[Year 2023]

In the dimly lit corner of a cosy cafe, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of unease, as Rose and Vincent sat across from each-other. Their once passionate gazes for one another were now reduced to distant glances.

Their relationship, which was built on shared darkness and secrets, now seemed to have lost its luster.

Rose, with enchanting blue eyes and a sweet yet enigmatic smile, had always been the more dominant of the two; whether it was filling Vincent's mind with certain ideas just to keep him on a leash or using his twisted feelings for her as an anchor to control his moves.

She had chosen her favourite colour combination for the night, dressed in black from shirt to skirt, and a resembling blood red blazer.

Her radiant brown locks glistened in the faint golden lights as she sat there in silence, as if searching for the right words to sway him again.

Black hair like a night sky, complimenting his grey eyes that shined like stars. Vincent's facial features were like that of an angel, enhanced by his cold and quieter demeanour.

Clad in a black shirt and pants, paired with a brown coat, it made him appear much more desirable tonight. His calculating mind hidden behind the mask of normalcy, as he patiently waited for Rose's words.

They had met under unusual circumstances, drawn towards each other because of their passion for the darker aspects of human nature.

During their college years, one of their former playgrounds. They were called Star-crossed lovers, because Vincent's ice cold demeanour used to soften only for Rose.

From morning wishes with a coffee to the afternoons of planting kisses on Rose's palm, while hanging out with friends in the campus gardens, which she used to reciprocate with a kiss on his cheek. Every sweet exchange was for the sake of a public display of affection.

Their love appeared warm and tender, but it was a mere facade, masking the hawk eyes that constantly searched for fresh victims.

Together, they had indulged in the pure bliss of manipulation and deceit, whether it was controlling people around them, trading power for their cause or gambling with lives of their prey while forming connections.

Leaving nothing but broken mannequins of a human and shattered lives behind. Their relationship had been a thrilling dance on the edge of morality.

But as days turned into months and months into years, cracks began to form in their well-crafted relationship. They had taken everything they desired from life, power, money, connections, even twisting people's empathy as per their norms, and yet they felt empty.

Rose toyed with her coffee cup as some of her locks danced on her shoulders, her fingers tracing the rim absentmindedly.

"Vincent," she began, her voice was icy, detached as always, "I've been thinking..."

Vincent looked up from his own coffee, his eyes meeting hers briefly before drifting away.

"About what?" he asked cautiously, in a crisp voice.

She hesitated for a moment before answering. Her mask of indifference was slowly slipping away.

"About us...," she admitted, her voice was barely above a whisper. "We've changed, Vincent! We're not who we used to be."

Vincent nodded quietly, acknowledging the truth in her words. "You're right! We've become... predictable."

Rose leaned in, extending her hand to caress Vincent's, resting on the table. "And that's not who we are, love! We thrive on chaos! We need something new, something more exciting!"

He narrowed his eyes a little as a flicker of curiosity sparked within him. Vincent chuckled softly under his breath while tracing her fingers. "What do you have in mind?"

Rose's lips curving into a sly grin. "I've been searching for a new target." She confessed. "Someone with connections, someone who can provide us with opportunities we've never had before!"

Intrigued by the prospect, Vincent raised an eyebrow. "Tell me more."

Rose leaned in further, as she whispered, "His name is Shawn Michaelson!"

The once faded excitement returned to their eyes, as Rose mentioned the name of their next pawn. Leaning back in her chair, a slight smile formed on her lips as she watched Vincent with calculating eyes.

"It's all about the perfect bait, the precise lure, don't you think?" She added.

Vincent nodded in a composed manner. "Indeed."

As their gazes met, he spoke in a measured yet curious tone. "Rose, isn't Shawn that global sensation, if I'm correct?"

"Mm-hm, that's the one." She mused.

With a faint smile, Vincent's demeanour softens. "Interesting, and if I recall, he's also someone whose songs seem to dominate your playlist!"

Taking a sip of his coffee, Vincent observed Rose with a mischievous air, anticipating the kind of expressions she would reveal.

Rose's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Aren't you such a sweetheart?" She tilted her head a little to the side, her eyes forming into crescents as she confessed, "Well! His music has always held a special place in my collection."

Then her gaze shifted to the windows, taking in the scene outside the cafe. Soon enough, Rose began humming a tune. It was one of Shawn's songs, a melody that deeply resonated with her.

It hinted at a connection between them, which was beyond mere manipulation, maybe a twisted game of personal interests.

And so they began to plot their schemes once again, beneath those calm voices and rhythmic breaths their passion for manipulation rekindled. For a moment, it seemed as if their relationship had found a new purpose, a fresh source of excitement.

Amidst the comforting ambiance of the cafe, they had become so immersed in their strategies that they almost forgot they're not the only ones present there.

Rose glanced around in concern before she whispered, "Vincent, this might not be the perfect setting for going into further details!"

Nodding, Vincent proposed in an equally hushed voice, "Wanna take this to our hideout?"

As they got up to leave, a familiar melody filled the air. It was the same music she hummed just moments ago, the same music that embraced Rose through the haze of her darkness.

Rose meeting Vincent's gaze. "Well, if it isn't fate!"

In that very moment, a menacing smile formed on Vincent's face as he pulled Rose closer to him, planting a tender kiss on her cheek, lingering just near her lips.

***

Hidden in plain sight, within a bustling british neighbourhood of well-known studios and eateries, Rose and Vincent ran a sought-after dance studio.

However, their true sanctuary was on the 1st floor, right above that dance studio. A humble facade with plain, grey concrete walls, its interior singing tales of modern and lavish decorations.

Slipping inside their so-called hideout, the plush sofas, soft lighting that highlighted the space, and tasteful décor painted a picture of elegance and comfort, a stark contrast to its actual purpose.

Finding comfort in the sofa's embrace, Rose's figure sank into the cushions.

Vincent went to fetch the exquisite red wine from the wine cabinet, the one they had been saving for a special occasion and today seemed like a right fit to open the bottle.

He poured the scarlet wine into their glasses before joining Rose on the sofa. Soon, they began to explore the depths of their scheme against Shawn.

The air was thick with anticipation. Rose laid out the materials she had prepared ahead on the table before them, scattering the diagrams and detailed strategies across the surface.

"We'll exploit his vulnerabilities, his fame, his yearning for something beyond the spotlight," Rose mused, tapping a finger against the blueprint of their scheme."Just enough to lure him into our twisted game."

As she took in the rich aroma of the red wine, indulging in a sip, her gaze fixated on the unfolding plan.

Vincent's eyes gleamed with determination. "We have to be careful, as to not raise any suspicions. Shawn's trust will be the key to our strategy."

As they walked further into the details, Rose couldn't contain her excitement as she disclosed her own advantage. "My upcoming fashion show is scheduled just a week before his concert."

Savouring a sip of his red wine, Vincent examined the specifics. He couldn't help but note, "It's quite the coincidence that you'll both be in the city at the same time."

Amused by all these favourable circumstances, Rose's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Why not extend him an invitation? This could lay the groundwork for our plan. Shawn's keen interest in glamour could be our gateway."

Their conversation was twisted, each step a move in their game of psychological chess. They discussed personas, scenarios, and scenarios within scenarios, creating an unescapable maze of deceit.

"We must ensure that every detail aligns," Vincent remarked, his voice devoid of emotion. "One misstep, and our grand design might fall apart."

Rose's laughter echoed in the room as she twirled and played with the wineglass in her hand. "Don't worry love, Shawn's infatuation with fame will be our tool. He'll walk right into our trap, unaware of the price he'll pay." Looking into the void, she savoured the last sip of red wine.

As their eyes met, a silent understanding passed between them. The game was set, and the pieces were now in motion.

It was nearing 10 pm when a knock at the door disturbed the surrounding secrecy.

Vincent approached the door, revealing a handsome young man with emerald green eyes and raven-black hair complimenting his all black attire. It was Xavier, Rose's infamous bodyguard with ties to the underworld.

"Look who's here. Isn't it your rumoured secret lover?" Vincent remarked. His tone was laced with mockery as he opened the door, revealing a sardonic smile.

Vincent's words hung in the air like a challenge, and Rose was never the one to back down. She met his gaze with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Ah, Vincent, love, you can be so dramatic sometimes," she replied in a witty tone.

Rose, standing up from her seat, smiled at Xavier with a subtle nod. "Evening, Xavier. Ready for the night?" she inquired, her voice now as smooth as silk.

Xavier, completely unfazed by Vincent's remarks, nodded calmly in response. "Always ready to ensure your safety," he replied, while shooting a steely gaze at Vincent.

As Rose and Vincent parted ways, the night breeze whispered the secrets of their concealed intentions. A trap that would soon ensnare Shawn in their tangled web.

Rose walked out, down the stairs of the hideout with Xavier, the sleek black car awaited them right at the front of the building.

The night without the moon was embraced by a gentle breeze, as the car carried the duo into the city's embrace, the london eye was visible at the end of the horizon. Inside the car, their conversation took on a normal turn, masking the calculated minds beneath.

"So, where did you go, Xavier?" Rose asked, her eyes examining his expressions in the rear-view mirror.

Xavier took a quick glance at the mirror, meeting Rose's gaze, before shifting it at the road in front of him. He couldn't help but chuckle. "You know me. Just had to settle a few things. Old habits die hard, you see."

Rose tilted her head, a subtle smile playing on her lips. "Ah ha, fighting again, weren't you?"

"Oh, come on! It's just a part of my life," Xavier replied, his gaze meeting hers. "Nothing to worry about, my lady!" he teased.

Upon reaching Rose's penthouse. Xavier held the door open for her, and as they entered, the lavish furnishings and chic ambiance complimented by sparkles from the chandelier enveloped them into a familiar embrace.

"Why don't you sit down first, Rose," Xavier gestured toward the plush sofa, his voice carrying a rare gentleness. He knelt beside her, his hands reaching for her feet.

Rose raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing?"

Xavier chuckled, his fingers slowly removing her shoes. "What do you think? I'm playing a gentleman, of course," he replied in a playful tone, glancing at her bruised feet. "Your choice in shoes is impeccable, but they seem to have taken a toll tonight."

Amused to see Xavier all caring and worried like that, Rose smirked. "Well, fashion has its price. But don't I have the best bodyguard for the job?"

As Xavier applied a bandage with care, their banter continued, the mood shifting from darkness and secrecy to the warmth of camaraderie.

"There you go," Xavier said, securing the bandage. "All set."

Rose nodded, appreciating his efforts, but soon teased him further. "Thanks, Xavier. You're quite the keeper when it comes to me. Is that why there are those secret lover rumours?"

He stood up, a faint smile on his face. "I'll leave you to your night, then. See you tomorrow!" He turned around and started walking towards the door.

"Goodnight." Rose responded in a dull tone.

Maybe it was the alcohol seeping in slowly. She shot back, being all whiny, "You're no fun! It not like you'll die if you give in to the tease just once."

Looking at him trying to leave in such a hurry, a peculiar sight caught Rose's attention. Although it was just his back, which was visible to her, Xavier's red ears gave it all away. Cute, she thought.

Xavier waved one of his hands in the air as he walked away, while the other was in his pocket. When he reached the door, he slightly turned his head around and with a sly grin replied, "Goodnight, My Lady!"

Rose watched him leave, the door closing behind him. As she rested her head back on the sofa, staring at the ceiling, the words escaped her lips, "I'd love to catch you off guard one of these days."

The penthouse was once again bathed in the soft glow of city lights, leaving Rose with a sense of solitude.

It was a pleasant night, but the coming day was weaving a secret of its own. Rose and Vincent remained unaware of fate's oncoming surprise, an encounter that was set to disrupt their carefully crafted plans. It was fate's unseen hand, ready to test the depths of their connection.