly felt a weakness that he had never felt in his entire life before.

His heart started beating steadily... his blood was flowing so fast that he could have sworn that he could hear it pass through his ears... his body felt cold and hot at the same time. He got really weak that he held on to Antonio's body.

For the first time as he looked into Antonio's eyes, he saw the softness in his face that he had never seen before. If he hadn't heard Antonio speak before, then he would have mistaken him for the sweetest guy.

Antonio on the other hand hadn't meant to do that. He was staring at Praveen's face, looking past his glasses and into his blue eyes. For the first time, he saw someone that was at least a bit handsome and maybe someone he would have mistaken for someone lovely. But that someone was the cause of his problems.

The two men held each other, staring into each other's eyes as if they were lost in them. They were so lost that they had no idea that several seconds had passed there. But just when Praveen thought the moment wasn't gonna pass, he got the surprise of his life when Antonio let go of him and he felt to the hard floor with a bang.

"Ow!" He screamed as he landed on his back.

Antonio chuckled, smiling brightly. Something about what he did felt right. He was happy he did that.

Meanwhile, Praveen felt pain when he landed on his back. He couldn't believe Antonio had just done that to him when he had been really sweet a few seconds back. He slowly got up from the floor, wincing in the process. He adjusted in the process, staring at his husband.

"Are you okay?" Antonio asked with a grin, folding his arms on his chest. "Did you enjoy the ride?"

"You know..." Praveen said with a serious look on his face. "...you could at least be a little nice at times. What if I got hurt?"

"You were about to fall anyway. I just made it short and less painful." He joked, making Praveen wonder what was suddenly wrong with him. "Besides, I think you did that on purpose. I have had fans do that on me a few times so your plan has failed."

"What plan?" Praveen got a little angry. "You bumped into me in the first place and now you are blaming me?" He pointed, holding his waist. "Other people might be crazy about, Antonio, but not me because I don't find you attractive."

"Really?" Antonio joked, raising his eyebrow. "Then why don't you leave?"

"I wish I could," Praveen answered angrily. "But looks like I am stuck here with you."

"I am sure you love it because you wanted this." He laughed jokingly. "But you will never have me."

"One thing that we agree on." Praveen laughed as if everything was alright. "I already told you that I can never fall for a man like you."

"We'll see."

With those words, Antonio left and went outside. Praveen remained standing there, wondering what had just happened. He wondered why Antonio was talking to him jokingly and not mad at him like he usually did.

"I wonder what's wrong with him." He shrugged.

Praveen turned and almost bumped into Emma who was staring at him as if she wanted to kill him. She had a serious look on her face and it meant business. Seeing her, Praveen lost the smile on his face, dropping his eyes to the floor.

"Good... good morning..."

"Hmm..." Emma groaned. "...I know what you are up to because I saw everything. Don't even think of seducing him because he won't fall for that."

"I am sorry, aunt, but I am not trying to do that."

"Really?" She laughed, now moving closer to him. "I still don't see anything special about you. I am still wondering what drove Emilia to force her son to marry you. You don't even look good together."

"I..." Praveen didn't even know what to say to the woman.

"You think you deserve to be a part of this family."

"Look, aunt, I never wished for this to happen, I promise." He spoke softly. "And I know where I stand in Antonio's life. All I want is to see is this family happy. I wouldn't dream of hurting them or even causing any harm. I am only doing this because granny and mother want me. I never interfere in Antonio's life. He can do whatever he wants."

"But that still doesn't change the fact that he's married to you." She said harshly, dropping her hand to her hips. "You want to make this family happy then... Leave us alone."

She hissed and left him standing there. He felt stupid and it didn't take long for tears to build in his eyes. He just wanted people to understand him and stop judging him for once in his life. Why couldn't they see through him?

He took off his glasses and cleaned his face.

***

Praveen was busy in the kitchen, stirring into the soup he was preparing. He was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't even realize that the soup was about to start burning. He got lucky when Celine came and switched off the stove.

"I am sorry," He apologized, wiping his face.

"You don't have to take what she says to heart," Celine said with her ever gorgeous smile.

"Huh?" He frowned, raising his eyebrow.

"I am talking about, Aunt Emma." She placed her hand on his. "I know that she has said something to you but you shouldn't worry as long as your husband is by your side. She'll get used to you and will warm up eventually."

Praveen looked at Celine smiled sheepishly.

'How do I tell you that my husband is my biggest challenge in this marriage?' He thought. 'How do I even begin to tell you that this marriage is nothing but a big charade to him?'

"Praveen?" She shook him. "Are you okay?"

"Err..." He slightly closed his eyes. "Yeah, I am fine. Why do you ask?"

"Because you are not yourself." She answered, squeezing his hand. "Aunt Emma is like that. She has always been like that for as long as I have known her."

"How long has that been?"

"I knew her when Eduardo and I were dating five years ago." She sighed. "She didn't like me too and I am still not sure she does. What's important to you is your husband's love. Other people shouldn't matter to you, especially what they say."

"Hmm..." Praveen nodded, giving a fake smile.

"Now come on, let's finish setting the table before she comes here and shouts at the both of us."

They took the remaining food and took it to the dining table. Everyone else was waiting for the food and as soon as it arrived, they dived in. Both of them were happy that Emma was eating in silence and never complained.

"Hey, everyone... Where are you?"

The family heard Emilia's voice and all of them stopped having their lunch and quickly went to the living room. They found Emilia with granny and they had smiles on their faces especially when they saw Praveen and Antonio.

"Mother!" Antonio threw his arms around her and gave her a big hug. "You are finally here. How was your trip?"

"It was fine, baby." She chuckled. "How was your honeymoon?"

Antonio smiled and looked at Praveen who was also staring at him. "It was just perfect."

Praveen went down and touched her feet. She touched his head and blessed him. Then she gave him a tight hug and kiss. Granny did the same and they both laughed and smiled.

"Good!" Emma entered the living room. "You are finally."

When Emilia's heard and saw Emma, the smile on her face faded. She was really surprised. Shocked that her tough sister in law was back home. She hadn't expected that at all. She looked at granny and both of them were just as shocked.

"Emma..." Granny gasped, giving a small smile. "You are here? What are you doing here?"

"Why, mother..." She chuckled. "Am I not welcome here, anymore?"

"What?" Emilia answered, shaking her head. "This is your house too, Emma. You are welcome anytime you want."

They hugged each other and they all went to have their lunch with granny and Emilia entertaining them with stories of what had happened at the temple they had gone.

***

"What is there to explain?" Emma asked angrily. "You didn't tell me he was back or that he was getting married."

"But Emma, we thought that..."

"You thought what, mother?" She argued. "You know very well how much I love Antonio like my own son. You got him married without my consent and to some random boy who..." She pointed in disgust, not knowing how to express what she felt. "...who is not even from our class or..."

"Is that what you are concerned about?" Emilia asked, frowning. "He is married and he is happy?"

"You think so?" Emma laughed. "Then you don't know your son anymore. What were you thinking?"

"I didn't choose to get him married to Praveen," Emilia explained. "Your brother's last wish was that Praveen and Antonio marry each other. I only fulfilled what I had promised him."

"By ruining your son's happiness?"

"I didn't ruin his happiness," Emilia said softly. "Praveen is a very good boy, well cultured and with good values. He is perfect for Antonio and they make a good match as well."

"Still doesn't change the fact that he isn't from our class."

"Does it matter?" Granny asked. "He is a good boy and he knows how to behave. You should give him a chance to prove himself. Don't judge a book by its cover, okay?"

"Mother, I think..."

"Their marriage was predestined before Praveen was even born." She explained to her mad daughter. "It isn't a coincidence that both of them are gay. There is something special about this boy and I can feel it. He is different from all those classy and rich guys out there. Please..." She touched her daughter's shoulder, squeezing it sweetly. "...give him a chance to prove himself. Don't cause trouble for him."

"But mother..."

"Praveen is still trying to adjust to this house," Emilia said softly. "Don't make things harder for him."

Emma looked at both of them and just left. Emilia and granny were really worried. They knew just how much Emma cared about her ego. She could cause trouble for the poor boy.

***

Praveen was standing outside, leaning to a pillar and thinking about his life. He had heard the argument that had been going on in Emilia's room and it somehow made him unhappy. He was supposed to be making the family happy. It was one of the seven vows that he had taken as he was getting married to Antonio. How was he gonna fulfill that when he brought nothing but trouble?

"Please, help me, almighty." He sighed, rubbing on his face. "I don't know how to overcome these challenges."

He just stood there until...

"Excuse me!" He heard the voice that scared him the most, Emma's voice.

He quickly turned and found her staring at him with an angry look on her face.

"Aunt!" He slowly bowed.

"I still don't find anything special about you." Emma hated the boy and she wasn't gonna lie. "But everyone keeps telling me otherwise."

Praveen had no words to say to her. He rather chose to keep his mouth shut and let her speak. Emilia and granny were now there and the last thing he wanted was for them to witness anything bad going on.

"I threw you out and Antonio brought you back though he said he didn't love you." She sighed. "I tried to talk to mother and Emilia but they also think you are special. So are you any special or you are using tricks to impress them?"

Praveen shook his head. "I don't know about that, aunt but I am not using tricks on this family, I promise you."

"We'll see about that." She chuckled bitterly. "I have talked to almost everyone including the maids and they seem to like you. But I am not stupid and naïve. It takes more than a few tricks to impress me." She moved closer. "I am gonna give you a chance to see if you can make this family happy and your husband can learn to appreciate you."

To say Praveen was surprised would be an understatement. He couldn't believe that she had said that to him.

"I will observe you based on the way you take care of this family." She added, with her serious face. "I will observe you on the way you carry yourself and if you pass my tests, I promise I will accept you into this family and I will apologize for all the insults."

Praveen felt his heartbeat fast at that moment. "Thank you so much for..."

"However," She added, pointing her finger. "Should any harm come to any member of this family whatsoever, I will never forgive you and forget about not accepting you, I will throw you out of this house forever. Do you get me?"

"Yes!" He nodded. "One of the vows I took while I was getting married to Antonio was to make this family happy and to protect them from any harm. As a son in law of this house, I have to do that. I promise that no harm shall come to any of the family members."

"Good! Because my eyes are on you." She said with a raised eyebrow. "But I must warn you, many have tried to impress me and none has ever succeeded."

"I will do my best." Praveen smiled. "At least you've given me a chance and that's important for me."

Emma just turned and left but she had no idea what kind of happiness she had left for Praveen. He was really happy that at least she had given him a chance. That was more than enough for him and he loved it like that.

"Thank you so much, almighty." He looked to the heavens. "You've given me another chance to impress Aunt Emma. Give the courage to do so and let her like me soon enough."

***

The next morning Antonio was rushing down the stairs busy buttoning up his jacket. He was rushing for a meeting with some of his business partners. It was an important meeting and he didn't wanna keep them waiting.

He was putting on a black designer's trousers, a green shirt, and a white jacket. He was looking handsome, he thought, in black shoes with his hair combed. As he was coming down the stairs, he almost bumped into his mother.

"Whoa!" Emilia chuckled, looking at her son. "Where are you going?"

"Sorry, mom!" He kissed her forehead. "I am late for a really important meeting and..."

"Sorry to say, son but..." She paused and then gave him a long look. "...you look like a hot mess. None of what you are wearing matches."

"Does it matter?"

"Yes, it does." Emilia said with a chuckle. "I won't have my son move around the whole city looking like a mess. You are a married man now and aside from that, you are the president of all our companies and also a celebrity. You should be taking care of yourself."

"But you used to choose clothes for me." He complained, shaking his head.
"Yeah, but you are married to me." She softly pinched his cheeks. "Praveen is the one that should be doing that." She saw Praveen coming down the stairs. "Sweetheart, shouldn't you be taking care of your husband's clothes."

"Err..." Praveen took a look at his husband and he was truly a mess. "I tried mother but he wouldn't allow me."

"Really, son?" Emilia raised her eyebrows. She moved her eyes to her son in law and smiled. "Honey, you should do this for him every morning. You know husbands are like babies. We need to pamper them and show them how to walk."

Somehow, what Emilia said made Praveen feel a little shy. He dropped his eyes to the floor and she laughed when she saw that. Antonio just rolled his eyes and kissed his mother.

"I have to run, mother." He said abruptly, heading towards the door. "I will be back before 3:30."

He left and Praveen just remained standing there, looking like a bride. Emilia walked up to him and touched his shoulder, bringing him to reality.

"You don't have to feel shy, son." She reassured. "You should get used to this kind of teasing because you are newly married." She took a deep breath when he smiled. "Anyway, I was just thinking of something."

"What is it, mother?"

"Ever since you got married, you haven't changed your wardrobe." She added. "I want you to go out and shop for yourself. Change your wardrobe with many clothes."

"What?" He looked at himself, chuckling. "But I don't think there is anything wrong with my clothes, mother."

"And I didn't say that."

She saw Andrea coming down the stairs, busy on her phone.

"Andrea! Can you please come here?"

"Yes, mom."

She came there and kissed her mother, giving Praveen a fake smile. Praveen smiled back although he knew that her smile was fake.

"Are you busy?" Emilia asked.

"No, why?" She raised her eyebrow. "I was just thinking of going shopping with Bruce."

"Great!" Emilia clapped, looking at her happily. "I want you to take Praveen and help him shop. I want him to buy as many clothes as he can so that he can change his wardrobe. You know he is married to a celebrity now."

Andrea gave Praveen a not so sure look and then laughed softly. "Errr... I think that's a good idea since he... he..." She paused and gave him a long look. "...he is now married to a celebrity. I am sure Antonio will appreciate it a lot."

"Good, Praveen, go and get changed so you can leave."

"Yes!'

Praveen left for his room and he just wasn't comfortable going with Andrea and Bruce to a designer shop. If only he could open his mouth and tell Emilia what was going on. But his hands were tied and he had to keep his mouth shut.

Meanwhile, Andrea was really mad when she learned that she was going with Praveen. But that was fine because she had a plan to add more fire to the fuel. He was gonna regret ever crossing her path. Her game had begun and she was gonna do everything to see him out of the house.

"Good riddance!"

She continued downstairs with her catwalk and waited for Praveen. Unfortunately for her, Praveen came down with Celine and they were talking like best friends. But anyway, no matter what, she was gonna execute her plans.

***

"I must say, Ethan, it's been long you last visited," Granny complained, staring at him. "Is it because your friend wasn't here?"

"Of course, not..." He shook his head. "This grandson of yours left with me loads of work to do. I couldn't leave that all alone. I am sorry."

"That's quite an excuse!" Emilia commented, taking a sip of her coffee. "And now?"

"Now I can visit you anytime I want because he's back."

They all laughed. They were seated in the living room, enjoying their afternoon.

"You are not planning on leaving everything to me though, are you?" Antonio asked with a frown on his face.

"No!" Ethan shook his head. "I am your manager. Oh, by the way, the demand for your music is getting higher every day. Your fans are going insane. They want you to produce something for them otherwise they'll have my neck for it."

"Oh, yeah..." Antonio sighed, repositioning himself on the couch. "I was also thinking that. I will start working on my songs this week. I still have a few that I wrote while I was abroad."

"That's good." Granny smiled brightly. "It will be nice to hear something new from my grandson. I have missed your music."

"Yeah, but your music has to wait for a bit," Ethan said with a smile. "I had received a call while you were on your honeymoon."

"A call?" Antonio was surprised. "Why? What's it about?"

"It's mega issues magazine..." He chuckled softly. "They want you on the cover of their magazine and a few spreads."

"That's fantastic..." Eduardo commented, smiling at his brother. "Mega issues are one of the top modeling agencies in the entire world. Do you know how many fans will be happy to see you?"

"What did you tell them?" He asked, looking at his friend.

"I said yes!" Ethan chuckled happily. "But they want you both."

"Both?" Emma frowned. "What do you mean by that?"

"I mean Praveen and you." He added, making Antonio lose the smile on his face. "They wanted to shoot you with some celebrity but they now want you with your spouse. They want their company to be the first to shoot your first couple shoot and it will be on the cover."

"What?" Antonio gasped, feeling a bit angry. "But..."

"That's fantastic." Emilia was now very happy. "I am glad they suggested that and I am sure Praveen will be happy with this news. So when is the shoot?"

"Four days from now."

"Four days?" Antonio squealed, shaking his head. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "But that's a bit too early and..."

"Don't worry about anything," Ethan reassured, squeezing his shoulder. He knew his friend wasn't happy. "They've prepared everything. All you need to do is show up and if you are worried about Praveen, I will talk to him."

Shit! Antonio's day had just been ruined. He couldn't believe he was gonna have to take a photo with someone that he didn't even want to be found with. That was supposed to be his moment with the one he loved. They had never had a photoshoot together as a couple.

The family continued talking about other stuff although Antonio was quiet. Ethan saw through him but he was still gonna push through with his plans of bringing Antonio and Praveen together. They were perfect.

"Hey everyone..." Andrea greeted as she came with a smile on her face. "We are back."

"Finally..." Granny chuckled. "We were starting to think you guys weren't gonna be back."

All of them were coming back and there were about four guards that were carrying huge bags.

"Would you blame us?" Andrea chuckled as she threw herself on the couch tiredly. "Mom wanted more clothes so we had to buy more."

Praveen was walking with a smile on his face as he stared at the happy people except for his husband who seemed rather mad about something. He greeted everyone and then sat close to granny. Celine came and Bruce too.

"Yeah, mom..." Andrea pointed towards Bruce. "...this is Bruce, my best friend. I am sure you have seen him somewhere. He is a model."

"Oh, yeah!" Emilia nodded. "I have seen him once or twice. It's nice to meet you."

"No, the pleasure is all mine." Bruce extended his hand and shook hers powerfully. "I have heard a lot of things about you." And very soon you are gonna be my mother in law, he thought as he took a glance at his boyfriend. Both of them smiled at each other and Bruce sat closer to his boyfriend.

Ethan who was very annoyed gave him a cold look but pretended to smile. He could see that Praveen was very uncomfortable and he didn't like Bruce at all. He was such a whore.

"So, son..." Granny asked, looking at Praveen. "I hope you bought lots of things."

"Yes! He did." Andrea got up from the couch, heading to her bag. "You should see the receipt because we spent quite a lot of money. But it was worth it."

She got the receipt from her bag and as soon as she looked at it, she lost the smile on her face. She looked at Praveen and then at the receipt again. She looked shocked and she just stood there. Then she looked at Praveen again.

"Praveen, what's this?" She acted shocked.

"What?" Praveen raised his face. "That's the receipt. You told me to get it from the shop owner back at the shop."

"Yeah, but..."

"Is there any problem?" Antonio asked, looking at his sister.

"Yeah," She walked slowly to Praveen and showed the receipt to him. "How could you do this, Praveen? I thought I could trust you but you've disappointed me."

"Andrea!" Emilia got up from her chair. "What's wrong with you? Do you realize that..."

"Yes, mom," Andrea said angrily. "This boy is probably not who he seems.

"Why would you say such a thing?" Praveen said, absolutely shocked. He couldn't believe Andrea was saying that to him in front of everyone. "What have I done?"

"What have you done?" Andrea yelled, showing the receipt to him. Everyone was surprised, except for Andrea and Bruce. "I paid that shop owner 100, 000 dollars but it's written here that he discounted on everything and sold it at 60, 000 instead..."

"What are you saying, Andrea?" Emilia got up angrily. "What's wrong with you?"

"Oh so now you are gonna support him too." She angrily threw the receipt on the floor. "I paid that man 100 000 dollars in cash. But do you see what your precious son in law did, he went there and probably pleaded for him to discount."

"What?" Praveen felt his heart pound deeper in his chest. His eyes became glassy and his mouth trembled. "I didn't do that. You told me to get the receipt and that was what I did."

"But that's not what is written on this receipt." She argued folding her arms on her chest. "You begged for a discount and I am sure that he gave you 40 000 dollars back."

Andrea was really happy when she saw the defeated look on the boy's face. She had planned everything from the start. While she had been paying the man, she had asked him for a discount, a really large discount. The man had been surprised and had asked her why she had wanted a discount when she could afford to buy the entire shop. But she had a plan and she had framed Praveen up. No way was she going to lose. He was gonna be out.

"I..."

"Everyone saw it because I told you to go there and honestly if I had known you were like this then I wouldn't have even dared ask you." She barked, making a tear go down Praveen's cheek. Everyone was still shocked and none said anything. "Why would you ask for such a large discount? We are a very rich family and I am sure that people will start talking about us. If you had wanted money why didn't you ask me? I would have..."

"I didn't, I swear. I didn't need any money and..."

"What's the point of arguing?" She furiously moved her eyes to the table. "Your wallet is in one of the bags. I will get it and see if what I am saying is the truth."

Everyone got up as Andrea furiously went to the bags that were on the floor. She was gonna prove him wrong and make everyone hate him. Then he was gonna be out of the house soon.

'Good!' Bruce thought as an evil grin appeared on his face. 'I see what you are doing, Andrea. You are such an evil genius and I like your plan.'

Andrea came back with Praveen's wallet and opened it. As soon as she opened the wallet, 1000 dollar notes came out and spread all over the floor. Praveen's eyes widened as more tears went down his cheeks. He had no idea how that money had gotten into his wallet. It was so much and he knew he was gonna be blamed. He knew also that Andrea was trying to make him look bad. He was so shocked that he couldn't even speak.

Everyone else had their hands covering their mouths. Antonio was looking at the boy and then his sister while Ethan was looking at Andrea because he knew perfectly well that she had done that. He was angry deep down but he also couldn't do anything.

With everyone's eyes on the money, Andrea gave Bruce a wink and they both smiled.

"What's this, Praveen?" Andrea yelled. "You pleaded money and stole it as well. I always suspected that you were after money but couldn't you have thought about all of us, your husband?" Praveen was just shaking his head with tears in his eyes. "You just had to steal from us in secret and now what do you have to say for yourself?"

Praveen was speechless. He couldn't utter a word. He knew he was done. It was Andrea's moment to humiliate him.

"I am honestly disappointed and I knew from the start that this was gonna happen." She said angrily, furiously throwing the wallet down. "I should have known that you would do this because..."

"Enough!" Granny yelled, pointing her finger at her granddaughter. "Not another word from you against Praveen. Where is your respect?"

"What?" Andrea was surprised. "What did I do? Can't you see..."

"Not another word." She said with anger in her voice. Then she started moving to Praveen with a smile. She reached him and then rubbed his face dry. "I am so sorry sweetie. I know that you are innocent of this."

"Innocent, but..."

"You were quick at pointing fingers at him without even asking him." She lost the smile on her face. "But I know exactly what my grandson in law is trying to do here." She looked at him and smiled brightly. "He is trying to teach us how to save money and not spend it just because we have it."

To say Andrea was surprised would be an understatement. She hated her grandmother because of what she had done. She had ruined her plan.

"He asked for a discount because he saw how much you had spent." She chuckled. "I think it's about time we started spending money wisely and budgeting." She looked at everyone and they all seemed relieved.

"Of course," Emilia agreed with a smile. "Thank you so much, Praveen. You know, I have always told these children to spend money wisely but they don't listen. Thank you so much for showing them that even expensive things can be bought at a cheap price."

Praveen felt happy and at peace with granny's words. He couldn't help but smile. She had saved him from humiliation once again. He nodded softly and then smiled at everyone. They were such a nice family.

"Okay, why don't you go and freshen up so that you can show me all the things you've bought." Granny smiled brightly.

Praveen nodded and quickly left together with Celine. Meanwhile, Andrea was really mad. Her heart was on fire and she felt like ripping all that hair from Praveen's hair. He had once again humiliated her in front of her family. She wasn't gonna let that go.

She started going away but...

"And Andrea, next time you should learn to ask and keep your mouth shut." Emilia was angry and the tone of her voice showed. "All you know how to do is be stupid but there is also a limit to stupidity. Praveen is a very good boy and he knows what he's doing. He's the son in law of this house and must be treated with respect."

"Yeah," Granny agreed. "If not for one thing I would have given you a slap."

Andrea looked at both her mother and granny and left the room angry.

"I will go and talk to her." Bruce smiled sheepishly as he followed her.

Andrea ran to her room and as soon as she reached, she shut the door angrily and threw her expensive phone to the floor. She didn't care if it was broken. All she knew was that she was really mad. Her breaths were like flaming arrows... her heart was pounding so hard in her chest that she felt like it was about to come out of her chest. Adrenaline was preying on her and she didn't like it. She was moving about from side to side, thinking of what to do.

"That... that stupid boy!" She yelled. "I am gonna deal with him, I swear."

"Andrea!" Bruce came inside and closed the door. "Now that your plan has failed, what do you plan on doing?"

"No!" Andrea yelled, kicking the bed hard. "I will not let him do this to me. I won't allow him to humiliate me like this."

"Oh, when I was telling you he's smart, you thought I was being stupid." Bruce pealed mocking laughter. "I told you all that boy need is to shed a tear and he charms everyone. Now your own family probably sees you as a bad girl."

"I won't allow that to happen." She moved angrily to her friend. "I will hit him back. No!"

"What are you gonna do?"

Andrea looked at her friend, clenching his fists. "I won't allow him to charm Aunt Emma too."

"Then what are we gonna do?"

Andrea frowned and then breathed harshly, clenching her fists. "I will make his relationship with Aunt Emma so bitter that she will have no choice but to throw him out. I am gonna have to target her heart. I will make sure she throws him out within three days."

"Really?" Bruce grinned evilly. "Tell me about the plan."

An evil grin appeared on Andrea's face as all kinds of thoughts hit her. She wasn't gonna lose her entire family because of him. She was gonna deal with him once and for all and that was a promise.

To be continued….