The Kingmaker's War

I got kidnapped by my fathers enemies.

Vincent stormed their hideout alone to rescue me.

I was rescued, then I fell hopelessly in love with this man.

Two years Later, he got set up by his busineess rivals.

I sold everything and risked my life to help him turn the tables, and he claim the title of the King of Underground Gambling.

People called us a pair of mad dogs, rabid only for each other.

He lighted up fireworks for me, and he vowed, those fireworks would only lighted up for me.

Seven years later, fireworks lit up again, but the news screamed about the Gambling Kings mistress.

The young girls pregnant and insists on seeing fireworks.

But dont worry, sweetheart. Be obedient, and no one can touch your spot as my wife.

Then I had that woman was stripped naked, and hung from a helicopter for a tour of the city.

Seems he forgot.

I own half that throne of his title.

I helped him build it his empire, and I can damn tear it down!

Vincent came home to find me trimming a bonsai in the living room.

The room was packed with his guards.

Looked less like coming home, more like gearing up for war.

Serena, youve gone too far this time.

You stripped Lily Ann naked and hung her up like that! Hows she supposed to show her face again?

Shes only twenty, for Christs sake! Just a young girl!

My hand slipped.

The bonsai Id nurtured for years was ruined.

She liked the fireworks so much, I thought shed enjoy the view from up there.

Why the hell are you so pissed off?

Vincent kicked the table over.

Serena, Lilys not like you. Keep your dirty tricks away from her.

The words hit like a physical blow.

Not like me. Of course she wasnt.

Fifteen years. Id always been right beside him.

The sheltered society princess got her hands dirty for him.

The soft, slender hands now scarred and calloused from guns and knives.

I became this for him, and now he called me dirty for another woman.

I gave a cold, mocking smile.

Just giving her a better view. Why so tense?

Remember when I went guns blazing for you? Didnt see you this worked up then.

Vincent looked at me, exasperated.

Serena, what the hell do you want?

I told you, shes no threat to you. Can you just stop this?

Crack! My palm snapped his head to the side.

A dozen guns clicked, pointed straight at me.

Kyle whipped out his own piece, aiming right between Vincents eyes.

I ignored them, my hand flying again and again.

Only when Vincents cheek was swollen and bleeding did I stop.

Vincent kicked the nearest gunman. Who the hell told you to point guns at Mrs. Shaw? Lower them! NOW!

He took my hand, gently blowing on my reddened palm. Didnt that hurt?

Looking at him, a wave of exhaustion washed over me.

I tossed the divorce papers in his face. Sign them. Were done.

Vincent snatched them, ripped them to shreds, his face hard.

Serena, I told you. Youre my only wife. Im never divorcing you.

I grabbed a crystal vase and smashed it over his head.

Blood snaked down his temple. I smiled.

Fine. Dont divorce me. Ill give you a fireworks show too. Then we can go back to being Port Citys golden couple.

The living room TV flickered to life.

Lily Ann, naked, dangling from a helicopter. Bombs strapped to her body.

Blood streaked down her pale thighs. Her screams filled the room.

Vincent! My stomach! It hurts! Save our baby! Please!

Serena! Let her go NOW! If Lily or that baby are hurt, I swear to God, Ill end you!

Vincents hand clamped around my throat, eyes blazing with fury.

I hadnt seen that since I was sixteen, kidnapped by my fathers enemies.

Eighteen-year-old Vincent Shaw, battered and bleeding, carrying me out on his back, shielding me from every bullet.

Then he was just as fiercely as it did now.

The TV screen dissolved into static. One of Vincents men rushed in.

Boss! We got her! Shes on her way to Mercy General!

The hand on my throat released. Vincent turned and walked out without a backward glance.

Kyle stared at the red marks on my neck, fury in his eyes.

He laid hands on you? For that bitch? Hes lost his damn mind!

If it werent for you, Miss, hed be fish food wearing concrete shoes years ago.

I watched the empty doorway and smiled faintly. Let him lose his mind.

But Serena doesnt take shit lying down.

Notifications flooded every app on my phone.

Every headline featured Vincent carrying Lily Ann into the hospital.

Fifteen years of a fairy-tale marriage turned into a sick joke.

The envy I once inspired now sharpened into cruel barbs aimed at the Queen of the Underground.

The world whispered I was out of favor,the Gambling King would ditch his old wife for his shiny new toy.

A new friend request popped up. Lily Ann.

Her profile showed two clasped hands. One unmistakably Vincents.

I accepted. A photo slammed into the chat instantly.

Vincent Shaw, was on one knee, his head gently pressed against the woman's slightly rounded belly.

Serena, hate to disappoint you, but my babys just fine!

Guess I should thank you. Vincents been staying with me non-stop, scared youll try something.

Wont even go home when I tell him to!

You wouldnt believe how protective he is. But then, you wouldnt know, would you? Since you cant have kids!

Serena, youre a barren bitch! And I will drag you off that throne.

I actually laughed out loud.

Sweetheart, the Queens spot isnt something you hatch your way into.

Lily Ann seemed determined to prove Vincents devotion. She bombarded me with photos every morning.

The way Vincent Shaw gazed at Lilys belly was practically religious.

Kyles expression darkened as he saw the photos.

Miss, should I go teach her a lesson? I'll make sure any... complications are taken care of.

The front doors crashed open. Vincent stormed in, flanked by his crew. His men started trashing the place.

Vincents face was thunderous.

Serena! I let you off last time! Now you dare poison Lily?

You cant have kids, so no one else can? Is that it? If we hadnt caught it in time the baby His voice choked.

I stared at him, disbelief freezing me.

Years ago, Vincents rivals had broken into our home for revenge while he was away.

By the time he got there theyd sliced me open. My tiny embryo dumped on the floor like trash.

Three months in ICU. I survived. Barely.

But Id lost any chance of ever being a mother.

And now he said I couldnt have kids?

Kyle stepped in front of me, glaring at Vincent. Vincent Shaw! Youve crossed a line!

What are you? A dog barking at its master? Vincent snarled.

Thud! Kyle gasped, clutching his thigh as he crumpled to the floor.

I raised an eyebrow, leaned back on the sofa, and laughed.

I snatched the knife from Vincents hand and plunged it deep into his shoulder, twisting hard.

Poison? You insult me, Vincent.

Serena doesnt get blamed for things she didnt do. You say it was me? Fine. Let me remind you what my style really looks like.

For the first time, panic flickered across Vincents usually controlled face.

He reached for his phone. It rang before he could dial.

Boss! It's bad! A group just stormed the hospital and took Lily!

Vincent whirled around, staring at me in disbelief.

I smiled sweetly. I told you. I don't accept false accusations.

The doors burst open. Lily Ann, was dragged in and thrown at my feet.

Vincent whipped out a gun, pressing it hard against my forehead.

Serena dont push me.

He was the one holding the gun, but his eyes were red-rimmed.

I gave him a mocking smile. Vincent Shaw. Shoot me now. Or get ready to bury your bastard.

Vincents hand trembled. His eyes were bloodshot, veins bulging on his forehead.

Serena I warned you dont push me.

Lily Ann trembled, sobbing uncontrollably. Seeing Vincent, her eyes lit up with desperate hope.

Vincent! Save me!

Serena, you bitch! Without Vincent, youre nothing!

Let me go! Or Vincent will make you pay!

I smirked. Ignoring the gasps around me, I kicked Lily Ann hard in the stomach.

She curled up, howling in pain, her cries filling the grand hall.

Serena! I hope you rot in hell!

No wonder you couldnt keep a baby! Got your womb carved out!

A blood-soaked bitch like you doesnt deserve kids!

My breath caught. My nails dug deep into my palms.

I kicked her again, harder. Then I pulled a knife, pressing the tip against her lower belly.

Oh, big deal, you can pop out a kid? I'll carve it out right now! Let's see you have children then!

Blood trickled down Lilys thighs. I pressed the knife harder.

BANG!

The bullet grazed my cheek. Blood dripped onto the marble floor.

I stared at Vincent, my eyes wild.

Vincent Shaw you shot at me?

Vincents eyes were bloodshot, his face a mask of strained control.

Serena, I warned you. Shes young. Leave her alone!

You you pushed me to this!

The knife in my hand plunged straight into Vincents chest.

I stared coldly at Vincent, twisting the blade. Youre wrong, Vincent. You pushed me!

If youd just signed the damn papers, none of this would be happening!

Vincents men drew their weapons. My crew did the same.

People whod once fought back-to-back now aimed guns at each other.

Vincent yanked the knife out, blood soaking his shirt.

He scooped Lily Ann up, his gaze lingering on the cut on my cheek.

I wont divorce you. I promised your father. Mrs. Shaw will always be you.

But pray Lily and the baby are okay. Or youll regret it.

That afternoon, Vincent sent me a video.

Lily Ann, sobbing hysterically in a hospital bed.

Our babys gone, Vincent! Kill that psycho! Avenge our baby!

Vincents voice came through the phone. Serena. Youll pay!

CRASH!A bullet shattered the living room window. His declaration of war.

My businesses started crumbling.

The shipping terminal accidentally caught fire.

The club raided and shut down. Even the most profitable casino was hit, repeatedly vandalized.

Seeing my crew, battered and broken, my heart broken.

I drove a knife straight through Vincents face in our wedding portrait.

Fine, Vincent Shaw, forget the divorce. We end this! Its you or me now!.

Port City descended into chaos. Days filled with fear, nights shattered by gunfire.

Influential Mafia bosses tried to mediate.

Vincent, Serena stood by you from nothing. Is a fling worth tearing everything apart?.

Serena, stand down. You two are tearing the whole damn city apart.

Vincent glared at me. Ill stop. If Serena gets on her knees and apologizes to Lily.

I snorted. Apologize? Hell no. But Ill happily send her straight to hell!

A photo slid across the table. My fathers grave and the tiny plot for my baby both empty.

Vincents eyes were ice. Serena. Stand down. Or I cant guarantee where their ashes end up.

The man who lifted him up. The child who never got a chance.

Now become his tools to control me.

The Vincent Shaw who loved me fiercely at eighteen he was dead. Killed by the man he became.

I looked at Vincent and laughed. A hollow, empty sound. Alright, Vincent Shaw. You win.