Raging Love Ch. 10

Travis chuckled happily, nodding. "You're absolutely right about that. Sadness went a long time ago. What you see are tears of joy and nothing else. Anyway, enough of this emotional drama and the kissing." He laughed when Santiago raised his eyebrow. "I am really starving and I hope you cooked something."

Santiago laughed. "Of course, there's actually a lot. Shall we?"

Travis nodded and they all started heading to the dining room but before they got further...

"Daddy!" Sean asked. "I miss father!"

Travis stopped in his tracks and looked at his son like he'd just seen a ghost. He couldn't believe what his ears had just heard. His heart began racing and he felt shivers run down his spine in series. Everything went quiet and his mouth began shaking. In six months, that was the first time Travis heard Sean say that he missed Antonio. He was beyond shocked.

"I miss him so much, daddy." Sean added. "When's father coming back to me? Did he leave because he doesn't like us anymore?"

Travis felt like someone had just poured ice water on him. He couldn't believe what he was hearing from Sean. He had heard Sean talking to Emilia about Antonio before but what he felt at that time was beyond explanation. It was like he was dreaming.

"It's been long, daddy. I want my handsome father back." Travis could see the tears in his son's eyes and it just made him weak. "Doesn't he like us anymore?"

"Sean, what are you saying?"

Travis felt at peace when Vanessa came to his rescue. He had been so dumbstruck that he felt like Sean wasn't gonna stop asking those questions.

"Of course, your father loves you a lot." She took him from Travis' arms. "He loves you so much and he'll come back very soon. He's also having a really hard time being away from you. But you know what..." She playfully pinched his cheeks, smiling when he giggled. "...daddy, Uncle Santiago, Uncle Ethan and I are all here for you and we'll never leave you alone." Sean smiled. "Now let's go and enjoy our food."

As they were leaving, Travis kept on staring at his son and he had no idea why he got so much fear. He knew the young boy was becoming curious and that wasn't the last time he was gonna ask that question. Why was his son trying to bring back memories he was trying too hard to forget?

"Are you okay?" Ethan asked, squeezing his shoulder.

Travis nodded. "I am fine."

He started following to the dining with a smile on his face. He wasn't gonna allow that to mess with his head.

***

Travis took a sip of his fresh pineapple juice, enjoying the wonderful flavor that it left in his mouth. He never got enough of that flavor. Travis was in his pajamas, busy looking at his laptop, reading some of the emails that had been sent to him.

As he was busy reading, he heard a knock on his door and he told whoever was knocking to come inside. Ethan came inside with a smile, heading to where Travis was seated. He sat closer to him, still wearing that smile.

"Hmm... Look who decided to spend the night!" Travis teased, chuckling softly. "Aren't you two cute?"

"I know, right. Well, he insisted I spend the night so..." He shrugged. "...here I am."

"Hmm..." Travis moaned. "Well, you better keep it a little down. I don't want to hear any moans tonight."

"Crazy!" Ethan hit Travis slightly on the shoulder, making the both of them laugh. "I definitely love the new you. You're hilarious and fun to be around."

"Hmm..." Travis folded his arms on his chest, his face getting stern. "...now I am wondering what that is supposed to mean."

"Don't take it in a bad way." Ethan raised his hands like he was surrendering. "You were very serious months back and you were always busy with work. But right now, you're fun and down to earth. I never actually thought we'd even become great friends. It is thanks to you that I met the love of my life!"

"Oh..." Travis smiled, giving Ethan a quick hug. "I love you too. Now I have to send you out. I need to do some work before I hit the bed. Do you mind?"

"Not really!" Ethan sighed. "But I just wanted to remind you that tomorrow evening, we are meeting a very important client, Mason Williams. He is having party and he is personally inviting us. That way, we can also discuss about the designs for his wedding outfit and also take measurements too."

Travis frowned. "Do I have to? You know I don't like these..."

"I don't want to hear that." Ethan got up, covering his ears. "We're both going and that's final."

"But..."

"I can't hear you!" Ethan covered his ears and left laughing.

"Ethan!"

But he was already gone. Travis remained smiling. He had no idea why he was so happy. He shook his head and got back to his work.

***

Travis, Ethan and Santiago were welcomed by slow music as soon as they entered the house of their client. There were beautiful, classy decorations and the entire place was just amazing. There were a few people, maybe just close friends and business partners and they were all dressed beautifully. Some of they were talking, others eating and drinking. Everyone seemed happy.

Travis was killing it that evening with an all-white outfit and white shoes on his feet. His hair was tied in a curled ponytail, revealing his beautiful face. Ethan and Santiago looked amazing too and they couldn't help but admire the house and the way the party was organized.

It didn't take long and they saw someone waving at them happily while rushing towards them. He was a really handsome young man with short blonde hair and a smile to die for. He was putting on a blood red designer's suit with red shoes. He was looking really amazing.

"Hey!" Mason said happily, shaking Travis' hands powerfully. "You made it for my party. You've got no idea how happy I am to see you again."

"Same here!" Travis smiled brightly.

Mason blushed, taking a deep breath. "And Ethan, you look really amazing tonight."

"Thanks!" Ethan said happily.

"And who is this sexy man with you?"

Ethan glanced at Santiago and gave the brightest smile yet. "This is my boyfriend, Santiago."

"Wow!" Mason just nodded. "You two look good together. I can honestly say that you're a match made in heaven, just perfect."

"Thanks!"

Mason chuckled. "Anyway, you're welcome to my party. Why don't you enjoy..."

"Well, actually, I was hoping we could talk right now." Travis said, literally pleading with the guy. "I have somewhere important that I need to be."

Mason glanced at his watch. "But it's too early, Mr. Marasigan."

"It might be. But I really need to hurry."

Mason sighed gloomily. "Alright, we can do that. But I am sure the couple can have a bit of fun while we talk."

"Sure!" Ethan nodded.

Mason smiled. "Alright, let's go."

While Ethan and Santiago joined the party, Travis and Mason went to the living room area and sat on the couch. Travis didn't really like parties. In fact, he hadn't attended any party in the last six months. He had just suddenly hated them.

"Are you alright, Mr. Marasigan?" Mason asked. "You actually surprised me when you said you were in a hurry. Don't you like parties?"

Travis gave a sheepish smile. "Just in a hurry, Mr. Williams. I am a very busy man. And if you don't mind, can we get into business? I need to know the kind of designs that you want for your wedding."

Mason nodded, smiling at the beautiful man. "Sure! I believe that your company is the best when it comes to fashion and I honestly don't have any doubt because I have seen your work. What inspires me the most is how dedicated you are with interacting with a client?"

Travis smiled brightly. "I just love my work and my clients' happiness is my priority."

"That's great. Anyway, I threw this party for my fiancé. He is coming back from abroad and our wedding is set for next week. Do you think you can manage to finish our outfits before that?"

Travis chuckled. "Anytime you need them, they'll be ready."

"Cool! I don't want to see any of your designs. I want you to surprise me, hit me with your best shot."

Travis chuckled nervously. "Are you sure that's what you really want?"

"Yes!" He took an envelope from the table and handed it over to Travis. "In there are the details about my wedding, the plans and everything that you might need to inspire you. Not only do I want you to design the wedding outfits, I need you to plan my wedding too. I hope you can help me with that?"

Travis opened the envelope and started going through. Even as he did, looking at the pictures, he could already picture some of the ideas for the outfit. A smile popped up his face and he took a deep breath.

"Do you have a boyfriend or girlfriend?" Mason asked.

As soon as Travis heard that question, he raised his head and lost the smile on his face, shaking his head. "No!"

"Married?"

"No!"

"Why?" Mason asked curiously. "It is not every day you come across a really handsome guy who's neither dating nor married. You must be really unique."

Travis nodded nonchalantly, giving a fake smile. He didn't want to talk about his love life because it was a chapter that he had closed already. He continued going through the envelope, reading through and getting some ideas from it. But suddenly...

"Oh finally!" Mason said happily, rising from the couch. "He's here."

Travis raised his head to find Mason rushing from where he sat. He smiled brightly because he knew that his fiancé had arrived and he was gonna be meeting him for the first time ever. He rose from the couch and with a brilliant smile, he slowly turned to finally meet the man that had swept crazy Mason off his feet.

But when Travis eventually turned, he simply froze. The smile on his face started fading slowly... he felt a sudden sense of coldness taking over, feeling like a cold wind went through him... his skin began tingling and he felt like his heart had stopped beating. It was like every sound in that room was fading. He was horrified.

It couldn't be. There was no way what he was seeing was real... it was impossible... it had to be a dream. Travis found himself staring without even blinking. He became aware of his own heartbeat and he couldn't believe just how loud it was. His heart pounded so violently in his chest that it almost gave him a heart attack.

He watched as Mason kissed his fiancé before the both of them hugged tightly. They were both smiling and they looked so happy and in love. When Mason's fiancé raised his head, Travis' eyes locked with his and they both stared into each other's eyes. A shiver went down Travis' spine and he got really scared. The man was looking into his eyes and he wanted to look away but he couldn't do it. He found himself staring.

After the hug, the two of them coiled their hands and they started coming towards him. The man was dressed in a really beautiful pink designer's shirt with his hairy chest exposed on which a beautiful golden chain rested. The shirt was tucked in a tight black trouser with black and white striped shoes on his feet. His golden brown hair was made into textured falling quiff, revealing his beautiful face. Although he had glasses on, Travis could remember that face anywhere.

Travis kept on staring at him in fear even as the couple came to him.

"Wow, I am so glad you're finally here." Mason said excitedly. "You're just in time to meet Mr. Travis Marasigan. He's personally designing the wedding outfits. How cool is that? I mean, the owner of fashion and the city will be designing the outfits."

Even though Mason was saying that, Travis' mind and eyes were elsewhere. He couldn't even hear a thing.

"Anyway, pardon my manners..." Mason apologized, resting his hand on Travis' shoulder. That was when he came back to reality. "...Travis, this is... this is Antonio." He rested his head on his chest lovingly.

Travis felt the wind push him behind and he took a step backwards. Tears were welling up in his eyes. He couldn't believe he was staring at Antonio, right in front of him. The man looked really different but extremely handsome. Staring into his eyes, Travis couldn't help but remember all the things that had transpired between them.

"Now that he's here, you can also take his measurements."

Antonio was staring into Travis' eyes and he didn't know how to react. Six months had felt like forever and after so long, he had managed to pull his life together. But now it was like he was confronting his past. His heart raced so much and he felt really hot. Then suddenly, he gave a really brilliant smile and removed his glasses, slowly stretching his hand.

"Nice to meet you, Travis!"

Travis felt like someone had stabbed his heart when he heard Antonio's voice and that smile on his face. He didn't know what was happening but something awoke in him and he didn't know what. He couldn't feel any pain but what he felt was making him weak. He couldn't believe that Antonio was the one marrying Mason.

He glanced at the hand that was waiting to be shook and without even realizing it, he slowly stretched his hand. And when their hands touched, Travis felt like he'd been connected to a cable of electricity. He didn't even realize that a tear had just rolled down his cheek. He quickly withdrew his hand, taking a step away from Antonio.

"I am sorry!" He apologized abruptly, picking the phone from the couch. "I am really sorry but I gotta go."

With those words, he started rushing out of there like the hounds of hell where after him.

"Excuse me!" Antonio said before he started rushing after Travis.

He was running like a mad man. "Travis, please wait!" He hollered. "Please!"

But Travis just increased his pace and went running through the crowd. He wanted to go away from Antonio as fast as he could. But Antonio too was running.

Why was he running anyway, he thought? Antonio had no impact on him. He had broken all ties with him and had released him. Shouldn't his being married and moving on make Travis happy? It was what he wanted, right?

"Travis!"

Antonio pulled Travis' arm quickly, stopping him instantly. Travis stopped but didn't even bother to turn. He didn't want to look at Antonio.

"What's going on?" Antonio asked worriedly.

Travis clenched his fists. "Why are you back? Please, don't touch me. Let me just go in peace."

"What's wrong?" Antonio asked, wondering why Travis was acting that way. "Why are you leaving? I thought you were supposed to be taking measurements for the outfits?"

Travis shook his head. "I have changed my mind. I just need to..."

"And why's that, Travis? I thought work was more important to you and besides, it's not right to back out of a contract."

Travis was having difficulties breathing. "I have changed my mind."

"But why's that?" Antonio asked. "Why's this wedding affecting you so much? I thought you were good with it. Besides, this is really important and it's happening next week. You can't back out of it. Think of what this might do to the wedding."

Travis felt a tear rolling down his cheek and he quickly rubbed it. "I am so sorry but..."

"Why?" Antonio asked in a raised voice, alerting some people. "Why can't you continue with this contract?"

"I have my own reasons."

Meanwhile, Ethan who had been passing by with his boyfriend got the shock of his life when he looked in front of him and saw his best friend in the party. He was just as shocked as everyone that saw Antonio. His eyes were wide open and he was frozen, staring at Antonio like he'd seen a ghost. His heart was racing and he thought he was in a dream. Tears had already formed in his eyes. He wanted to rush to Antonio, hug him but he was frozen.

"But this is really important, Travis." Antonio literally pleaded. "By cancelling this contract then... then this entire thing will be ruined."

"You can always find someone else. I don't want to do this anymore."

"Why's that?"

"Please..."

"Tell me!" Antonio asked, getting closer. "Why can't you continue?"

"Please!" Travis covered his ears slightly, feeling a headache setting in. "Leave me!"

"Tell me! What's the reason? Why are you backing out?"

Travis covered his ears but he could still hear Antonio's voice. It was like Antonio was in his head and it was driving him insane. His head was hurting so bad and his hormones were starting to prey on him. He could feel his anger rising.

"Tell me!"

"Enough!" Travis snapped, furiously turning to face the man. "What the hell do you want from me when you're already getting married? Why don't you just go to your fiancé and leave me alone! I don't want anything to do with this wedding and neither do I want the contract."

Travis said that out loud without even realizing that he had said it. He felt really terrible and he was panting. Antonio was beyond shocked. He hadn't expected that at all.

"Do you think you can just play with someone's feelings like that?" He asked with a tear going down his cheek. "Is this entire thing a game to you? Don't you know when to stop with your games?" He furiously shook his head. "And here I was, thinking that you were gonna change but I was wrong. I am such fool for even thinking that you and I..."

Travis trailed off, feeling like someone had just covered his mouth. He didn't even know he had uttered those words out of anger. He glanced around and found that all faces were on him. Shit! He felt really hot and he was very nervous. He felt silly and he knew that he had to get out of there.

With a quick glance at the man that was staring at him with his eyes wide open, he quickly turned and started rushing out of there. He had just taken a few steps and was almost getting out of there before another shock hit him.

"Will you go on a date with me?"

Travis felt his heart pound in his throat and he froze where he stood. He was beyond shocked and a myriad of emotions took control of him. He was really scared and confused. Antonio's voice kept on ringing in his head.

"I want to go on a date with you. Will you give me a chance?"

Travis slowly turned and got another shock. Antonio was on one knee with his hand stretched, literally asking for Travis' hand. Travis remained standing there, his eyes wide open and his mouth was shaking.

"I know I am an unworthy, unfortunate guy but would you consider going on a date with me? I love you so much, Travis!"

Travis slowly started walking to where Antonio was kneeling, staring right into his eyes. His face was stern and what he was feeling inside was too deep to describe. He reached Antonio, looked at him and groaned.

"You're really despicable." He chuckled bitterly. "You're getting married to another person and you want to date another person? How sick are you, Antonio?"

"Look, what..."

"It's actually my foolishness, Antonio!" Travis chuckled bitterly. "I am being played for a fool but what could I have expected from you? You are a liar. There's a limit to toying with someone or even playing a prank."

Antonio got up, a frown appearing on his face. "Travis, listen..."

He tried to go away but Antonio pulled him back and he quickly withdrew his arm. He couldn't believe a man like Antonio had done that just to hurt him. It was hurting so terribly.

"Please, try and understand me." Antonio said softly. "I am not who you think I am. You told me to fix my life. You told me to find happiness, fall in love again. I took your advice and you're still upset with me?"

Travis couldn't believe what he was hearing. He could very well remember that he had told that to Antonio when he was fast asleep after the operation. He felt a really cold wind go through his body and he slightly dropped his eyes to the floor. He had given Antonio a kiss that day.

"I took your advice and I went away. I tried to fix my life and with so much difficult, I managed to forget about everything and brought my life back on track. But even still, I couldn't find happiness because my happiness lies here with you." He took Travis' hand but Travis quickly withdrew. "Can't you see how much I love you? I came back here for you because I want to start my life anew with you. Give me a chance. Go on a date with me and let's start this beautiful thing between us."