Love - A Weapon

SCENE 1: THE MASQUERADE BALL – A NIGHT OF MASKS AND LIES

The Victor's Sapphire glowed like a palace of sin and secrets, its grand chandeliers illuminating the sea of masked figures. Power, greed, and betrayal dripped from every glass of wine as the most feared mafia families in the world gathered under one roof. The air was thick with the scent of expensive cigars, perfume, and danger.

Valentina stood poised near the bar, her emerald gown hugging her curves, her mask concealing the sharpness in her gaze. A glass of red wine rested in her delicate fingers, but her mind wasn't on the drink—it was on the man standing across the room.

Raul.

He was dressed in a maroon shirt, the black blazer enhancing his broad shoulders, the two open buttons teasing just enough skin. His black masquerade mask made him look even more mysterious, but Valentina knew better. Behind that mask was a man about to bury himself in a game of lies.

Their eyes met.

From across the room, he sighed, nodding at her. A silent message passed between them.

Raul (to himself): I will surely do this… This is for US.

Valentina gave him a slight nod, her grip tightening around the glass.

SCENE 2: FLASHBACK – THE NIGHT BEFORE THE PARTY

The dim glow of the living room cast long shadows as Raul paced, rubbing his temples. Valentina sat on the couch, her fingers scrolling through her phone, her face unreadable.

She stopped. Looked up.

Valentina (calmly): Today is December 30. Tomorrow is the 31st. They will surely be throwing a party—it's a tradition in the mafia world to celebrate New Year's Eve till midnight.

Raul frowned, pouring himself a drink. "And?"

Valentina leaned forward, voice sharp. "The entire underworld will be there. Every mafia family gathered in one place. That's where we execute our plan."

Raul's eyes widened. He let out a disbelieving chuckle. "Are you serious? You're planning to bomb the whole place at once?"

Valentina smirked, swirling the wine in her glass. "Nah, not so easily. I want them to suffer. I want them to taste their own poison before they die."

Raul exhaled, jaw clenching. "I agree. They deserve more pain for stealing the lives of our loved ones."

Valentina's expression darkened. "Step one: Deception."

She let out a soft, chilling laugh.

Raul raised a brow. "Elaborate."

She grabbed his hands, her voice softer, more serious.

Valentina: Raul, listen to me. If we want revenge, we have to do this exactly as planned. There's no backing out.

Raul held her gaze. "I know. I'll do whatever it takes."

Valentina: Then understand—there's NO stepping out of this. Are you with me?

A long silence. Then, Raul nodded. "Of course. No turning back."

He leaned forward, curiosity burning in his dark eyes. "Now tell me the plan."

She did. And by the time she finished, Raul was shaking his head in disbelief.

Valentina: Rocco has two children. A son and a daughter. The son will take over the business—the empire that was stolen. The daughter… she inherits the wealth.

Raul nodded, eyes narrowing.

Valentina: We need to take back what's ours. And for that… first step: Deception.

She smirked.

Raul exhaled, catching on. "We need to get close to him."

Valentina's smirk widened. "Deception hits hardest when it comes from the ones you trust the most."

Raul's lips curled in satisfaction. "He'll taste the same poison he served your father."

But then his smirk faded as realization set in. His brows furrowed. "And for that… you need ME to get close to him?"

Valentina snapped her fingers. "Not him. His daughter."

Raul frowned. "Wait—what? Why the hell do I need to get close to his daughter?"

A suffocating silence filled the room.

Then, in the deadliest tone, Valentina whispered:

"Our first mission—Love Deception."

Raul's entire body stiffened. His jaw clenched. "No way. Are you telling me to fake a love story with his daughter?!"

Valentina avoided his gaze, staring at the wine glass in her hand.

Raul's hands balled into fists. He slammed them onto the table. "Look at me and say it."

She flinched but lifted her gaze, her stormy eyes meeting his.

Valentina: Raul… remember how they stole our loved ones. Remember how our happiness was shattered. This isn't about feelings. This is about taking back what belongs to us. This is for US.

Raul stared at her. His heart pounded against his ribs, not from fear but from something deeper, something heavier.

He saw the pain in her eyes—the same pain he carried.

And in that moment, despite everything screaming inside him, he exhaled.

Raul: Okay. I will do it.

SCENE 3: BACK TO THE PRESENT – THE MASQUERADE PARTY

A server passed by, offering champagne.

Raul took a glass, fingers tightening around the stem. His eyes flickered toward Valentina.

She didn't smile. She simply watched.

From a distance, their eyes locked.

A final confirmation. A silent promise.

This was just the beginning.

Raul (to himself): I will surely do this… This is for US.

END OF CHAPTER 9.

Will Raul be able to do this?!

Will Valentina's plan work?!

Will they be able take their revenge?!