Page 1 of Wrestling With Love

CHAPTER ONE

"Iam strong."

"I can do it."

"I deserve to win."

Diamond Perez, took deep breaths while chanting her mantras in front of the mirror. She tied her shoulder-length black curls into a tight French braid and made her way to make breakfast.

The sun wasn't up yet, but she was. Whisking eggs two at a time in her almost non-existent kitchen. After seasoning and scrambling the protein-rich goodness, she plates them up with some toast and a cup of hot milk.

Life was just the same for her every day: Eat, train, work, sleep and repeat. Her social life could be seen through a needle's eye. But that was not on her list of priorities; she had her eyes fixed on the one and only thing she had ever wanted - THE GOLD MEDAL.

Gulping down the now-warm milk, she cleaned up the dishes, tidied up her miniature studio apartment and got herself ready to train. Putting on a jacket over her singlet, she tightened her shoelace and jogged down five floors and three blocks to her wrestling gym.

Today, she wished to train alone with the rising sun, but her coach had already beat her to it.

Just like he always did.

“Thought you could beat me, eh?” The smirk on Vincent's face irritated the hell out of Diamond.

She scowled, “I'll beat you one day, Vince.”

“And I'll be happy to lose" he replied, Diamond ignored him completely and stood on the treadmill for yet another round of warm-up.

As the time went by, more wrestlers started to pour in, taking practice sessions one by one. The air went thick with the scent of sweat and determination as bodies slammed against the worn-out mats. The rhythmic sound of punches hitting pads echoed through the gym, where wrestlers push their limits. Vincent barked instructions, his voice blending with the grunts of effort and the clang of weights.

Beneath the flickering lights, the lone wrestler tightened her wraps, eyes burning with unshakable focus.

At 22, Diamond was the star of Vincent Delgado’s Team; she was the top nominee to participate in the upcoming “New York State Women's Wrestling Championship”.

She was quick, she was smooth, she was impossible to beat, she was, in fact, a “Diamond”.

After the strict training and matches, Diamond was done for the day. She gathered up her stuff and mentally prepared herself for the day which was about to get more tiring and mentally exhausting.

“Hey Diamond, wanna get some smoothies with us?” Lena Park, her extra-friendly training partner, asked when Diamond was almost out of the door.

Diamond cringed at the question but felt grateful to have her back facing Lena. She took a deep breath and politely declined the offer as she turned away. Lena, with an honest smile on her face, didn’t judge or make a face. Instead, she asked Diamond to promise that she wouldn’t say no next time. Diamond felt guilty to have declined her so many times, but she had no time for it. She had to reach South Hampton before noon or else her job would be at risk.

***

The afternoon sun casted a golden glow over the estate as Diamond reached the venue with her team. The ride from Queens to South Hampton was not shorter than three hours, and during that time Diamond was not able to even close her eyes for a nap. She was busy rechecking the guest lists, overlooking the new people invited, checking their backgrounds etc.

Diamond now wore a fitted black tactical shirt, cargo pants, and lace-up combat boots, her attire built for both agility and authority. A lightweight security vest hugged her frame, while a utility belt carried her essential gear. Fingerless gloves covered her hands, enhancing her grip.

Her dark hair was pulled into a high ponytail, not a strand out of place. A subtle flush highlighted her sharp cheekbones, and mascara framed her striking green eyes, making them even more intense. A small nose pin caught the sunlight, adding a hint of understated elegance. In her ear, an earpiece crackled softly, ready for her to lead her team with precision.

As the Head of Security for the event, she was now in her work mode; cold, calculated and alert.

Reginald Vanderbilt, CEO of Vanderbilt Ventures, had thrown a luxurious party at his estate. The guest list included tech moguls, fashion icons, multi-millionaires, Wall Street titans, A-list celebrities, influencers, athletes, and musicians—each bringing their own brand of power and prestige to the event.

The oceanfront estate exuded luxury, with a sprawled infinity pool reflecting the clear blue sky. White canopies lined the terrace, shading plush lounge areas with gold-accented furniture and crisp linen cushions. A marble bar stood at the centre, stocked with the finest champagne and handcrafted cocktails, while soft ambient music played from hidden speakers.

Soon guests pooled in one by one, each dressed better than the other. Expensive suits, showstopper cocktail dresses and whatnot! Pearls here and gold there, millions here and billions there, that's what they all talked about. Whether it was over the golf match at the far end or at the shooting range at her right; everyone was busy talking about wealth.

Amidst the extravagance, Diamond stood at the perimeter, her sharp eyes scanning each and every corner. Dressed in sleek security gear, she radiated quiet authority, her earpiece buzzing with updates.

She was not here to enjoy the party—she was here to make sure nothing ruins it.

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