All is fair in love and war

At CIA Headquarters, America

"YOU'VE BEEN FEEDING ME THIS FOR DAYS!! HOW LONG ARE YOU GONNA TAKE?? THAT BASTARD IS STILL BREATHING AND MY WIFE IS STILL WITH HIM!! I WANT HER BACK AT ANY COSTS!! DO YOUR SHARPSHOOTERS NEED A FUCKING WHOLE YEAR TO KILL A SINGLE PERSON?"

Vincent yelled on top of his lungs while glaring Leon with burning eyes. Leon along with his men was standing with his head hung low in shame and kept bearing his harsh words.

The man who had tried to kill Elijah that day was a sharpshooter who was sent by none other than CIA. But the truth is that Leon had send him to kill Xavier but unfortunately Elijah was shot, indirectly saving the life of his friend. Since then, CIA had sent hundreds of assassins and marksmen to hunt Xavier and his gang but they all returned with empty hands.

Noah was the one who was failing all their attempts. Working in CIA for years, he knew Vincent very well. He had deployed two personal security forces for Xavier who were guarding him 24/7. The Scorpions were extremely busy nowadays. Whole day they were busy in dealing with those CIA killers and protecting themselves as well as Rosaline. Xavier was too tensed. He always kept an eye on Rosaline through the camera. He had bugged the entire mansion and even placed a GPS chip in Rosaline's cell phone so that she can't talk with anyone. His main concern was to protect Rosaline even if he has to risk his life. On the other hand, Vincent was going nuts as he wanted to bring his wife back anyhow.

"S-Sir, we're sorry but Xavier had tightened the security around his mansion, office, penthouses, farmhouses and even around the Scorpions' warehouses and bases. His members are on the watch 24/7. We are trying our best Sir but Xavier's bodyguards always stick to him like a leech. Due to such tight security, we don't get an opportunity to kill Xavier. His friends and his security force never leave him alone, not even for a second."

No sooner Leon completed his words, a hard punch landed on his face with full force making him stumble backwards. Leon looked up only to see Vincent glaring him with red eyes.

"A CRIMINAL HAD INCREASED SECURITY AROUND HIM THIS MUCH THAT MY BEST TRAINED OFFICERS WHO THEMSELVES ARE SECRET AGENTS ARE UNABLE TO BEAT HIM! WOW!! IF YOU ARE THAT HELPLESS THEN STOP WAILING INFRONT OF ME AND LEAVE YOUR JOB!!"

Vincent hollered at him. Leon looked down while rubbing his bruised jaw.

Vincent squeezed his eyes shut and ran a hand through his hair to calm down. Suddenly the door opened revealing Matteo. He entered the room and looked at Leon and others who were getting hauled over coals by their Boss. He sighed.

"Vincent, Leon is right. Moreover, we can't kill Xavier as he is still the most reputed businessman of Italy and there is no way we can reveal his Mafia identity to put him behind the bars. We don't have any proofs against him."

Matteo spoke calmly. Vincent looked at him with tired eyes. Matteo's gaze softened when he noticed the sadness and pain in his younger brother's eyes. He could understand his anger. Matteo then walked to him closer and grabbed his shoulder.

"Calm down Vinci. If you keep flying off the handle like this then it would only exacerbate the situation more. Leon and others are doing their jobs well. You need to think with a calm mind and again I would advise you to drop your-"

He instantly zipped his mouth when Vincent shot him a death glare. Matteo rolled his eyes in annoyance. He was done with his stubbornness.

"Then there's only one way out. Rosaline is still legally your wife so you can take the help of law and bring her back.", Matteo suggested him. Vincent looked at him with a frown but then a throaty chuckle escaped his lips.

"And you're forgetting that Xavier and Rosaline are still not divorced. Your suggestion can backfire on me.", he gritted. Matteo sighed heavily.

"Then I think you should give up."

"Nope. That's not possible."

Matteo looked at Vincent with raised brows only to see him smiling to himself eerily.

"What do you mean by that? Come on Vinci, you can't force Rosaline.", Matteo raised his voice as he looked at him in anger. He knew that Vincent was again planning something vile and dangerous inside his canny mind.

Vincent looked at him. The corner of his lips curved up as he flashed Matteo a cynical smirk.

"You don't know your brother then Matt. Vincent Valentino never accepts defeat. And who said I can't force Rosaline. Did you heard forgot what my lovely wife had done? She betrayed me. In fact, Rosa should be thankful to me that she is still breathing." Vincent chuckled and turned around. He then picked up the frame which had Rosaline's picture from the table and started tracing his fingers on the glass.

"I did everything for you. I even betrayed my friend for you. I went against my family for you and this is what you give me in return. I was always by your side and when I need you the most, you left me. Here I am crying because of your heartbreak but you don't even give a fuck about my tears.", his voice turned heavy with each word. Matteo cupped his right shoulder and squeezed it gently.

"Because she doesn't love you Vinci. Why is it so hard for you to accept this? You also knew it damn well that whatever you did with Rosaline and Xavier was wrong. Deep down your heart you knew that once Rosaline will come to know the truth, she will hate you. Still, you took a chance and see what happened? I am sorry to say Vinci but you are only responsible for whatever is happening with you right now. You could have easily won her heart if you haven't let your obsession and madness fuck things up. You yourself are responsible for this mess.", Matteo spat in anger. Vincent looked down; a lone tear rolled down his cheek.

"Then I will gladly take the responsibility of making things right again."

Vincent spoke in a deep voice and lifted his head up. A chill ran down Matteo's spine as soon as his eyes met with his psychotic ones.

"What do you think Matt that I will be shedding tears for my cheater wife while she is busy enjoying her new life with her ex-lover? I am neither that stupid nor I am a lily-livered guy like him", he snarled while pointing his index finger towards Leon. Vincent then looked at Matteo. He chuckled at his pale face who was watching him agape.

"If I like something I snatch it and if I can't get it, I destroy it.", he sneered. Matteo looked in his eyes which were reflecting pure evil and malevolence. Vincent was looking like a psycho, a sick deranged psychopath.

"Vinci, don't. You are taking a wrong route, brother. It will only harm you at the end and I don't want that. I don't care about Rosaline and Xavier-"

"But I do." Vincent cut him off harshly.

"I can't let them get out with this so easily. I can't let that bastard live happily after snatching my happiness nor I will spare Rosaline for betraying me. They have to pay and I will make them pay.", he gnashed his teeth in rage. Vincent then walked towards Leon and grabbed his collar making him startled.

"Kidnap Rosa's parents and bring them to me."

Vincent said in his husky voice. Leon and Matteo looked at him with wide eyes. His words snatched the ground beneath their feet but Vincent was looking at them with emotionlessly, unfazed by their shock.

Matteo blazed in anger. He marched towards him and pulled his right forearm roughly making him face him.

"ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING TO YOURSELF? THIS IS BETWEEN YOU AND XAVIER!! WHY ARE YOU PLAYING WITH THE LIVES OF INNOCENTS??", Matteo shouted on his face. Vincent smirked and yanked his arm away from his hold.

"Have you ever come across this proverb brother that all is fair in love and war? If yes then step back and if no then go and fucking learn it.", he jeered him and again focused his eyes on Leon who was watching him with stunned expressions. Vincent cocked a brow and glared him.

"You're still here? I have hurt your jaw not your legs that you can't move", he spat. Leon immediately looked down and shook his head.

"THEN FUCKING LEAVE AND DO AS I SAY!!", he bellowed. Leon and his men immediately bowed at him and scurried away. Vincent then turned back and looked at Matteo who was glaring him with anger and resentment.

"I know I am handsome. No need to gawk at me like this.", he said in a mocking tone and walked past him. He then plopped down on his chair and loosened his tie. Matteo took a deep breath and spoke in an earnest tone.

"I know it will be a futile attempt to convince you. The doors of your agile and sensible mind have been jammed and you have locked the humanity and kind side of yours deep down in your heart. Your obsession and madness had completely overpowered your senses so it's a waste of time to even talk to you but still, still I would request you to stop your nonsense. Your madness will destroy three lives Vinci and if you don't put a halt on it then nothing will be left for you in the end except crying and wailing on your miseries."

With that Matteo left the room. Vincent stared at the door for some time with cold eyes. His words left a huge impact on his mind and soul.

Vincent then opened a drawer of his table and rummaged through the files kept inside it. He removed a blue file from the drawer.

Opening the last page of the file, he took out an old photograph.

'It was a picture of Xavier and him along with Andrew Knight and Luca Valentino.'

Vincent stared it for some time in silence. His eyes pooled with heavy tears but then all of a sudden, he crumpled that piece of paper between his fingers. His jaw got clenched as that picture raked old memories which were filled with miseries, sorrows, rage and vengeance.

"I know what I am doing is wrong but there are times brother when you need to be selfish. Xavier and his father had made us cry a lot. Maybe you have forgotten their treachery and forgiven them but I haven't. That fire of vengeance is still alive in my heart and Rosaline's betrayal has only fanned the flames of my revenge more. Now that fire will devour everyone. I won't spare anyone and Xavier, you have played enough. You have laughed enough now it's time for you to pay for your as well as for your father's sins."

*****

~Two days later

Knight Heritage

9:00 a.m.

Rosaline's P.O.V.

I was at home reading articles of Rian Corporation on my MacBook. Xavier and others were at Knight Empire. I didn't join them as Xavier had strictly warned me not to leave the mansion. I was too bored here but didn't argue with him since I have given him my word.

I was reading about the latest hybrid vehicle which was designed by Rian Corporation. Rian Corporation is nowadays on the boil. It is now taking the other automobile companies by the storm and is being counted as one of the leading automobile companies of America. A smile crept on my lips as I got a vicarious thrill reading about their innovative and advanced designs.

There was a time when I also used to present my exquisite designs of cars and return home with handful of praises and claps. Remembering those days when I used to live and die for my work, when I used to love and be passionate about my work brought tears in my eyes. I never wanted to be the Vice President of Valentino Estates. I hate there as it wasn't something which I wanted to achieve. Attending meetings, talking with clients, dealing with shareholders, doing all those paperwork was a tall order for me and it was such a boring task. But having no other options, I had to work there.

While I was lost in my thoughts suddenly my phone buzzed. I checked the caller ID.

"Mom?"

'But why is she calling me?'

I was confused as why after so many months she decided to call me? Is she okay?

Although Xavier has forbidden me to even take calls but she is my Mom. I decided to pick it up but as soon as I lifted my finger to press the green button, the call ended.

"What the-"

I immediately called her. After a few rings she picked up.

~OTP

"Mom, why did-"

"Rosebud"

I froze on my spot hearing that familiar deep voice.

"Xavier, how do you-", but before I could say something Xavier cut me off.

"Sweetheart, I am busy right now. I will call you later."

With that he hung up. I was still sitting in the same position with the phone in my hand.

'But didn't I call my Mom?'

The voice in my mind pulled me back from my trance. I immediately checked my call history. My eyes widened in shock. I did call Mom but how come-

'Wait'

'Did Xavier tap my phone?'

Suddenly it hit me. My eyes instantly landed on all the cameras that were installed in my room but Xavier had told me about them so it wasn't a big deal but phone tapping? Isn't this too much?

My jaw clenched. It might be an important call. How can Xavier do that? What if my parents need me? What if they are in danger? What if Vincent or his family were threatening them?

My heart lodged in fear as worst possibilities started clouding my mind. But Xavier isn't allowing me to talk to them. I threw my phone in rage.

"Now what should I do?", I rubbed my palms over my face in frustration. I was trapped in this giant mansion with Xavier's armed men in black. I was feeling caged here.

I knew Xavier was trying to protect me but I need to protect my parents too. They are still under the clutches of Vincent and he can do anything to them just to take me back.

"No, I can't risk their lives. I have to talk to Xavier."

~~~💗~~~