Tayvis: Twists of Fate

Chapter - 26 : Putting up the act

On the way home, Travis glanced at Taylor, his face clouded with concern. "Taylor, did I say anything inappropriate when I was drunk last night?" he asked, his voice tentative.

Taylor took a deep breath, silently thanking God that Travis didn't remember anything. "No, Travis. You were already unconscious by the time I arrived," she lied, hoping to keep the peace.

Travis sighed in relief, silently thanking God as well. He had been worried about his drunken confession and felt grateful he hadn't revealed his feelings in such a state. He thought of asking Taylor about Shawn's proposal but decided against it; she was already stressed about him, and he didn't want to add to her burdens.

Taylor dropped Travis off at his home and then went to her own. She switched on the shower and let the hot water cascade over her, crying for a good, long time. Her mind raced with the turmoil of the past few days. Then an idea struck her: Travis would leave for the NFL in a week, and she could act like she had accepted Shawn's proposal to avoid breaking Travis's heart again. Thinking it was the best solution, she dialed Shawn's number.

"Shawn, can you help me with something?" Taylor asked, her voice steady despite her inner turmoil.

"Of course, Taylor. What do you need?" Shawn responded, sounding eager.

"I need you to act like my fiancé. Just for a while," she explained. "Travis is leaving for the NFL soon, and I don't want to hurt him more than I already have."

Shawn, sensing an opportunity, readily agreed. "Absolutely, Taylor. I'll be happy to help. When and where?"

Taylor arranged to meet Shawn at a hotel near her home. She also called Travis, inviting him to the same location.

"Travis, I want to introduce you to someone. Can you meet me at the hotel near my home tomorrow evening?" Taylor asked, trying to keep her voice light.

Travis's heart sank, knowing what this likely meant. But he wanted to be there for Taylor, no matter what. "Sure, Taylor. I'll be there," he said, forcing a smile she couldn't see over the phone.

The next evening, Taylor and Shawn arrived at the hotel dressed in color-coordinated outfits to sell the charade. Shawn, ever the opportunist, was more than willing to play his part convincingly.

When Travis walked into the hotel lobby, he immediately spotted Taylor and Shawn, standing close together, dressed like a couple. His heart ached, but he masked his pain with a smile.

"Hey, Taylor. Hey, Shawn," he greeted, forcing a casual tone.

"Hi, Travis," Taylor responded, her voice strained. She took a deep breath and continued, "Travis, I want you to meet my fiancé, Shawn. We've decided to get engaged."

Travis's heart dropped, but he managed to keep his composure. "Congratulations, you two," he said, extending a hand to Shawn.

"Thanks, man," Shawn replied, shaking Travis's hand firmly. He put an arm around Taylor, pulling her closer. "We're really happy."

Travis could see the discomfort in Taylor's eyes, but he didn't say anything. He just nodded and swallowed the lump in his throat. "I'm really happy for you, Taylor. You deserve all the happiness in the world."

"Thank you, Travis," Taylor said softly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She looked away, unable to meet his gaze.

They sat down at a table, and the conversation was stilted and awkward. Travis tried to engage in small talk, but his heart wasn't in it. All he could think about was the confession he had made, the love he had felt, and now the crushing reality of seeing Taylor with someone else.

After a while, Travis excused himself. "I should get going. I have some preparations to make for the NFL. It was nice seeing you both. Congratulations again."

"Thanks, Travis," Taylor said, her voice barely above a whisper.

As he walked away, Taylor watched him go, her heart heavy with regret. She knew she had made the choice to protect him, but it didn't make it any easier. Shawn squeezed her hand, and she forced a smile, though her thoughts were far from happy.

Travis left the hotel, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. He had hoped for so much, but now he had to let go. He drove home in silence, the weight of unspoken words and unfulfilled dreams pressing down on him. Taylor had made her choice, and he had to respect it, no matter how much it hurt.
The day had been torturous for Taylor, and it only got worse when the lunch was over. As they were paying the bill, Shawn's hand slipped inappropriately down her back. Taylor stiffened, her patience snapping.

"Shawn, stop it," she hissed, pulling away from him.

"Relax, Taylor," he said with a smirk, "just trying to show some affection."

"Keep your hands to yourself," she shot back, glaring at him.

Shawn dropped her off at home, but just as she was about to get out, she realized the doors were locked. Panic set in as she tried to open the door, but it wouldn't budge.

"What's going on, Shawn? Unlock the door," she demanded, her voice trembling.

Shawn's smile was sinister as he leaned closer. "Kiss me, sweetheart. That's the only way the door's going to unlock."

Taylor was disgusted and shouted, "Are you insane? Let me out, now!"

Ignoring her, Shawn grabbed her hands, locking them above her head with one of his. With his other hand, he traced his fingers from her forehead down to her lips. Taylor turned her face away, repulsed by his touch.

"Stop it, Shawn! This is not funny!" she yelled, struggling against his grip.

Just then, Shawn noticed people walking by the street. Reluctantly, he released her. "I was just joking, Taylor. Don't take it so seriously," he said, feigning an apologetic tone.

Taylor glared at him, her eyes filled with fury and fear. She scrambled out of the car as soon as the doors were unlocked and ran inside her house, slamming the door behind her. She bolted the door and leaned against it, her breath coming in short gasps.

Her body shook with the effort of holding back sobs. She hurried to her bedroom, tears streaming down her face. She threw herself onto her bed and cried, her body wracked with sobs. The image of Shawn's leering face and his vile touch haunted her, making her feel violated and powerless.

"Why did I ever think this was a good idea?" she whispered to herself between sobs. "I should have known better."

The thought of calling Travis crossed her mind, but she quickly dismissed it. She had put him through enough already, and she didn't want to drag him into more of her mess. She hugged herself tightly, trying to find some semblance of comfort.

Sleep was elusive, but eventually, exhaustion took over, and she drifted into a restless slumber. The events of the evening replayed in her dreams, turning them into nightmares. The only solace she found was in the morning light, though it brought with it the harsh reality of the choices she had made and the consequences she now faced.