The party at the house of O'Neil was quite lively and as chaotic as always. The sound of music filled the air and platters of food going around was seen everywhere. There was alot of dancing and small talks as the party was going on. There were so many people invited. 

Tristan was away from the chaos sitting in a meeting room in the lower ground floor of the O'Neil mansion with Rupert Rossi. They were discussing business. Suddenly the door opened slowly.

Tristan and Rupert both turned to look at who was at the door. It was Tatiana. 

Rupert asked "What is it?"

Tatiana shyly looked around and said "I am sorry to disturb you..."

Tristan said "You are not disturbing Mrs Rossi..."

Rupert nodded at Tristan and then at his wife "Tristan is correct. You are never disturbing. Why are you down here?"

Tatiana hesitated and said "I cant find Arcangelo... He disappeared..."

Rupert said "I brought him down here. He is next door playing with Nicandro... Why? Do you need him up there?"

Tatiana wanted to shake her head at her husband and object for her lack of understanding but she was too intimidated by both her husband and Tristan O'Neil to say anything.  She had been worried about Arcangelo. He was only six. But his father independently left him unattended.

Tatiana said "I just couldn't find him and was wondering where he was. I go check on him..."

Rupert said "There is no need to check on him. He is fine playing next door..."

Tatiana smiled and nodded "Ok... Thank you... I take my leave now..." Tatiana closed the door and sighed. Why was her husband so insensitive? She walked to the next room and opened the door. She gasped as she saw his son and Nicandro playing with toy swords. It seemed like a real fight. They were attacking each other properly. 

Tatiana said "Boys... Stop fighting you could hurt each other"

Nicandro and Arcangelo both stopped.

Arcangelo said "Mum... We are not fighting...."

Nicandro nodded "He is right. We are sword fighting...."

Tatiana was speechless. Why couldn't these kids act like normal children?

Tatiana said "Let's go upstairs Arcangelo. You can have some candy with other children..."

Arcangelo said "I want to play with Nicandro. I dont want any candy... Dad said I can stay here..."

Tatiana's words had no power against her husband's even in raising their children who had hardly started school. What chance did she have in parenting as they grew up into teenagers? 

Tatiana nodded "Ok... Do as your dad says..." She then smiled and left without another word. She wept as she closed the door. Why was her life so complicated? She wanted a normal life. 

Tatiana tried to wipe her tears as she went back up to the ground floor towards the banquet room. In the corridor, she saw her younger children Michangelo and Maria Angela running and smiling. They hid behind a big statue.

Tatiana asked "What are you doing?"

Maria Angela didnt turn and said "We are playing hide and seek with Natan and Natalia..."

Michangelo turned "Mum... are you okay?

Tatiana asked "Why wouldn't I be?"

Michangelo said "You are crying..."

Maria Angela turned "Mum... Why are you crying?"

Tatiana tried to mask her sadness with a smile. "I am not crying. Something went in my eye... Dont worry..." She then walked away. Her children were so smart. All three of them. Just like their father. But they did not lack compassion of their father. Although she wasn't sure if Arcangelo had much compassion or feelings. He certainly didnt show emotion much for a child. He looked up to his father and resembled him the most. 

Tatiana reached the table where she had been sitting with Vienna Rosario and a few other ladies. She picked up a glass and started drinking as she looked into distance at her children who came out of the corridor and went to the children play area of the banquet hall. The O'Neil mansion was huge and perfect for parties both indoors and outdoors.

Vienna asked "Tatiana, did you find Arcangelo?"

Tatiana was looking away and drinking from her glass as she whispered "Yes. He was playing with Nicandro downstairs. He didnt want to come back up..."

Vienna said "Its because of Nicandro. They love playing together...."

Tatiana put her drink down and turned to Vienna as she was starting to compose herself "They were not playing. They were fighting..."

Vienna asked "Fighting?"

Tatiana said "No. Swords..."

Vienna said "Oh... You mean toy swords... Nicandro must be very excited... Arcangelo is a great sword fighter who can give him some competition... He loves that..."

Tatiana gasped "Vienna... They are only six years old... Should they be acting like this?"

Vienna shrugged "My brothers were similar to these kids at this age... They are boys... They want to burn their energy...."

Tatiana couldn't understand how Vienna just found her life so normal. She just lived her life effortlessly. She asked "You never worry your kids may get hurt if they play with no supervision?"

Vienna said "No. They unusually are sensible and keep safe..."

Tatiana was put at abit of ease. Maybe she was worried for nothing. Children had to play. 

As the time went on, Tatiana found herself listening to Vienna having conversations with different women in the world of power and business. Vienna was respected by many. 

Tatiana was in awe of Vienna's confidence and elegance. She was the queen of the O'Neil dynasty. Her husband was one of the most top figures in the business world and most dangerous... She couldn't believe how she never complained of the complexity of life. But again she was raised within this life. She was a Rosario. Tatiana found more in common with Veinna's mother, Adele Rosario who was also from a non-criminal family when she had married her husband. 

After while, Rupert Rossi appeared and walked to Tatiana "Do you want to dance?"

Tatiana didnt mind. She didnt mind some relaxation. Her husband was harsh but romantic and gentle. She stood up and nodded.

As Rupert took his wife's hand, he turned to Vienna "Tristan wishes to see you down in the meeting room...."

Vienna nodded "Thank you for telling me..." She then got up and walked to the lower ground. 

Vienna entered the room and saw Tristan alone in the meeting room. "Have you finished your work? Rupert Rossi went dancing with Tatiana when he said you wanted to see me...I was hoping you come up and ask me to dance too...."

Tristan said "I can certainly do that... But this matter couldn't wait... We need to talk..."

Vienna walked to the desk and sat down. "What is it?"

Tristan said "I had a phone call from Vincenzo..."

Vienna sighed "Has he cancelled the meeting with you in Rome our the joint ceremony in church?"

Tristan said "No. Everything goes ahead as normal..."

Vienna smiled "I am glad... So what did he want to talk about...."

Tristan said "Laurenza...."

Vienna was alarmed "What about her? Is she safe? I let her accompany Viggo as a Rosario doctor to Italy this time because he insisted and Viggo is responsible for her safety.... So she should be ok. Right? Viggo never fails..."

Tristan said "Of course... She is safe... There is no problem with her safety. She is in Rosario mansion in Sicily where she should be..."

Vienna said "I am relieved. We both know what is at stake. She has her ex-husband on her tracks. She needs to be kept safe so  she is not abducted by him or anything...."

Tristan said "Her husband ... He has found her in Sicily... And he is in Rosario mansion with Vincenzo where Laurenza is also staying..."

Vienna gasped "Are you sure?  Her husband  has been missing for years? Why after all these years he shows up at the Rosario mansion of all the places?"

Tristan said "Because he helped in saving Letizia..."

Vienna closed her eyes. "Dont tell me..." She then sighed as she opened her eyes " So, are you telling me that Ludovico Marciano suddenly appears out of no where to save her cousin and then finds his wife? He is the same husband who didnt even bother to check if his wife is ok after her pregnancy?..."

Tristan said "Vincenzo said he didnt know she was pregnant... T

Vienna said "Nonsense.... I dont believe it... A man does not know that a woman is carrying his child? That tells me all that I have assumed about him... He marries her in vegas and then he downplays their marriage so much to a point she runs while pregnant knowing he is too immature to be a father..."

Tristan said "I will support any decision that you make?"

Vienna said "Any decision that I make? About what?"

Tristan said "She works for the O'Neils... So, we protect an O'Neil employee... She is under O'Neil protection... Ludovico cant just take her away with no consequence. And of course Viggo wont allow that either way... Laurenza is under Viggo's protection in Sicily..."

Vienna asked "And she is in Sicily in a Rosario mansion.... Too many people are involved here..."

Tristan said "Precisely...."

Vienna asked  "So what did Vincenzo want when he called you?"

Tristan said "He wants a verdict... Are we open to releasing our employee from her contract that bounds her to working for the O'Neils in America? And are we happy to release her knowing her ex-husband will have full access to her... Ludovico wants to take her to Milan...."

Vienna said "Viggo will bring her back... She cant be taken against her will to live a life she doesnt want..."

Tristan asked "So, is that your decision?"

Vienna said "My decision? I have no decision or any say here.... She said she wouldn't want anything to do with her ex-husband... I dont want her to get hurt... I gave her my word to protect her when she started working for me..."

Tristan said "But you do have a decision. When Vincenzo asked me about my verdict I said I will ask you what you want to do... I leave the decision upto you..."

Vienna looked into Tristan's eyes. She shook her head "There is no decision for me to make... It is her decision.... I will support her decision... If she does not want to go back to her husband I wont force her... There is also her child... We are supposed to take him to Rome with us.... Does she want us to do that? He is under our protection..."

Tristan said "Vienna... You are missing the point here... I want to know what you think... I want to know what is your decision... You can talk to Laurenza... But as her employer, I leave the judgement to you..."

Vienna sighed and thought over Tristan's words. She then looked up "Tristan... ... I think it's important to know what Laurenza says but its important hear Ludovico's side of story too. What was he thinking? Why did he drive his wife to run away and hide? Frankly I dont want to talk to Ludovico... But someone has to, because his child is protected by us.... Legally Laurenza's child is his too.... I leave the decision upto you..."

Tristan said "To me?"

Vienna said "I dont want to deal with Ludovico... I trust you to be fair.... When we go to Italy I am going to be there for Laurenza and assure her that I will do what I can to protect her... But dont ask me to judge... My judgement will be one sided because all I know is Laurenza's side... I know you can deal with Ludovico and handle the situation fairly..." She stood up.

Tristan asked "Where are you going? Sit down Vienna.. I need to call Vincenzo and give your response at some point.... When are you ready to make that call?"

Vienna sat down and said "I dont want to make no call.... What else is there to say? There is nothing left to say... I might speak to Viggo though.... Viggo allowed Ludovico near her... But he didnt know Ludovico was her husband. But still... He knew she was vulnerable... You can call Vincenzo... I leave you to judge this situation..." She then stood up.

Tristan said "You think my judgement will be fair in this case?" He stood up too.

Vienna smiled and approached Tristan. She attached his lips. Her high heels made it easier to reach his height and kiss him.  Tristan wrapped his arms around her. 

Vienna pulled away "I married you... Didnt I?"

Tristan said "Ludovico is a Marciano... He is Letizia's cousin... Vincenzo wont expect me to treat this case fairly. He said so himself... He said I should be the last person to have Ludovico Marciano's future in my hands..."

Vienna couldn't help smile "But I trust you... You are my husband... You bring me the peace and joy I never thought I could have in my life..." She then attached her lips to his.

Tristan attached his lips to hers and kissed her back possessively. She was his woman. And there was nothing more powerful than his woman declaring her love and trust in him.

****

It was after dinner time at the house of O'Neil. The party was still going. Almost everyone was having dessert and listening to music performers in the dining hall of the  mansion. 

Tristan was alarmed when he saw his eldest son missing even though he loved live music. He went looking for Nicandro.. Where could he be? It was out of character for him to disppear. He couldn't find him any where at the O'Neil mansion. He decided to look around the grounds. This was his father's mansion and he knew all the places well. After searching for a while, he was close to alert security until he heard his son's voice. 

Tristan followed his son's voice. He could hear his laughter. Then he saw him in the in a basketball court next to the unused garage where he used to go with Trent to play basketball. 

Tristan stood at the gate of the basketball court watching his son and his grandpa Francesco. 

Tristan watched as Francesco Rosario was teaching Nicandro basketball patiently and his son seemed to be enjoying his time.

Nicandro asked "Grandpa Rosario.. Uncle Viggo says you can score even by standing at the other side of the court? I want to see..."

Francesco complied and walked to the end of the court.   

Tristan was curious. He had no idea. Could Francesco Rosario truly score and throw the basketball from the very end of the opposite side of the basketball court to land inside the hoop at the opposite side? That he had to see. 

Francesco went to opposite side and threw the ball. The basketball indeed landed inside the hoop at the opposite side. 

Nicandro clapped loudly and smiled. 

Tristan was stunned. He had never seen any shot like this by anyone. He recalled how his father used to say how talented Francesco Rosario was in basketball. But his father had stopped him from getting anywhere near the NBA basketball courts. 

Francesco walked to his grandson "Have you had enough basketball lessons? Do you want to go back to the mansion?"

Nicandro shook his head "No... I dont want to go back...Grandpa Rosario... Can we stay out here abit?"

Tristan walked inside the basketball court.

Francesco looked at Tristan and then back at Nicandro "Your papa is here..."

Nicandro said "Papa... Papa... Grandpa is teaching me basketball... Do you want to see?"

Tristan said "I do..."

Tristan could see how much his son wanted to spend time with his grandpa Rosario.

Francesco said "Alright..." He then guided his grandson to the penalty area and grabbed a ball from a large basket full of balls. He taught him how to dribble. 

Nicandro started dribbling. He said "Grandpa Rosario... I want to be strong... What should I do to be strong..."

Francesco looked at Tristan and then said "If you want to be strong, you should listen to what your papa says... He knows what's best for you..."

Tristan didnt expect Franecsco Rosario to compliment him this way in the open. He was the kind of man who was honest. 

Nicandro said "I always listen to my papa... I want to be strong to help my papa with his war..."

Francesco asked "What war?"

Nincandro said "War with uncle Vincenzo..."

Tristan was outraged that his son will say such thing. Before he could say anything, Francesco did. Francesco asked his grandson "Who told you that?"

Tristan was wondering the same thing. He wanted to find out who was telling such things to his son. His son was too young for this kind of talk. 

Nicandro said "My friends tell me..."

Francesco said "Your friends are wrong...."

Nicandro said "Really?" 

Francesco said "Yes... Because your papa only goes to war with his enemies. Your uncle Vincenzo is not his enemy..."

Nicandro said "Ok..." He seemed satisfied with the answer and carried on dribbling. But then he stopped and turned to Francesco "Grandpa O'Neil says my papa has enemies... Do you know why my papa has enemies ...."

What was his father thinking? Nicandro was too young for this. Tristan said "Nicandro, stop asking your grandpa so many questions..."

Nicandro said "I am sorry... I don't see grandpa Rosario much..."

Francesco turned to Tristan as he was answering Nicandro's question "Your papa has many enemies because he is wise.... Wise men have enemies..."

Nicandro said "Grandpa O'Neil told me I should defend my papa when his enemies attack..."

Tristan couldn't believe how his father was telling his son such things. He was out of control in giving his kids such advice.

Francesco said "Your grandpa O'Neil is right. You should always defend your papa Nicandro. You should always take his side because he is your papa... Sons always should take their father's side..."

Nicandro then asked "Did you defend your papa? Did you take your papa's side when you were little?"

Tristan had to stop the conversation but he stopped himself when to his surprise he heard Francesco Rosario's amused voice "No I didnt... You ask complicated questions... You are clever like your papa..."

Nicandro asked "Why? Why didnt you defend your papa... Why didnt you take his side..."

Francesco stated "Because my papa was not a good man...."

Tristan could see, his son dared ask about a topic not many dared ask Francesco Rosario. His son managed to ask without his grandpa Rosario even looking annoyed or angry.

Nicandro nodded... He then carried on dribbling. He then stopped and asked "Grandpa Rosario.... What do good men do?"

Tristan was wondering where all his son's urge to ask questions came from. He must have sensed his grandpa Rosario was a special man. 

Francesco answered his grandson"Good men... They take care of their family..."

Nincandro looked at Tristan as he said "Like my papa?"

Francesco smiled "Yes... Like your papa... He takes care of his family..."

Nicandro said as he looked at Tristan "I  want to grow up and be like my papa..."

Francesco smiled "You will be..."

Nicandro nodded and carried on dribbling. Then he took a shot at the hoop and scored with a smile. "I did it..."

Francesco said "You did... Good work..."

Tristan said "Nicandro, I should take you back to mansion. Your papa Rosario must be tired..."

Nicandro turned to Tristan "But grandpa Rosario never gets tired. He is strong..."

Francesco walked to his grandson and picked him up. He looked into his grandson's eyes "You should listen to your papa..." He then walked away carrying his grandson in his arms.

Tristan walked alongside Francesco as he was carrying his son towards the mansion.

Nicandro said "My grandpa O'Neil is saying you dont like my papa..."

Tristan had to have a serious talk with his father. There were high tensions between Rosarios and O'Neils due to business. Did he have to involve Nicandro?

 Francesco said "Nicandro. I like your papa.... If I didn't like him, I wouldn't have allowed your mama to marry him, then you would not have been born... Your grandpa O'Neil is only joking with you..."

Nicandro said "So... You are not mad at my papa...." 

Francesco said "You should ask your papa that... Your papa can answer that question for you. If I ever get mad at your papa, he will know about it..."

Nicandro said "I want to run... Can I run back to the mansion..."

Francesco put down his grandson after carrying him half the way to the mansion.

Nicandro sprinted to the mansion. 

Tristan walked alongside Francesco towards the mansion. Tristan was not sure what was on Francesco Rosario's mind. He must have been displeased with his feud with Vincenzo. But he hadn't said anything. 

Tristan said "I appreciate the way you handled the conversation with my son... I also appreciate your compliments..."

Francesco said "I did not pay you any compliments... I stated facts... You are wise... But your father is wiser..."

There was some silence between the two men. But then Francesco broke the silence finally "You know... When your father and I first met, we instantly became rivals and friends at the same time... We had our differences... He had Irish roots and I had Italian roots... We were opposites in terms of personality. We had expertise in different areas... We quickly figured each other's weaknesses and strengths. We focused on learning from each other....  We became stronger with our rivalry... And our friendship became an unbreakable brotherhood.... Your father and I were always rivals but we built strength by being rivals... Being rivals does not mean being enemies.. Rivalry does not have to turn to being nemesis."

Tristan thought over Francesco's words. Sometimes he wondered how his father had managed to get so close to Francesco Rosario. How could anyone get close to this man? He was full of mystery. He was full of secrets. And he had fought so many battles from a young age. Francesco Rosario trusted no one loved no one but his wife Adele Rosario back in his youth. How had his father earned the respect of this highly dangerous and powerful man? He could never imagine how. But the bond between his father and Francesco Rosario was so strong. So strong that Tristan had felt Francesco had given Tristan special treatment at times when he had gone too far with any of his actions. 

Francesco said "You are not enemies with Vincenzo...Not yet. But you will be if you cross the line..."

Tristan said "You dont think I have crossed the line yet?..." He was curious to know Francesco Rosario's judgement. 

Francesco said "You have not crossed the line of no return yet... But if you do, there will be no way back..."

They had almost reached the mansion. Tristan was about to speak but then Emanuel O'Neil walked outside down the steps. 

Emanuel said "Nicandro told me he left my son with Papa Rosario...  I told him he shouldn't do that next time.... His papa Rosario may be tempted to kill his papa one day...."

Just then Nicandro was seen running around with a huge party sparkler that was making white and red sparks.

Francesco said as he picked up Nicandro and held him  "Nicandro is alot like an O'Neil... He loves playing with fire" 

Nicandro said as he was holding the sparkler "I like fire but I like ice too..."

Emanuel took Nicandro from Francesco "Of course... One day you will be as fiery as an O'Neil and as icy as a Rosario...." He then kissed his forehead.