Chapter 1: A New Beginning

4 years later

At CIA's Headquarters, America 

10:30 a.m.

Vincent's P.O.V.

"Come in"

The door opened revealing a lady with wavy black hair and slim figure. 

Emily Stone

Emily was a beginner but she was a very hardworking and passionate girl. Her fighting skills were truly amazing and commendable.

"Yes Agent 007, what brings you here?" She bowed at me and spoke gently.

"Sir, we had captured the leader of the Black Lucifer. He is in CIA's cell right now" I nodded.

"What about their weapons and missiles?"

"Damaged"

"Bases?"

"Exploded"

"Their property?"

"Confiscated and transferred to government's bank"

I smiled and nodded.

"Good job Agent 007, I am proud of you" Emily smiled back and bowed to me. 

"Well do you got any other news?", I looked at her sharply. 

This time she didn't looked at me and I know why. She shook her head in denial and kept her gaze down in shame.

"DAMMIT!!!"

I banged my fists on the table loudly making her flinch. I stood up with great force causing the chair to fell down on the floor with a loud thud.

"Where, just where the hell is he? I have searched him in every corner of United States, in every spot of Italy, in every town, district, state, city and country of the world. Did the earth swallowed him or what?"

Emily didn't utter a single word. She just remained glued on the spot. I then heaved a heavy sigh to calm myself down. 

"Listen Agent 007, I am warning you if you guys fail this time. Then be ready to get demoted", I snarled as I glared her in anger.

Her eyes widened. She nodded in fear. I then gave her a last look and stormed off the room closing the door with a loud bang. Emily also hurriedly went outside.

End of Vincent's P.O.V.

"Bloody shit!!"

Emily muttered under her breathe. She slammed her fists in the desk while glaring at the wall.

"Whoo, someone is on fire today"

Emily rolled her eyes in annoyance and glared at the dark brunette sitting on the couch smirking at her evilly.

"Fuck off Caleb"

She spat while plopping down on her chair.

"Ouch!!"

Caleb whined as he put his right hand on his heart.

"Why do you hate me so much?" He spoke in a fake crying voice while taking a seat in front of her.

"Cause you're just a pain in the ass, nothing else", Emily spat.

"Oh my!!"

Caleb looked at her in shock. His eyes widened as he heard her cursing him while she just averted his gaze away from him focussing on the screen.

"Aish!! You're such a pottymouth. By the way what's bothering our little Angel that she lost all her senses and turned into a witch?" Emily glared at him. He snickered.

"AHH! That Fucking Alien again!! I just don't know what does he wants from that Virile Hunk? Why does he-"

"Dude!! Who is the very Hunk?" Caleb furrowed his brows. Emily shot him an annoying look.

"First of all, don't call me dude and secondly that's virile" She spoke in a very dramatic manner making him giggle.

"Okay so who's that Virile Hunk?" He mocked her. She glared at him.

"I don't know" She spoke while shrugging her shoulders. Caleb's eyes widened.

"Du-"

Emily immediately shot him a death glare making him shut his mouth.

"Okay, okay Miss Emily Stone Ma'am, will you do me a favour to tell me what do you mean by 'I don't know'?"

He asked while showing him his puppy eyes making her cringe.

"Oh God, don't do that. Well I don't know who he is? Boss had just shown me his picture and told me and Agent 005 to capture him", Emily replied. 

"Can you show me?", Caleb looked at her while smiling sheepishly. 

"No way in hell. It's a secret mission. Besides missions aren't disclosed to other Agents. We need to keep them confidential"

Caleb nodded his head like a five-year-old kid making Emily smile at his cuteness. But she quickly put on her cold mask and spoke in an arrogant tone.

"Alright, now shoo. I need to do my work", she spoke while working on her laptop. 

"Okay. Bye Miss Emily Sto-"

"Shut up and fuck off"

She growled while gritting her teeth. Caleb smirked and got up. He then opened the door and left.

But suddenly he peaked through the door and shouted.

"Pottymouth!!"

"YOU"

Caleb quickly shut the door and ran away. Unknowingly a smile crept on her face. She then shook her head off and continued with her work.

*****

At Valentino Estates, U.S.

11:00 a.m.

Rosaline's P.O.V.

"Here's your coffee Rosie"

"Thanks Henry"

I took the coffee and put it on the table. Henry smiled and sat in front of me.

"Hey! Drink it or it will turn cold" I narrowed my eyes at him.

"It's literally burning right now. Are you in case planning to set my taste buds on fire? I didn't know that you are planning to kill your Vice President?", I spoke and smirked at him. But to my surprise he smirked back.

"So, what should I do? My charms don’t have any effect on you so I decided to kill you by the hot cappuccino"

I instantly threw a pen right on his face which he luckily caught it. He started laughing. I rolled my eyes and started working on the report.

"By the way I am here to inform you Ms. Workaholic that we have a meeting with Miller Corporation next week and your father-in-law wants to see his daughter-in-law. So, you need to go Mrs. Valentino?", he giggled. 

"Okay"

I said. Henry smiled and left the room.

Yes, I am married to Vincent now. I am currently working as the Vice President of Valentino Estates. I never wanted to marry Vincent but my parents forced me to move on with my life after they came to know about Xavier. They were horrified when I told them my entire story but they were also sad because I kept them in dark all these years and suffered alone. Dad got furious after knowing my misery so he ordered me to cut all my ties from Xavier and file for divorce. I didn't had any option left as I saw how much they got scared for my life. After a month, Vincent told me that Xavier had escaped.

To be frank, I also got terrified after knowing this. But this time I was scared for my parents' life as they are my only family. Xavier had already killed all my friends and this time he will be on the hunt for my parents.

But Vincent came as a Guardian Angel in my life.

~Flashback

4 years ago

"V I am scared. He will kill my parents" I cried. V hugged me tightly.

"Rosa, don't worry. I am there for you" He assured me and slowly broke the hug. He wiped off my tears with his thumb. My Mom approached us and held his arm.

"If he wants to kill us then he can but I can't afford to lose my daughter again. Please save us", she said with teary-eyes. Vincent quickly held her shoulders and spoke gently.

"Don't worry. You all are my responsibility now. I won't let anyone harm you"

But suddenly something made me change my mind. I grabbed his arm and turned him towards me.

"No, I don't want anyone's help now. I am gonna deal with everything myself", I spoke in a stern voice. Vincent's eyes widened as he stared me in shock.

"W-What are you saying Rosaline?", Dad spoke as he stared me in shock and fear.

"No Dad, I am tired of running away, looking for someone's help and indirectly killing them just for my selfishness. I am tired of watching my dear ones getting hurt​. Xavier was right. I am responsible for everyone's death, for everyone's pain so now I am gonna deal with him alone. I can't let anyone get hurt because of me"

Vincent stared at me while I looked at him with teary-eyes. He heaved a deep sigh before answering me.

"Okay if that's what you want but tell me what will you do? We even don't know where Xavier is. We just got the information about his breakout. Don't tell me that you are planning to go on search for him?"

I laughed little at his words. Vincent chuckled too. But then I grabbed his hands in my soft ones and spoke while looking in his eyes. 

"You need to teach me self-defence" 

Vincent's jaw dropped as he didn't expect this.

"What are you saying?", he said while my parents looked at me with stunned faces. I then took a deep breath and spoke in a serious tone.

"See, I don't have the skills to become an Agent but the least what can I do is to protect my family. I need to keep them safe at all cost. Firstly, I need a job moreover a stable one which can pay me better. Secondly, I need to learn how to defend myself. I can't rely on you all the time nor I want to rely on anyone. I don't want to have myself always guarded by someone. I want to become self-sufficient. I am tired of seeking help from someone, begging somebody to save me. Now I want to protect myself on my own. And for this I will do anything. I am not taking my words back. I mean it"

Vincent stared at me for a few minutes and then hummed in response.

"Alright I am gonna help you. You can work in my Dad's company if you want to"

He spoke calmly while patting my shoulders to comfort me. I smiled and nodded.

"Okay"

~Next day

10:30 a.m.

At Valentino Estates, America 

Vincent took me to his Dad's company. His father, Mr. Lucas Valentino was the CEO of Valentino Estates. Basically, Vincent hailed from a very rich family.

Vincent knocked at the door. We then entered inside.

"Oh! Vincent. Who's this pretty woman?", Mr. Valentino said as he looked at me with a frown. I bowed to him respectfully.

"I am Rosaline Kni-"

I immediately shut my mouth as soon as I realised what the fuck I was saying. Vincent noticed my panicked state and quickly covered it for me.

"She's Rosaline, my friend. She is looking for a job Dad. She is highly qualified and will be best suited for the position of Vice President"

My heart stopped. I stared at him in shock.

"V-Vice President?"

He nodded while smiling. I tugged the sleeve of his shirt and whisper-yelled.

"No, what the hell? I just want to work as a simple employee"

"Why?"

I flinched when Mr. Valentino suddenly interrupted me. Vincent handed him my file which contained my resume, marksheets and certificates. He started checking it. I noticed his eyes sparkled as his lips slowly curved into a smile.

"Wow!! You are truly incredible. You are the most appropriate person for this position. You possess all the qualifications and skills required for this post and I think hiring you will be a prolific decision for my company"

I blushed slightly as I was overwhelmed by his words. Vincent chuckled and patted my head.

"You're selected"

My eyes gleamed in excitement. I was elated and Vincent hugged me happily.

"Congratulations"

Tears of joy rolled down my cheeks as I cried in his embrace.

End of flashback~

Mr. Valentino loved me a lot like his own daughter. A year later he requested me to marry Vincent. I was stunned but I couldn't let down the offer since Vincent and his father has helped us a lot. I mean too much. I accepted it happily although I didn't want to but my parents were happy with Vincent and forced me to move on. I also wanted to move on with my life so I agreed on this proposal.

Vincent never forced me for anything nor ever he tried to touch me inappropriately. I told him that I don't want any type of skinship which he accepted.

The true reason was that after all the past incidents had traumatised me. I had started fearing men touching me. I would easily get panicked if I see any man even trying to get close to me. This was the major reason I wanted to learn self-defence. If something happens in case, I will be able to defend myself.

Vincent knew about this. He taught me martial arts and shooting as well. He said that I need to learn how to use gun. We literally had no clue about Xavier so in case if I see any threat I will be able to shoot and run away. I always had a revolver and a pocket knife with me.

My parents loved Vincent lot. They were very proud of him. We both shared a great camaderie. He was actually a very nice guy. 

But still....

I don't love him.

I mean Vincent was someone who helped me the most when I was in the desperate need but still, I didn't had any sort of romantic affection for him.

'Cause my heart still beats for only one guy.....

And he is...

Xavier

Funny, isn't it?

The man who had hurt me the most but still I can't get over with him. 

Vincent is a man whom every girl wants in her life but still my heart never beats faster nor I even get any tingling sensations in my stomach whenever he's near me. 

But the truth is I have given up on love.

I am just living for myself now. I don't want to be in any sort of relationship as I am tired. Although it's a forced marriage but his parents are very nice to me. But still, I can't get over with one thing. It keeps haunting me.

And that is

Xavier's eyes....

The day Xavier got shot and arrested, I saw sadness and fear in his eyes.

Sadness for leaving him

And..

Fear as if I was making a wrong decision?

I myself hate Xavier because he killed my friends Mark, Rebecca and Nick and made me live in a lie but still I feel something was off.

I had tried to discuss this matter with Vincent many times about why Xavier was saying that he was the one who is cheating and lying that day but Vincent would everytime drop the topic or change the subject. That's why I was not able to build my 100% trust in him.

I know Xavier was wrong but still my heart keeps pestering me that I should have seen both sides of the coin. I just trusted Vincent and left him without hearing any explanation.

But what's done is done. 

There's no need to cry over a spilt milk. I don't regret my deeds as we both are at fault. If Xavier would have told me everything in the first place, things wouldn't had gone up to this extent. That's why I kept myself so busy. Yes, I have become a workaholic woman. I work day and night losing the count of hours even. I kept myself engrossed in work so as to keep my mind away from Him.

But the more I tried, the more my heart misses him.

First love is something which one cannot forget or eradicate from their life so easily....

Now I just hope he never comes back. I also wish he forgets about me and be safe and sound where ever he is. I wish Xavier have.

Moved on.

'Cause it's the best for us.

Shrugging off unnecessary thoughts, I closed my laptop. I got up from my seat, checked myself in the mirror and headed to Mr. Valentino's office.

*****

Inside CEO's office

I knocked on the door lightly.

"Come in"

I twisted the knob and entered the room.

"Good morning, Dad"

I bowed and smiled at him. He returned it back.

"Ahh!! There you are my daughter. I was waiting for you. Come, have a seat" I nodded and sat down on the chair.

"You wanted to talk about something?" I asked politely. He nodded.

"Yeah, you must know about the meeting we are going to have with the Miller Corporation" I nodded.

"Well, the meeting is next week and the venue is London"

I frowned. "London?"

'Why the hell they want to do it in London?'

"But Dad, I have heard their headquarters is in Italy. Then why are they arranging the meeting in London?"

"Yeah, I also got confused just like you so I asked their executive director, Mr. Russel. He had told me that Mr. Miller's business partner is also going to be a part of this project. He is an affluent and a dynamic businessman of London. I don't know his name but I have heard about his company. And you know what, he's offering a gargantuan offer of 50 million dollars to our company just for this project. Isn't it a mega deal?"

My jaw dropped. My eyes literally came out of their sockets as I stared at him in shock.

'But something was fishy? Why such a business magnate is offering our company this big deal without even knowing about us?'

"But Dad, why that Croesus is investing such a huge amount for this project. I mean that project is based on the collaboration of Miller Corporation and Valentino Estates and that too for opening a new clothing brand. We don't need such a huge amount for that.

He frowned as if he felt disappointed with my words. But I was just saying the truth. 

'Who invest a gigantic amount of freaking 50 million dollars for just a clothing brand? We aren't going to sell gowns or dresses studded with diamonds or pearls. Neither we are launching a Lamborghini or Royal Royce. Nor we are opening a luxury hotel or palace then for what is he offering us such a big amount?'

"What are you saying Rosa? You know how much this deal mean to me? I also want our company to reach heights of success and become the growth company of United States. You know with this deal we can invest in so many enterprises and companies. We can open our own clothing brand and for you we can open a new showroom and launch exotic cars. I know you're an engineer but still you are working here just for the sake of your family. You had suppressed your dreams and given up on them just for other's sake. It's time for you to think about yourself"

'Well the conversation is heading to somewhere else now'

Still, I maintained my composure and fake smiled.

"Alright Dad, if that's what you want. I will do it"

His eyes sparkled in joy as he chirped.

"That's my girl. Alright then. I will give you the details later. You may leave child"

I nodded and bowed to him. I then left his office.

'Pfft!! Diplomats, thinking about my happiness? Well Dad, I am not a child anymore. You're just fulfilling your greediness behind that fake smile and showing that you want to do that for me'

These past years of my life had taught me one thing for sure. That this world is very cruel and everyone is so selfish.

'Everything seems so fake to me now'

Yes, it's true that Vincent's parents cared for me a lot but still I know it's all because I had got a lot of experience as I have worked in the best companies of the world. Even though I worked only in the technical section in Tim Corporation but when I was in Romano Corporation, I have learned some management skills over there too. My parents have also started caring only about Vincent and his family now because they had helped us a lot.

'But whom to blame?'

Xavier also never loved me as he was just obsessed. No one ever cared about me. They just used me for their happiness. I chuckled sadly as a tear rolled down my cheek.

End of Rosaline's P.O.V.

Well, that was the truth as Rosaline had become too lonely and forlorn after all the past incidents had shaken the poor thing and had shattered her completely from inside. She always blamed herself for everything and that's why she worked hard to keep everyone, her parents, Vincent and his parents happy and contented. She always put a smile on her face but deep down she had become completely hollow.

Rosaline worked for hours in the office and communicated very less with people. Henry was her only friend but others were envious of her. People always used to taunt her because it was very difficult for them to believe how come a middle-class girl got to marry a handsome man and even got the job of Vice President in just a snap of her fingers.

Sadly, nobody cared for her. Her parents also had distanced them from her. Rosaline thought that they would be proud to see her daughter working this hard for them but the reality hit her like a lightning bolt. They only cared about Vincent and his happiness. They even once forced her to start her own family as Vincent's Mom told her mother that she wants a grandchild. Rosaline was shocked as hell when she heard about it but Vincent covered it up for his mom that her mother must had been lying.

Poor Rosaline never understood his true intentions or rather say his true colours. Vincent seemed all caring and loving but she saw how he got pissed off that day when she told him about his mother. He wasn't even letting her speak and also scolded her for accusing his mom like that.

Since that day the sweet and kind Rosaline turned into a cold workaholic woman. Although she cared about her parents but deep inside, she always got hurt by their cold and indifferent behaviour towards her. She for sure had now moved on with her life.

But no matter how hard she fights, 

deep down in her heart, 

there was still a scar,

which was still bleeding,

And keeps her reminding,

What she did with him was even right?

~~~💗~~~