Vienna was sitting in one of the Rosario owned special 7 seater family cars with his parents and her brothers. It was after dinner on a Friday evening after a long day but the night was young. The party at the Giovanni mansion had just started. Their family were one of the last to arrive. Vienna was certain. Her father made sure he spent enough time at the dinner table with his children and allowed everyone in the household to take their time getting ready. He never rushed his family. Nothing and no one was above them. He didn't mind even if the president was waiting for them. To Francesco Rosario, his family were entitled to a life of peace free of pressures from anyone else. The host had dared to mention in the invitation card " Arrive an hour early for security measures". Francesco had frowned at that. Gabriel Giovanni dared order his family what to do. He wasn't having any of that. His wife and children were going to arrive when they were ready. It was a Friday evening after a long day at work.

Francesco had his arm around Adele waist as his children sat opposite him. He kissed her hair and whispered " What time do you want us to leave tonight?"

Adele turned to him " Midnight is fine."

Francesco questioned " Are you sure sweetheart? We don't have to stay if you are tired. When you wish to leave, we would leave."

Adele smiled " I like spending time with the ladies. We can leave as late as possible. Besides, I am not tired. You have increased the number of doctors in our private hospital, so my work has been reduced too.... I think unless the children don't feel too sleepy, we can stay until late midnight."

Francesco kissed the side of her forehead and gave his children a hard stare " I am sure our children will want to leave with you. They are young. They can manage. Can't you kids?"

It was Viggo who nodded first " Sure father. We can stay until 2am when it ends. We are fine."

Vincenzo added " Sure father. If mother wishes it, we could stay up all night."

Francesco caught a note of sarcasm from his older son. But he let it pass. He was sure one day he could understand why Adele's wishes meant so much to him and he didn't ridicule his allowances for her.

Vienna sighed " I think the party ends quite late. I don't even know what they would fill the time with. Clarissa told me there are some surprises tonight. They have a band playing too. I would love to stay and watch if that's the case. The last time their party was so cool."

Francesco smiled at his daughter " I know you like music, princess. So I am getting you a piano next week. Do you want some piano lessons?"

Vienna's eyes sparkled " Wow, thank you father. That's great...,"

Francesco stated " Your uncle Antonio will teach you piano."

Viggo raised an eyebrow " Uncle can play piano."

Francesco stated " Of course. Your uncle Antonio has a lot of hidden talents." He of course didn't like to be the one to remind his children that their uncle Antonio was a womaniser before their auntie Georgina finally said yes to him. While Georgina had been playing hard to get, Antonio had tried every trick in the book to date other women. Learning piano was one of his stunts since the Hollywood actress he was dating at the time loved classic concerts. Everyone knew of Antonio's reputation as having a record breaking number of girlfriends in the past before marriage but others saw it as a strategy to get contacts in the entertainment and fashion industry as well as getting contacts in many crime families. Antonio's contacts mattered later on. Antonio still had more contacts in his phone book than many. His negotiating skills and charm helped him too in making friends. Antonio's skills of course combined with Costanzo's intelligence and his knowledge in law on top of Francesco's flawless leadership to make the Rosario Business Empire powerful.

Francesco noticed they were getting close to the Giovanni mansion as the roads around them had signs stating "private property of the Giovannis".

Francesco reminded his children " Name the rules for tonight for me."

Vienna stated " No fights, no arguments and if anyone makes us feel uncomfortable we come to you father."

Francesco smiled " That's correct princess." He then turned to Adele and squeezed her waist slightly " Rules shouldn't be ignored. Isn't that right sweetheart?." Of course he didn't need his wife to repeat his rule for the night. He had made sure she knew of them and remembered them from last night.

Adele nodded " Of course. My husband is always right."

Francesco took a deep breath. He still had the same excited feeling he had the first time he had heard her call him, her husband. He felt strong. He felt like nothing could hurt him and much more when his wife acknowledged him as her husband. He kissed her hair and whispered " Take care sweetheart." He then turned to his children " You keep an eye on your mother. You would tell me if anyone was bothering her. All right children?"

All his children nodded " Yes father."

Vincenzo objected " As if. Father. No one dares upset mother as along as you are alive."

Francesco thought to himself " No one except you. I will try to kick it out of you soon."

Before Francesco could respond, Adele laughed " Thank you Vincenzo. You tell that to your father."

Francesco turned to Adele. He liked it when she laughed. He missed her laughter so much when he was at work. He wished he could tickle her right there and then to get more laughter out of her.

He nodded " You never know. Be on alert."

The car stopped at the gates and of course it was time for airport style security checks that were necessary carried out by Giovanni guards. Whatever those guards did, Francesco made sure he did the next time a Giovanni came to visit and they knew that. So it didn't take long. The car drove past security and approached the mansion in the massive compound.

Vienna knew Tristan was here. She was still worried about her father meeting Tristan here. She hoped there was no clash that day.

As Vienna got of the car after her parents, Francesco spotted her pendant that suddenly came of display as she put her hair behind her shoulders. That was a reminder of that kid who had fallen for his only daughter. She was his baby daughter. His princess who was an innocent as her mother. That kid had a lot of convincing to do if he wanted to take out his daughter on a date. No one was worthy of her in his eyes and no one could ever be. If he was not an O'Neil, he could reject him without even interrogating him. But he was an O'Neil, a perfect honourable one too.

Tristan annoyingly ticked all the boxes for Francesco. He was perfect. But Francesco was still feeling unease about him. He wished he hadn't come forward when he had. But again it was prom time. He anticipated his daughter to want to attend the prom like everyone else with a boyfriend of hers. Other girls did. He was hoping she picked some one who was a weakling so he could throw him out of the equation with good reasons too. It was easy to dismiss certain families. But no, this was an O'Neil who's heart beat for her. Vienna was wearing his pendent which told him, that his daughter didn't mind Tristan. That kid was quite intelligent sending him a message with that pendent. He was smart like his father and smooth. He had claimed his daughter with that pendent.

The Rosario family made their way through the front yard to the mansion as the guards were everywhere watching. The Rosarios entered the main mansion and were lead to the party room which was the main hall for ceremonies and parties. The room was nicely decorated and food were laid out nicely on tables around the room. The place was packed. The music was loud.

Adele and Francesco were walking hand in hand at the front and their children were a few steps behind them.

Vienna spotted Tristan quickly. He was standing near the entrance next to his grandfather, Gabriel Giovanni alongside Trent, Clarisa and Sebastiano. It was easy to spot him since guards were surrounding them. Vienna knew how much his grandfather loved Tristan. Even though he was an O'Neil, Tristan was always a Giovanni to him and the favourite amongst all his grandchildren. Tristan's birth name even was Tristan Giovanni-O'Neil like his siblings who had the double barrel surname. This had eased the tensions between Gabriel Giovanni and Emanuelle O'Neil. If the Irish son in law acknowledged his wife's Italian family in that respectful manner, they had less tension. But there was still tension.

Francesco walked to Gabriel Giovanni and did not glance at Tristan. He wanted to grab his neck and drag him somewhere else to beat some truth out of him and ask for his intentions but of course he was in a protected zone. If he didnt have enough protection as it was, he saw Emanuelle O'Neil appearing on his way before he could reach Gabriel Giovanni.

O'Neil smiled "Hello friend. You are on time. Its good to see you."

Francesco responded "Hello to you too..."

Before Francesco could carry on, O'Neil started greeting Francesco's family. He took a step to Adele and took her hand in his. He planted a kiss on her hand "Thank you for putting up with Francesco."

Francesco rolled his eyes. Only O'Neil got away with touching his wife and making comments about him. No one esle dared.

O'Neil then let go of Adele and took a step away.

Adele smiled "Its great to see you..."

O'Neil nodded respectfully and then his eyes caught the children who caught up with their parents. Vincenzo was now almost as tall as Francesco. He stood right in front of O'Neil and blocked his path "Hello sir. I didnt know the Irish were invited tonight."

Francesco sighed "Vincenzo. Manners."

O'Neil turned to Francesco who seemed displeased "That is alright. Your son is right. I am the only Irish in the room. Guess what? They have even ordered me Irish Cream liquor. They are in the far corner... I dont know, they might be poisonous. No one else is trying them. What do you think?"

Francesco shook his head "Enough with the jokes... We need to greet your father in law now...."

O'Neil's eyes sparkled "Of course... My father in law.... I would love to be one myself...." He then winked at Francesco who shook his head.

Just then the twins, stepped closer and stood next to their father. The twins had been busy looking at the decorations as they had walked slower behind their parents.

O'Neil looked at the twins and then at Francesco who was daring him to say anything.

Viggo stated "Hello sir. I saw your new car at the front. Its marvelous."

O'Neil stepped closer to him "Oh, you noticed?" He then turned to Francesco "He is observent like you. He knows I like changing my cars when a new model is in town....". His eyes then caught Vienna's.

Vienna greeted him "Hi."

O'Neil shook his head "Call me Emanuelle... We are practically family."

Francesco would have snapped his neck if he was anyone else. He warned "Its been lovely catching up.. But there is plenty more time for this catching up later... I need to greet your father in law now before he blames you for delaying his tight schedule. This is almost end of meet and greet time."

O'Neil objected "Francesco... Why is there a rush?..."

Suddenly there was a voice behind them "Francesco, how lovely to see you."

Francesco looked up and saw Sergio Giovanni alongside his sister, Sancia.

Francesco gave a polite nod to both of them.

Sergio walked in between O'Neil and Francesco "We expected you abit earlier but we understand... There must have been business you needed to attend to beforehand. Thank you for coming."

Sancia quickly walked closer to Vienna "Hello darling. You look great tonight."

Vienna smiled "Thank you."

Francesco did not like Sancia near his daughter. "Its good to see you too Sancia." He then found his family surounded by guards. Of course. His family was the most important to the Giovannis. Without his entrance, this party was no party. His family's entrance gave them alot more power. Even though Costanzo and Antonio had arrived earlier, his entrance was one that mattered most. That was why Gabriel Giovanni who never moved from his spot at the time of meet and greet had decided to walk to him before he went to greet him. Everyone parted for him as he got close with his grandchildren behind him. Even though Gabriel had been retired for 16 years and all work was done by his children, he was still powerful. He was not the leader of the family business but he was still the head and well respected. He did assist his children in their busoness decisions. That was a luxury he didnt have. He had cut off all ties with his own father and he didnt want his help frankly. But he knew, if his father's experties was at his disposal his business could excel more than it already was.

Francesco gave Gabriel Giovanni a polite smile as he offered his hand "Congratulations on your alliance..."

Gabriel took a step closer to Francesco and shook his hand "Thank you Francesco for coming tonight." His eyes then caught Francesco's family's. He looked at Adele first "Thank you Mrs Rosario for coming. Please accpet our gratitiude that you have decided to be gracing this party with your presence."

Adele smiled "Thank you. I am delighted to be here."

Gabriel then looked at Vincenzo "What a fine young man you are Vincenzo.... As days go by you look more like your grandfather, Paulo Rosario. I met him when I went to Sicily last week. He never ages."

Francesco gave out a frustrated sigh. He told himself "Too bad he doesnt age and doesnt die." He then gave Gabriel a polite smile "Thank you for your compliments regarding my family." If Gabriel wanted a reaction out of him that was not going to happen. Gabriel and his father were close friends. It was obvious wehre Gabriel's loyalties truly lied but Sergio was not on his side since he was giving his father a hard look. He was not happy for Paulo to be mentioned. As long as Gabriel did not invite his father over and didnt try to make peace between Franecsco and his father, then there was no problem. Francesco didnt care.

Gabriel was not finished. He looked at Viggo and then at Francesco "He is the spitting image of you when he was your age...... except for his eyes that matches your wife's ... You must be proud of your sons."

Francesco wrapped his arm around his wife's waist. Of course. We are proud of all our children."

Gabriel then glanced at Vienna "What a beautifull girl ... You look just like your mother..."

Just then gabriel's wife, Genevra came along. Gabriel hugged his wife and kissed her forehead "Genevra, look at this lovely family who have graced us....I think now that everyone has arrived, we must have the first dance."

genevra nodded and smiled at Francesco and Adele "Thank you so much for coming. This party wouldnt have been complete without your presence." She then smiled at her husband and they walked to the dance floor.

Other couples from around the room started to dance too. Even the children. Clasrisa took her cousin Sebastiano's hand and walked to the dance floor following her grandfather.

Francesco was going to take Adele to the dance floor, but then O'Neil blocked his path "Can your daughter dance with my son?"

Francesco couldnt believe the nerve of O'Neil. Francesco stated " She is not dancing with your son tonight. The young man hasnt been spoken to..."

O'Neil stated "This is just a dance at the Giovanni mansion. This is not the prom... She is my daughter too."

Framcesco spoke "Excuse me. You are not her godfather. You are Vincenzo's godfather. Arturo is her godfather..."

O'Neil spoke "She is as good as my daughter. She is my future daughter in law."

Francesco was looking at him with outrage. Only he dared to speak to him like that. Adele whispered "Its ok Francesco. We will be watching.... Its just a dance."

Francesco took a deep breath. He looked at his daughter who was now helping herself to some candy that was being offered to her alongside her brothers. Luckily the crowd had dispersed. Only he was there with Adele facing Sancia and Emanuelle.

Sancia smiled at Adele "Of course, we are watching. Its only a dance." Sancia was wise. She was just going with what Adele said. 

Francesco narrowed his eyes at O'Neil "She is my daughter. She certainly isnt your future daughter in law yet.... But fine, my daughter is allowed to dance tonight with your son if she wishes it."

O'Neil smiled "Thank you. " He then called up on Tristan "Come here son."

Tristan was standing nearby closely looking at Vienna. He walked to his father as his eyes werent leaving Vienna but as he saw how her father was looking at him with such hard look. As he was walking closer his father smiled at him "Francesco was just telling me that you are allowed to ask my future daughter in law to dance with you."

Tristan noticed Francesco was giving his father a murderous look. That was just great. His first official meeting with Francesco Rosario and his wife after declaring he loved her. His father calling Vienna his daughter in law. He stopped next to his father and clearned his throat "Hello sir." He then nodded at Adele "Delighted to meet you tonight Mrs Rosario."

Francesco nodded to him with hardened eyes "Hello, son."

Adele smiled. So this was the boy who was pursuing her daughter. He looked like his mothers side mostly but she thought he could be someone much worse like Sebastiano. At least Tristan sounded polite. Besides her daughter hadnt complained and was wearing his pendent  "Its great to see you here too Tristan. You are such a polite young man... But before you ask her to dance, let me tell you that my daughter knows how to dance but dont walk too quick with her...  She is wearing high heeled shoes and she is not used to them. She is always wearing sports shoes mostly." She looked at her husband lovingly and held his hand in hers.

Tristan noticed how Francesco's expression became less hardened as visibly relaxed as his wife spoke. Of course he could see what his father meant when he warned he should have been convincing Adele as much as convincing Francesco that he was the right one for Vienna.

Francesco turned to his wife "Doctors orders of course... She will be fine." He then looked at Tristan "You will make sure, she will be ok with the dance. Wont you son?"

His stare was so penetrating. His gaze was silent but said a thousand words. That was Francesco Rosario. He warned him with his stare that "if you dare do otherwise". His stare dared him to defy him.

Tristan nodded politely "I wont dissapoint you sir."

O'Neil patted his son on the shoulder "Go ask ....... Vienna to dance." He didnt try to push his luck by taunting Francesco anymore. Even he knew when to stop and not try to annoy Francesco by boasting to him that he was right all along. Before their children were born he had expressed how much he wished Francesco had a daughter and his son could fall for her. Now this had come true. This was priceless that his son loved Francesco's daughter. He never thought he was right. Now that he was he liked annoying Francesco.... But he stopped when he felt Francesco was on edge. Now that Francesco had bent the rules, he backed off that night. It must have been hard for Francesco watching his daughter dance. This was going to happen at the sleep over and end of exams party in a week's time but he was sure Francesco maye have stopped that from happening since parents were invited that night. He never thought he would say yes to his son dancing with his daughter before he interrogated Tristan. It was all his son's doing. Francesco must have really trusted him to let him dance with his daughter.

Tristan didnt need to be told twice. He walked away feeling excited to finaly ask Vienna to dance. As he approached her, he saw how she noticed him. She swallowed the candy in her mouth and looked at Tristan with raised eyebrows "Hi..."

Tristan smiled "May I have this dance. Your parents said I am allowed to dance with you..."

Vienna couldnt believe it... Her bottom lip trembled and she looked around. She saw others were dancing. She bit her lip making Tristan frustrated.

Tristan's voice came out more harshly than intended "Will you dance with me?"

Vienna looked up quickly "I .... sure... I will...."

Tristan smiled and took her hand in his as he lead her to the dance floor. He stopped in a far corner away from his parents and her parents who were dancing also in the middle of the dance floor. He cautiously put his hands on her hips "Is this ok?"

Vienna nodded as she reached her hand up and wrapped her arms around his neck "Is this ok?"

Tristan wanted to laugh. Of course it really was. He smiled "It is more than ok. This is our first dance.... A special dance... Lets remember it so we go slow...". Tristan felt  like he was in heaven trying to memorise her touch. Her hands on his shoulders and his hands on her hips made him feel pure pleasure. All because she was close and he could hold her. No more of the torture of not being alowed to touch what was his. It was worth the wait of the past three years ever since he had felt he wanted her to be his girl but couldnt say anything. She was all his and he was going to fight hard to convince Francesco Rosario, he was the only one worthy of her.