Love - A Weapon

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

The Victor's Sapphire stood as a glittering beacon of power and deception, its grand chandeliers casting a golden glow over the sea of masked figures. The air was thick with the scent of expensive cigars, rare perfumes, and something far more dangerous—secrets. The most feared mafia families in the world had gathered under one roof, their glasses filled with wine, their hearts filled with greed and betrayal.

Near the bar, Valentina stood with effortless poise, her emerald gown sculpting her form, her mask shielding the sharpness of her gaze. A glass of red wine rested delicately in her fingers, yet she barely registered its presence. Her focus was locked elsewhere.

Raul.

Across the vast room, he stood in quiet confidence, dressed in a deep maroon shirt with a tailored black blazer resting against his broad shoulders. The undone buttons hinted at just enough skin, his black masquerade mask adding an air of mystery. But Valentina knew better. Behind that mask was a man about to step into a web of lies.

Their eyes met.

A silent exchange passed between them. He exhaled, giving her a subtle nod.

Raul (to himself): I will do this… for us.

Valentina gripped her glass tighter, her knuckles turning white.

SCENE 2: FLASHBACK – THE NIGHT BEFORE THE PARTY

The dim glow of the living room cast shifting shadows along the walls as Raul paced, rubbing his temples. Across from him, Valentina sat on the couch, her fingers scrolling through her phone, her expression unreadable.

She suddenly stopped. Looked up.

Valentina (calmly): Tomorrow is December 31st. The mafia families will celebrate as they always do, drinking their sins away into the new year.

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

Valentina leaned forward, her voice sharp. "That's our window. The entire underworld will be gathered in one place. That's when we execute the plan."

Raul let out a low chuckle, shaking his head in disbelief. "You're serious? You want to take them all out at once?"

Valentina swirled the wine in her glass, smirking. "Not that easily. I want them to suffer first. I want them to choke on their own poison before they die."

Raul clenched his jaw. "I agree. They deserve every bit of the pain they've inflicted on others."

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

Raul arched a brow. "Explain."

She reached for his hands, her grip firm.

Valentina: If we want revenge, there's only one way. No hesitation. No second thoughts.

Raul studied her, his chest rising and falling. "I know. I'll do whatever it takes."

Valentina: Then understand this—there's no turning back. Are you with me?

A heavy silence stretched between them before Raul finally nodded. "Of course. I'm in."

His voice dropped lower. "Now tell me the plan."

Valentina's lips curled. "Rocco has two children. His son will inherit the empire. His daughter? The wealth."

Raul's eyes narrowed.

Valentina: We need to take back what's rightfully ours. And to do that, we start with deception.

Raul exhaled sharply. "You mean... getting close to him?"

Her smirk deepened. "Deception cuts deepest when it comes from those you trust the most."

Raul's lips twisted into something between amusement and calculation. "He'll taste the same poison he fed your father."

His expression shifted as realization dawned. His brows furrowed. "And for that… you need me to get close to him?"

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

Raul's entire body stiffened. "Wait—what? You want me to fake a love story with his daughter?"

A tense silence followed.

Then, in a voice colder than ice, Valentina whispered:

"Our first mission—Love Deception."

Raul's muscles tensed. His fists clenched. "You're asking me to seduce his daughter?!"

Valentina avoided his gaze, staring at her wine glass instead.

Raul slammed his hands on the table. "Look at me and say it."

She flinched but slowly lifted her gaze, meeting his with stormy resolve.

Valentina: Raul… think about what they did to us. The pain they caused. This isn't about love—it's about reclaiming what they stole. This is for us.

Raul inhaled sharply, the weight of her words pressing down on him.

She wasn't wrong.

His jaw tightened. His heart pounded—not from fear, but from something heavier.

Then, after a long moment, he exhaled and gave a slow nod.

Raul: Alright. I'll do it.

SCENE 3: BACK TO THE PRESENT – THE MASQUERADE PARTY

A server passed by, offering champagne.

Raul took a glass, his fingers tightening around the stem. His gaze drifted back to Valentina.

She didn't smile. She simply watched him, unwavering.

Their eyes met once more.

A final confirmation. A silent promise.

This was only the beginning.

Raul (to himself): I will do this… for us.

END OF CHAPTER 9.

Will Raul be able to follow through with this deception?

Will Valentina's plan work flawlessly?

Will they finally get their revenge?

To be continued.......