My husband turned out to be a psychopathic Mafia

"You're Still Mine"

"It's nice to meet you, Mrs Emma Knight"

William snorted with his hoarse voice. Emma looked at him with fear, but she immediately pouted as her lips curved into a grin. He gritted his teeth in anger and glared at her.

"This is Miss Emma Valentino, Mr Knight"

As soon as he said that, William's mocking facial expression turned violent. His gaze became dark. The air around them became cold. Emma shivered inwardly as she was groped by her sinister aura.

"Are you sure about that?"

William cringing. Emma grinned at him which made him boil.

"I've never been so sure of anything in my life before"

William clenched his fists furiously while glaring at him with burning eyes. The two of them stared at each other as if they were going to kill each other with their blazing eyeballs. Everyone in the room continued to stare at the two of them in bewilderment as Henry decided to interfere.

"Emma, what are you doing?"

He whispered while clutching his hand tightly. William's gaze immediately turned to his hand gripping his shirt. Emma turned to Henry and said something to her surprise.

"We'll just cancel the deal"

His eyes widened. He looked towards William.

"We're canceling this deal. We don't want to cooperate with a rich person who doesn't even bother to come to the meeting on time and can't even remember the name of his client well" Emma spoke in a cold tone. William continued to look at her with clenched jaws and a dark face when Noah suddenly cried out in anger.

"HOW DARE YOU? DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU'RE TALKING TO YOUNG MISS?"

Emma turned her gaze to Noah who was glaring at her, her eyes filled with anger.

"What are you doing here, Agent?"

He muttered in a dark tone while Noah grinned at the answer.

"Why? Surprised? What do you think about me dying? Defeating the Artful Dodger is not a cup of tea dear. Maybe you and your husband are being touted as husband or should I say your new man should be careful about it. Well, what can I expect from someone who only lives off the mercy of able-bodied men and exchanges them from time to time to save his timid little ass... Ck ck, pathetic woman, I pity you, Pussycat"

Noah blurted out obscenities, his tone mixed with disgust and hatred? Emma was stunned when she heard that. Tears gathered in the corner of his eyes, but he immediately wiped them by blinking his eyes a few times. Emma then walked up to Noah while looking into his eyes without even blinking a single blink.

"Look, who's talking? A person who changes allegiances is like a girl who changes clothes. Me, changing men, Mr Miller!! At least I have a bit of self-esteem unlike you who crawled back to the person you had stabbed just to gain power and money. Even a dog will look at you with disdain, you brash fool. A rotten chicken that lives under the mercy of the rich and powerful only to boast of its power, when it has none. I feel sorry for you, baby; you are just a stupid minded fool. I can't even believe that you're a top CIA agent. I don't even understand what they're thinking by appointing someone weak as Agent 001. So, will you tell the audience about your journey from a shrewd Agent to a Vulnerable Mafioso?"

"SILENCE!!"

Noah shouted in a raucous voice that made everyone in the room startled. His body began to tremble in anger as he tried his hardest not to lash out a punch at the woman who was not even jolted by his screams. He lost his mind hearing Emma's rant. For the past four years, Noah had built a strong and respectful position but the woman had just dropped her pride by comparing her to the cockroaches that were creeping on the ground and that was in front of her employees who respected her a lot.

But the thing that angered him even more was that the woman had just scratched the wound engraved deep in her heart.

Emma is right. Noah has no regrets nor does he feel guilty for William. Only to take revenge on Vincent and avenge his insults, he sided with him. He was with William only for revenge, not to support him as a friend. The anger Noah was trying to reflect clearly showed that Emma had caught him wet. But that's not the goal. He made sure to say each word out loud enough for it to be heard by others.

Noah was about to retaliate, but stopped as William raised both his hands in front of him.

"Enough"

Noah looked at. His eyes were filled with a blend of anger and shock.

"Wil"

William stared at her firmly making her close her mouth. Noah ruffled his hair in frustration and threw away his face. William then turned his eyes to Emma.

"Mrs Valentino, you've crossed your boundaries now. You're too full of yourself, aren't you? You don't even know that you've entered into a Lion's den of your own free will. You know, no one dared to say it like this. No one dared to mess with us. But you have the guts to not only insult me, but also humiliate my friend in front of everyone. However, I give you a chance, this can be finished here only if you apologize to Mr. Noah Miller, here right now"

He spoke in a serious tone while looking at her with a deathly gaze. Noah also glared at her, but Emma crossed her arms around his chest and glared at the two of them.

"Well, if that's the case, then you're meeting the right person who has the courage to show the real you. And about apologizing, my principle says that I will never apologize to anyone who treats and considers others nothing more than a speck of dust. You both deserve it"

William walked over to her while glaring at her with a sharp look.

"I warn you, Mrs Valentino. Your reckless and inappropriate behavior will significantly lead to disaster. Don't try to dig your own grave. You'll regret it"

He growled with clenched teeth and his eyes turned red. Emma sneered at his comments.

"I've had enough regrets and made many bad decisions in the past. But I think this time I'm sane and I'm sure that I made the right decision. So, you and your arrogant friend must tighten your defenses because this time I will lead"

He spoke angrily towards her. William grinned and shook his head.

"Alright if that's what you want"

He then flicked his coat and began to leave the room. Noah followed her too. Emma kept staring at the two of them as William suddenly stopped and turned around. He looked into his eyes and spoke in a deep hoarse voice.

"The game has begun, Emma. I'll make sure you regret your decision."

Emma was immediately fixated on her tone, but William just grinned and turned around leaving her in a storm of mixed emotions.

*****

~Lick Time

2 Days later

The Valentino Estates, Seoul

10:30 am

Inside the CEO's office

"WHAT ARE YOU THINKING, EMMA? DO YOU REALIZE WHAT YOU'VE DONE?"

Mr. Valentino shouted loudly at Emma who was sitting quietly in the chair while looking down.

Emma and Henry soon return to America after their encounter with Mr. Miller and his partner William Knight. Moreover, there was no point in staying there anymore as he had turned down the offer and cancelled the deal. Henry kept asking him why he had to take such a hard step, yet he told him that this was not the time to give an answer. But in all this chaos, he completely forgot the promise he had made with Mr. Valentino.

"There's a reason behind all this, Dad"

Mr. Valentino narrowed his eyes at him and frowned. "Reason? What reason?"

Emma looks at him when suddenly the door opens and Vincent appears.

"Emma? Are you all right?"

He rushed to her. Emma also stood up from her chair but she was shocked when Vincent immediately pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly. He staggered back but Vincent held his waist so as not to fall.

"I was so worried when Henry told me that you met William there"

Vincent keeps tightening his arms as if he's about to lose her but Emma doesn't return the hug so much that it scares him.

"Why didn't you say anything? How did you meet William Dan

Noah?"

Emma finished her words which stunned her. Vincent slowly let go of his embrace and looked at Emma who was looking at him with a cold gaze.

"How can I meet Noah there, Mr Vincent Miller?"

His eyes widened because for the first time Emma used the word honor greeting for him. Vincent held onto his shoulder, but the woman pulled his hand and pushed him back.

"I met a dead person or should I say the person you have declared dead"

He spat angrily while Mr. Valentino continued to look at the two of them in bewilderment. Vincent lowered his head and let out a long sigh before speaking with his hoarse voice.

"I'm sorry Emma lied to you. But it's for your own good. I just want to help you, nothing else."

* Slapping

His face turned to the right as a hard slap landed on his left cheek. Vincent was surprised and looked at Emma who was looking at him with red eyes.

"HOW DARE YOU! WHY DO YOU ALL KEEP LYING TO ME?" WHAT THE HELL AM I HERE FOR ALL OF YOU?"

"I'M JUST TRYING TO PROTECT YOU!", Vincent shouted back.

"YOU DON'T HAVE TO LIE TO ME FOR THAT!"

Emma pushed Vincent with all her might and walked out of the room angrily. He then walked into his cabin and slammed the door while shedding tears. He immediately picked up his belongings and went outside the building because he did not want to deal with those con men anymore.

*****

~Lick Time

9:00 in the morning

At Emma's house

THE P.O.V. Emma

After a fight with Vincent, I decided to go to my parents' house because I didn't want to see him again. I told everything to Mom. He panicked, but I assured him that William would not be able to do anything because I would immediately resign from Valentino Estates and apply for a job elsewhere.

I'm hurt, very hurt right now. No matter how much I try to trust someone, they always betray me. So, I've decided to cut off my relationship with everyone and move somewhere else because I'm fed up. Right now, I'm with my parents having dinner while their eyes are on me and I know why.

Mother spoke softly while putting her hand on my left shoulder. I ignored his words and continued to eat my food. Dad sighed and held my hand for me to look at him.

"Daughter, I know you're hurt. In this bloody war, my son was the one who suffered the most but my brave daughter did not let us both down and kept fighting"

My tears began to flood my eyes as she gently patted my head. I couldn't control myself and fell into his arms as I started sobbing.

"I'm tired Dad, tired of running away from everyone. I didn't even make a mistake, then why was I punished so much? Do I not deserve to be happy? Am I not entitled to a normal life like everyone else? Don't I deserve love?"

"Yes, right, but tell me, doesn't Vincent deserve a chance?"

I let go of the embrace and looked at him in shock.

"What do you mean by that?"

He sighed and wiped my tears gently.

"Emma, I know he lied to you, but don't you think that he did this just to protect you from William who always makes you cry? Ask yourself, during our four-year relationship, has Vincent tried to force you or hurt you or has he ever made you cry?"

I was surprised by his words. Dad kept looking at me while waiting patiently for my answer. I bowed and shook my head in denial.

"But why did you lie? He did the same thing as William"

I muttered with a broken voice. He then cupped my face and made me look at him.

"Emma, there's a big difference between William and Vincent. William lied to you to keep you by his side even though he had to hurt you in the process, but Vincent lied to protect you, to save you from the freak. Lying to someone is not a crime if your motives are right. You will thank him in the end. You get a new job, a new life, a new friend. Now, you'd be lying to Emma if you said that you didn't enjoy your freedom"

I kept looking at him with wide eyes. I slowly nodded because he was right.

"Then? And did Vincent ever ask you to do something forcibly? No Princess, we've seen it. He helps you at every step of your life. To make you successful, to help you achieve your dreams, to keep you safe and healthy, but what do you do? You made it look as if he had done something wrong by dragging you out of that hellhole. Daughter, don't let your anger and arrogance blind you so that you end up hurting the only person who has tried his best to make you smile. It's not you Emma, I only know Emma who is generous, sweet and kind. Who always makes everyone smile? Don't let your past ruin the present, son. You need to let go now. It's for your own good."

My eyes wide. I gaped at her words but she looked at me sternly.

"I know you haven't forgotten it yet, have you?"

I'm looking down embarrassed. I can't speak. Dad's right. I haven't forgotten William. I still think one day he'll come back to me. Somewhere in my heart, I'm still sure he'll change again and that's why I haven't opened my heart to Vincent.

"Emma, I won't force you this time. It's your life, so it's really your choice. You decide what you have to do. But I'll just advise you to make the right choice and reflect on it before you make any important decisions in your life."

He then patted my head and stood up. Mother also kissed my forehead and went to drown me in a sea of thoughts.

*****

~Time goes fast

3 Days later

At the residence of Valentino, America

8:30 in the morning

Vincent is coming down the stairs. Madame Valentino, her mother looked at her but she passed by as she started walking towards the exit.

"Vincent, wait. Don't you want breakfast?"

"I don't want to"

Vincent answered harshly while wearing his coat when suddenly his eyes fell on Emma who was standing at the entrance while looking at him guiltily. She kept looking at him while Emma walked over to him.

"Hi"

Emma was unable to muster up the courage to speak more as Vincent's cold gaze caused her to feel embarrassed. His expression was stern as a rock and his typical billion dollar smile was absent, leaving him injured as this was the first time, Vincent was cold to him.

"So, you finally decided to show up. I thought you were still stuck in your ego and-"

"MOM!!"

Madame Valentino immediately shut her mouth as Vincent growled in a fierce tone to make Emma flinch. He then pulls her hand and drags her out of the house while Emma tries hard to keep up with Vincent's move.

Vincent took him outside the house and pushed his hand violently. Emma stumbled a little backwards due to her strength but her eyes widened when she saw Vincent's eyes full of anger.

"What are you doing here? You know it's not safe for you to wander around like this. And now that William has seen you, you know you have to be more careful. WHAT ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT RUNNING AWAY LIKE THAT? YOU KNOW YOU COULD BE IN SERIOUS TROUBLE!! YOU DON'T EVEN CARE HOW SCARED I WAS THAT DAY!! YOU'RE REALLY STUPID!"

Emma immediately hugged him tightly and started crying loudly like a child. Vincent was surprised because he did not expect it, but soon, he wrapped his hands around Emma's back to calm her down.

"I'm sorry, I'm really very sorry. I don't even understand. You're right, I act like a lady to you all the time even though you've helped me a lot

. I'm not even thinking straight. I'm too selfish V. Please forgive me. Don't leave me"

Vincent was surprised but slowly his smile expanded on his face after hearing those three words. She keeps patting her head while Emma keeps apologizing to her. After crying so much, he let go of his embrace. Vincent cupped his cheeks and wiped away his tears.

"Are you okay?"

He asked gently while looking into her eyes. He nodded and looked back at his eyes. They continued to stare at each other for a long time when suddenly Vincent slowly began leaning forward. Emma said nothing and kept looking at him. His gaze then landed on her soft pink-colored lips. He closed his eyes as he leaned more and more into his body. Emma also closed her eyes while panting.

Their lips almost touched when...

enough to describe his emotions. William then shifted it, "Wow! What an amazing show?"

The sound of applause echoed in their ears. They both flinched and turned to the right only to see William staring at Vincent with a murderous gaze. William grinned at them but his red eyes, clenched jaws, and dark face were enough to describe his emotions. William then turned his gaze to Emma who was staring at him sharply.

Vincent then came before him and glared at him.

"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?"

He growled ferociously. William scoffs at her and walks over to her while Emma automatically steps back that doesn't go unnoticed. He then looked at Vincent with a deathly gaze before he growled with gritted teeth. "I should have asked you the same question, Agent"

His eyeballs instantly turned pitch-black as his face reddened in anger. Emma gripped V's coat in fear. William realized. He then clenched his jaw sharply and growled with gritted teeth.

"How dare you kiss my wife"

Vincent chuckled at his words before switching to his dark mode.

"I don't think you've done very well, Mr. William. She's your wife but now?"

He then walked over to her while William continued to show a dagger towards her with his flaming gaze.

"He is mine"

Emma looked at the two brown-haired men in great surprise, yet she tried to ease the tension between them. He immediately approached Vincent and was about to pull him back when he heard William's hoarse voice.

"you married her, Emma?"

He looked at her sharply and spat.

"Why? Do I need permission to get married?"

Vincent immediately wrapped his hands around Emma's waist and pulled her towards him.

"Listen Gangsta, Now go!"

He immediately dragged Emma along with him as the two of them turned around and started to leave.

"You can't marry her, Emma"

They both stopped their steps. Emma turned and looked at him.

"Why can't I?"

He spoke with clenched teeth while clenching his fists tightly in anger. William then walked up to them. The corner of his lips shot upwards as he smirked arrogantly while Vincent and Emma continued to stare at him in bewilderment.

"And how can you say that?"

Vincent growled while tightening his grip on the waist but William just sneered.

"Maybe you two have forgotten the most important part of the story"

William snaps. Emma then jerked Vincent's hand away from him and walked towards him angrily.

"What's that?"

He spoke angrily while glaring at her.

"We're not divorced yet"

Emma frozen. All blood flowed from his face as he looked at her in shock. Vincent was also shocked while William chuckled at the faces of their panicked faces.

"And I don't plan to divorce you either, so you're still officially my wife. You're not Valentino, you're the beautiful Madame Emma Knight and"

William then turned his gaze to Vincent who was staring at him with wide eyes. He walked up to her and spoke in a deep hoarse voice.

"He is mine and will remain mine forever"

~🍃~