81. Offense is a good Defense

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After Tristan called Vienna, he finished getting changed as he was preparing to go to the Rosario mansion. He made his way out of his room and walked down corridors. One of the guards blocked him and stated " Sir, your father needs to see you in his office now before you make your way to the cars."

Tristan sighed " Fine." He then changed his path and walked towards his father's office. He knocked and entered his father's office. He saw his father sitting behind his desk looking at papers.

As Emanuelle looked up and saw his son he spoke firmly " Hello there ... traitor..."

Tristan froze as he reached the middle of the room. It was impossible to read his father's mind. His father was complex.

Emanuelle walked around the desk " Explain to me why you called Francesco and ruined my surprise? I was just on the phone with him...."

Tristan shook his head " Father... I called Vienna. Not her father .... I don't like Vienna to be overwhelmed. She needed to know who you are sending her way..."

Emanuelle chuckled darkly as he paced the floor " Interesting ... So you betray your old man for your girl .... Don't ruin my surprises son ... I don't like it."

Vincenzo insisted " But Rosarios don't like surprises..."

Emanuelle turned his back to his son and walked to corner of the room as he spoke " Well ... I certainly do and you ... have to pay up now... Traitor..."

Tristan watched his father take one sword out of his cupboard. His father threw the sword between them on the floor. It was not a real sword. It was a sword similar to those used by sports men but it was sharp enough to cut clothing if his father applied force. But his father never hurt him with it except for making him feel exhausted when they fought.

Emanuelle took out the other sword and turned around " Pick up the sword son... what are you waiting for?"

Tristan was hesitant. No one dared take his father on in fencing. Even Francesco Rosario avoided sword fighting with Emanuelle. Tristan had heard the last time they had fenced Francesco had lost but his father kept losing in chess. But he was certain it must have been close. Vincenzo was taught fencing by his father and was really hard to beat. But ironically Tristan had beaten Vincenzo before. It was a close match but he had beaten him and their re-match was due at some point.

Tristan walked slowly to the sword on the floor " Father.., I need to get changed... My suit could get ripped... When we play you rip my shirt with your sword alot." Tristan knew his father was doing this on purpose now. The suit Tristan was wearing was gifted to him by his Grandpa Giovanni that day. Tristan's mother has specifically told him that day if anything happened to this suit he was going to be grounded until Christmas when he returned from his trip. Tristan recalled his father new that.

Emanuelle walked slowly towards his son " Oh . I see you don't want to rip Grandpa Giovanni's suit that he gifted you... Well in that case you are going to have to be careful not to rip it.

Tristan stood towering over the sword on the floor " I need to change my suit..." If his mother grounded him, he couldnt take Vienna out in evenings.. That was not convenient. He already had planned out all his dates.

Emanuelle shook his head " Not an option. I give you three seconds to pick up the sword and if you don't comply then I will make your mother's threat sound like a picnic."

Tristan sighed. His eyes did not move from his father's expression as he slowly bent over and reached for the sowrd. Once he touched the sowrd, his father attacked and it was one real work out when he took his father on. He had no idea where his father got his strength from. He was slim, tall and less bulky than Francesco Rosario. But he was as strong.

As Tristan barely touched the handle, his father lounged at him and Tristan found himself fighting very hard. Tristan dogded the attack and managed to get up. That was when his father attacked non stop as Tristan retreated defending himself.

Emanuelle taunted "Son... You seem to have forgotten... Offense is a good defence... Attack me..."

Tristan knew he had no chance if he attacked now. His father had the advanatge. His father was a professional expert in fencing and even had beaten various fencing champions when he was in college. What chance did he stand? So he responded "Father... You proved your point."

Emanuelle asked "You think so?..." He then narrowed his eyes as he fastened his pace of attacking him and Tristan in turn retreated and defended like his life depended on it. He barely could hold on for much longer. His father was really fast. His mother even said that Francesco had never lost in fencing to anyone but to his father. What chance did Tristan have?

Emanuelle watched his son run away behind his desk and he circled his son "Woah, son. I have not even started with you. Next time you betray your old man get ready for the consequences."

Tristan sighed in frustration "What chance do I have? This is no fair fight and you know it... I dont even practice much fencing these days..."

Emanuelle jumped over his desk and towards Tristan. As he touched the ground he started his attack on his son. Emanuelle asked "Who's fault is that?"

He retorted "I cant fit fencing in my schedule as much as I used to... I have to study for next year's exams... They can take me to college"

Emanuelle stated "So enjoy getting beaten every time then..." Emanuelle knew his son was the fencing champion of his school. Tristan even didnt know his own potential. His reflexes were faster than anyone his age. He was above average in terms of coordination and reflex speed. He of course didnt want it to go into his head but Tristan was gifted and Emanuelle's adult physcial strength was what made him beat his son. But tactically his son was flawless in fencing and any mode of fighting.

Tristan then found himself cornered. He was trying to find an escape route. He was being backec into the corner of the room. He was so dead. He knew he was going to pay for it later but he kicked the footrest that was near towards his father and then used the distraction to run away retreated to the other side of the room watching his father who was approaching him slowly with a content but taunting smile " You have done it now son... Do you really think you can get away with striking your old man?"

Tristan gulped and took a step backwards. His father was the most dangerous man he had ever met. No one came close. His father did not always make his emotions known and he struck back so hard. It was also very hard to read his father's intentions from his words or facial expression. But it was obvious he was done for. He had just hit his father. Had he lost his mind or what? But he did anything for Vienna. If his shirt got ripped he was not going to be going on any dates with Vienna until Christmas and this month was June.

Tristan found himself a shield that was a large framed painting on the wall. He held it up and waited for his father to attack him.

Emanuelle sighed "Wrong move. Put it down... My father gave it to me on my wedding... If I have to cut it in half to teach you not to take on your old man, you will be sorry."

Tristan just remembered. This painting was worth one million dollars. A rare one... But his father didnt care for the money. Tristan muttered sorry and put it back. He then in his haste as he watched his father approach, he groaned as he felt his leg hit something but luckily he did not trip over but that was enough distraction for his father to launch an attack on him. Tristan fell backwards on his father's desk as he was defending himself. Their swords locked. He was so dead. He tried hard to hold up his father. His father's sword was pushing down on his and pushed Tristan down to lay flat on top of desk as he was fighting to keep his father's blade away. His father was so close to push his sword away out of his hand. That was what always happened. His father could rip his shirt to shreds now. His father was seconds away from a win. Then Tristan saw the opportunity or rather felt it. His foot found the chair's leg that was next to the desk. He made sure with one swift motion, the chair came between them. His father was distracted for one second and loosednd his force on the sword that gave Tristan the chance to slip away from the sword lock situation.

Tristan ran to the other side of the room and held his sword up thinking to himself "What now?" He couldnt hold his father up for so long. As his father said Offense was a good defense... But when he dealt with his father, offense could be a deadly mistake. He couldnt be doing any offense unless he was ready. His father knew full well, he was no match for him in fencing. No one he knew was his father's match in fencing, not even Francesco Rosario. If his mother feared death and Francesaco Rosario and even he couldnt beat his father, what chance did Tristan have? He contemplated to give up and surrunder. It really was not worth taking on his father beyond what was needed. His father proved a point. Tristan may have mastered every skill that was possible for a fifteen year old but he was no match for his father. His father was teaching him his place.

As his father approached him, Tristan held up his sword ready to defend himself. But his father taunted "Attack me. Try it son."

Tristan didnt dare. You did not attack Emanuelle O'Neil no matter who you were unless you wanted your backside kicked. He was eying his father standing a meter away from him taunting him with the look he was giving him. His father wanted to prove a point that he was no match for him and he had proved it already but if he attacked his father, he was done for. He replied " I am reckless father but I am certainly not crazy..."

Emanuelle lowered his sword "I give you an advantage... My sword is not even pointed up..."

Tristan stated "No. I prefer defence when it comes to you..."

Emanuelle knew that was true. His son attacked anyone else if he was put in this situation but his son knew enough of his reputation to never ever strike except in self defence. Emanuelle chuckled "Last chance..."

Tristan held his swords up ready to be attacked. There was no where to run.His father took no prisoners in fencing. Surrunder was not really an option even though it was the only option.

Emanuelle sighed " Enough with the games... Time to finish you off... " Just as he was about to lounge at his son, a voice made him halt "Emanuelle, what is the meaning of this... My family is waiting at the Rosario mansion by now and you are playing games with our son?"

Tristan wanted to laugh. His mother called this a game. This was no game. This was a fight and in this fight his father was teaching him a lesson.

Emanuelle whispered "Saved by your mother again... I cut you a break this time" He then turned around with a smile and looked at his wife who was standing at the door with her hand on the handle. He asked " Honey I was not playing no game..." He then walked away and put his sword in its place. He then spoke "I like spending time with my family. Whats wrong with that?"

Sanica walked in and stated "Bad timing..." She looked her husband up and down " Your tie is not fixed. Let me fix it for you... Men have no sense of time and no respect..." She then approached her husband

Tristan slowly walked to the corner and put away his sword. He then muttered "I will make my way down to the car now..."

Sanica glanced at Tristan as she was fixing Emanuelle's tie " I like how this suit fits you... Its good you decided to wear it today... My father flew one of his best designers from Milan to New York for just making this suit..."

Tristan sighed and walked away. His mother was pleased with him of course. He hadnt upset his mother that day and had not refused to wear the suit sent by his grandpa Giovanni when his grandpa O'Neil had also sent him a suit that day. He was going to wear his grandpa O'Neil's suit at a different party. But of course his mother was still in a good mood and hadnt reprimanded him for fighting with swords that seemed to her as playing games. Hadnt she seen how her husband fought with swords? In what kind of sword fighting game had she seen such fight for survival. But to her it was a simple game. He had barely time to breath when he fought his father. That didnt feel like a game. He had a lucky escape.

Sancia sighed "Its fixed now. Lets go..." As she took one step away, Emanuelle pulled her back towards himself as he grabbed her hand.

Emanuelle stared at his wife "I need a kiss."

Sancia narrowed his eyes " I need us to leave..."

Tristan then rolled his eyes and he walked away and closed the door. His parents were kissing now. He walked down corridors as he thought of the changes around him... His mother was slightly more nicer to his father and to him as well as his siblings in recent days. Tristan had a feeling it was because his father was taking his sons on a trip from that weekend onwards and they werent going to be back anytime soon.

Tristan made his way down the stairs and noticed Trent and Clarisa were inside the car ready to leave... He got in the car and waited silently. He looked forward to having dinner at Vienna's house but wished his father hadn't invited so many people.

Minutes later his parents came and they made their way to the Rosario mansion as a family.

When they reached the mansion and parked the car, he searched for Vienna in the crowed, next to the marquee that was put up. So many people were around.

He got off the car and made his way to the marquee with his family.

Franecsco came into view first. His eyes only saw his father with a hard expression. Francesco roared "Emanuelle. What a surprise? Thank you for coming with your family...."

Tristan had no idea how his father had the nerve to smile back. You didnt smile when Francesco sounded so displeased. You just didnt. Was his father crazy?

Emanuelle chuckled and hugged Francesco "Thank you for greeting us. He then shook hands with Francesco "I like surprises..."

Francesco stated "You do... Dont you..." He didnt let go of Emanuelle's hand and Tristan knew he was squeezing his father's hand very hard at that point. Francesco stated "I need to have a word with you in my office .... friend..."

Emanuelle stated "Sorry but I have to see your lady first. It would be disrespectful to your wife to not greet her as the host first... May I see you your wife first..."

Francesco gave him a hard look and let go of Emanulle's hand " My wife is busy in the marquee hosting the party for the guests you ... kindly invited to our home..." Sarcasm was in his voice.

Emanuelle stated "The more the merrier they say....You are welcome.."

Sanica turned to her children " Kids, why dont you go to the marquee and speak to the kids... I should find Adele..."

Tristan didnt need to be told twice... He was sure, the conversation was going to get more intense... His father of course always dug his way out of facing anyone's wrath... including Francesco Rosario's.

Tristan walked inside the marquee and found Vienna in the corner pouring herself a drink. What a treat that was to watch her pour herself a drink and then watch her drink it slowly without her noticing he was watching. Her drinking, turned him on for some reason. It was a hot day and he hoped she kept drinking and hydrating herself.

Vienna had not spotted him yet. She was drinking and Tristan waited until she finsihed her drink and put the glass down before he came into view out of his hiding place that was behind a large vase of flowers and a statue nearby.

As he came to view he spoke "Hi Vienna..."

Vienna froze "Hi... Thank you for the call..."

Tristan smiled and walked to her. He took her hand in his and lifted it gently to his lips. He planted a gentle kiss on her hand as he whispered "Don't mention it. I hope you do not mind all these people... Sorry about this... My father doesnt know when to stop his pranks..." He let Vienna's hand down and let go.

Vienna smiled "Its not a problem... I juts wish we had notice so we could have a better party for everyone..."

Tristan smiled "I am having a great party just by looking at you...."

She blushed and looked away as she bit her lip.

Tristan breathed out deeply... He had not lost his breath when he had been fighting his father in fencing having to defend himslef against blow after blow but Vienna made him breathless just by biting her lip.

Vienna then looked up at Tristan "Would you like something to eat?" She pointed to a table nearby which had a varity of cakes.. In fact tables of snacks and drinks were all over the marquee.

Tristan looked at the table "I think I am fine..."

Vienna walked to the table and picked up a plate as she suggested "My mother makes the best brownies and cakes.. She made all of the cakes on this table. Try one of her cakes... Trust me... They are good,... " She then pointed to another table nearby "I made all those cherry and chocolate muffins on that table...."

As soon as Tristan heard this, he walked to that table " I think I am a bit hungry actually... We have time until dinner..."

Vienna asked "You want to try my muffins? They are not that good... Everyone eats my mother's cakes..."

Just then Adele called Vienna "Sweetie, come here a minute."

Vienna smiled "I will be back..." She then walked away.

Tristan watched Vienna walk to her mother who then introduced her to two women there... His eyes were watching her only as he picked up a muffin and took a bite and it melted in his mouth... He was going to eat every single heavenly tasting muffin that she baked as he watched her. It was the most delicious taste ever. Of course when anyone came near the table of choclolate cherry muffins, he stated to them that this table's snacks were reserved and belonged to someone else. He didnt share... Those muffins were his only... And she was his only .

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