#((yeet)) | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

acute-scary · 2 days

Text

Between the Ropes… a Jey Uso x Rhea Ripley fanfic.

Chapter 16: … or Don’t Wait A Damn Hour?

After Jon, Trinity, and Damian left for the bar, the house settled into a comfortable quiet. The sound of the front door clicking shut signaled that they were alone now, and Jey stretched out on the couch, glancing over at Rhea with a teasing grin. “How about a horror movie?” he suggested, his tone playful but with an undertone of genuine interest.

Rhea raised an eyebrow, her lips quirking up in amusement. “You always want horror,” she teased. “Fine, but I need to change first. These clothes have got to go.”

Jey smirked, his eyes briefly following her as she stood up from the couch. “Go ahead, I’ll let the dogs and cat out for a bit. Meet you downstairs?”

She gave him a nod, already heading toward the stairs. Jey lingered for a moment before heading to the back door, opening it for their pets to get some fresh air and evening exercise. The cool breeze that swept into the house carried a bit of peace with it, but his thoughts stayed on Rhea. Everything they’d been through—the highs and the devastating lows—lingered in the back of his mind. The future they were trying to build now seemed more fragile, and yet, moments like this felt like a step in the right direction.

After a few minutes, Jey headed upstairs to check on Rhea. He pushed open the bedroom door quietly, not expecting to find her still undressed. But there she was, rifling through her bag in nothing but her bra and panties, her expression focused as she searched for something. The sight of her was enough to make his breath catch for a moment, but his eyes soon fell to the stitches on her stomach—she no longer covered them with a bandage. His heart clenched seeing them, a harsh reminder of the trauma she had endured.

Rhea sensed him watching and looked up, her brows furrowing slightly at his pained expression. “What’s wrong?” she asked, her voice gentle but laced with concern.

Jey swallowed, forcing the ache in his chest to loosen. He gave her a small smile, stepping closer. “Nothing... You’re just beautiful. Very beautiful Rhea…”

Rhea blinked in surprise, then a soft, genuine smile spread across her face, easing the tension in the air. The compliment touched her, especially coming from him in a moment like this. Finally finding the oversized t-shirt she’d been searching for, she quickly threw it over her head, letting the long fabric drape over her body. It was big enough that she didn’t even bother putting on shorts. “Okay,” she said, giving a playful spin. “Is this better?”

Jey’s eyes twinkled with affection. “Perfect.”

Together, they headed back downstairs, the warmth between them lingering in the silence. When they reached the living room, Jey grabbed the remote and handed it to Rhea. “Your turn to pick,” he said.

Rhea took the remote, scrolling through options while Jey headed to the kitchen. He opened the fridge, rummaging for something to drink. His hand landed on a bottle of cranberry juice, and then his gaze shifted to the Sprite next to it. With a smirk, he pulled both out, grabbed two glasses from the cabinet, and started mixing the drinks. The sound of the fizzy Sprite bubbling into the cranberry juice echoed softly as he stirred the concoction.

Returning to the living room, Jey handed Rhea a glass with a proud grin on his face. “Here you go,” he said.

Rhea eyed the drink with a suspicious look. “Jey... you know I’m not having alcohol right now.”

He laughed, shaking his head. “Relax, it’s just cranberry juice and Sprite. No alcohol.”

Rhea’s face softened, a smile tugging at her lips as she took the glass from him. “You’re good,” she admitted, taking a sip. “I don’t know how you put up with me sometimes.”

Jey sat down next to her, his arm casually draping over the back of the couch as he settled in. “I put up with you because I love you,” he said simply, as if that answered everything.

Rhea leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder, feeling the weight of those words. She didn’t always know how to respond to his unshakable loyalty and love. After everything, he was still here, beside her, ready to take on whatever came next. “I love you too,” she whispered, her voice soft.

The movie Ghost Ship began playing on the screen, its eerie opening sequence casting shadows around the room. But for a while, neither of them paid much attention to it. The warmth of their quiet moment together was enough. Jey took a sip of his drink, his fingers lightly brushing against Rhea’s leg as they sat there. The soft glow from the TV flickered across their faces, but all Jey could focus on was how natural it felt being with her like this.

Rhea, still resting her head on his shoulder, felt the calm in his presence. The earlier chaos and tension had faded away, leaving only this—two people sharing a quiet moment, wrapped in each other’s comfort.

After the first movie, Jey had adjusted himself on the couch, shifting Rhea comfortably between his legs, as they watched their second movie, I Know What You Did Last Summer. The tension in the movie kept them hooked, leaning into each other as the suspense built. They were just thirty minutes in when the door swung open with a loud bang, startling them both.

Jon burst through the door, a wide grin plastered across his face. “IT’S MAIN EVENT JEY USO IN THE HOUSEEEEEE!” he shouted, stumbling a little. It didn’t take much to realize—Jon was hammered.

Jey groaned, tightening his arms around Rhea protectively as if that could ward off the chaos. “Bro, for real?” he muttered.

Jon swayed his way into the room, still grinning like a fool. “What, Uce? I came home early just ‘cause I wanted to see my brother!” he explained, with a wave of his hand. “Left Trinity and Damian at the bar—don’t worry about them.”

Rhea raised an eyebrow, whispering up to Jey, “You believe that?”

“Not a chance,” Jey muttered, shaking his head.

And right on cue, the door swung open again, and Damian stumbled in after Jon, equally hammered. He threw his arms wide, his entrance as dramatic as ever. “ALL RISE FOR THE BISEXUAL UNDERTAKER!” Damian declared, nearly tripping over his own feet as he stumbled into the living room, laughing like a madman.

Jon blinked, looking genuinely confused as Damian entered. “Yo, when did they get here?” he asked, glancing between Damian and Trinity, who followed them inside with an exasperated look on her face.

“I had to babysit these two all night,” Trinity sighed, throwing her hands up in frustration. “It’s like wrangling toddlers at this point.”

Jey smirked, pulling Rhea even closer, as if he could shield her from the drunken antics about to unfold. “Sounds like you had a fun night.”

Trinity rolled her eyes. “Fun isn’t the word I’d use.”

Meanwhile, Damian was fumbling with his wallet, slurring his words as he staggered over to Jey and Rhea. “Yo… Jey, listen… I bet you,” he started, struggling to get his wallet out of his pocket, “I can lift you and Rhea at the same time. Bet!”

Rhea snickered, burying her face in Jey’s chest. Jey just sighed, amused but shaking his head. “Damian, no one needs you lifting anyone right now.”

Before Damian could argue, Trinity stepped in, teasing him in her best sing-song voice. “Come on, Damian… I’ve got a honeybun in the pantry with your name on it…”

Instantly, Damian’s attention shifted. “A honeybun?” he asked, eyes lighting up like a kid on Christmas morning. He staggered in the direction of the kitchen, but Jon wasn’t about to let that slide.

“Hey, that’s MY honeybun!” Jon declared, suddenly full of energy as he raced toward the kitchen after Damian.

In a wild scramble, both Jon and Damian rushed toward the pantry, tripping over each other in their drunken state. Trinity watched the whole spectacle unfold with her arms crossed, a deep sigh escaping her lips. “I swear, I’m living in a frat house.”

Jey and Rhea could barely contain their laughter as they watched the two of them fumble and fight for the prized honeybun. “Your brother’s a mess,” Rhea whispered, still giggling.

“Yeah,” Jey said with a grin. “But at least it’s never boring.”

---

After helping Trinity put Jon and Damian into bed, Jey made his way back to the guest room he shared with Rhea. The air was warm and inviting, but a sense of intimacy enveloped the space as he stepped inside. Rhea sat on the edge of the bed, fiddling with her phone, a soft glow illuminating her face.

“Hey,” Jey said, undressing quickly and sliding under the covers. Rhea turned to him, her eyes brightening as she nestled close.

“Hey yourself,” she replied, wrapping her arms around him, seeking warmth.

Jey smiled, feeling the comfort of her presence. “So, can you touch up my eyebrows tomorrow?” he asked, half-joking, half-serious.

“Of course,” Rhea replied, a teasing smile playing on her lips. She studied him for a moment before adding, “You really love me, don’t you?”

With a dramatic sigh, Jey feigned exasperation. “What do you want now?”

Rhea couldn’t suppress her laughter. “Trinity stashed a chocolate bar in the fridge. Can you bring it to me?”

“Fine!” Jey said, rolling his eyes playfully as he threw back the covers and climbed out of bed, putting on an exaggerated display of reluctance. “I’ll retrieve the precious chocolate!”

With a theatrical exit, Jey left the room, grinning at Rhea's amused expression. She loved these moments of lightheartedness, a brief escape from their reality. As he rummaged through the fridge, he couldn’t help but feel grateful for the warmth they shared, even amidst the chaos.

Returning with the chocolate bar, he presented it to Rhea like a trophy. “Your royal chocolate, my lady,” he declared, bowing slightly.

Rhea took it with a smile, her eyes sparkling. “You really know how to treat a girl right.”

“Just another day in the life of Jey Uso,” he replied, climbing back into bed beside her. They settled in together, the weight of the world momentarily forgotten as they enjoyed the simple joy of each other’s company.

Rhea took a bite of the chocolate bar, savoring the rich flavor, and offered Jey a piece. He accepted, grinning as he chewed. As she looked down at her feet, a frown creased her brow. She hated to admit it, but she really needed a pedicure.

Turning to Jey, she tilted her head with a curious look. “Do you ever get pedicures?”

To her surprise, Jey nodded confidently. “Yeah, I usually get one a month. Keeps my feet looking good for myself.”

Rhea felt a wave of happiness wash over her. “Really? That’s awesome! Matt always thought they were too feminine and stupid. I could never get him to go.”

Jey raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Well, he clearly doesn’t know what he’s missing.”

“Could we maybe get a pedicure tomorrow?” Rhea asked, her eyes brightening at the thought of sharing the experience with him.

“Absolutely,” Jey replied, nodding enthusiastically. “I’ll even let you pick the colors.”

“Deal!” Rhea exclaimed, feeling a lightness in her heart. It was the little things like this that made her feel more at ease. As they settled back into their cozy spot, Rhea realized just how much she appreciated Jey’s company. It was right…

—

**Flashback: February 19, 2024**

Jey Uso stood in the locker room, tightening his laces as the clock approached 4:22 PM. He was on a mission: snagging one of the last freshly baked brownies from catering. The cook had let him in on a little secret—catering started at 2:00 PM and wrapped up by 6:00 PM, but the last batch of brownies was always served right at 4:30 PM.

With determination, he grabbed his phone and made his way out of the locker room, eager to beat the rush. As he entered the catering area, a wave of disappointment hit him. The table was lined with an array of treats, but there, in the center, was suppose to be the plate piled high with brownies—but only one lonely brownie was sitting in the corner.

“What the fuck?” Jey exclaimed, frustration bubbling up as he approached a figure dressed all in black, their hoodie pulled low over their face. “Hey, man! What the fuck? Save some for everyone!”

The figure turned, and Jey’s irritation faded instantly. It was Rhea Ripley, the formidable powerhouse of the women's division. He hadn’t expected to see her in the midst of dessert negotiations. She had practically the whole plate of brownies.

She met his gaze with an amused expression. “What? You think just because I can lift weights, I don’t have a sweet tooth?”

Jey chuckled, shaking his head. “I guess I underestimated you. But seriously, there’s only one left!”

“How about you share the plate with me?” Rhea suggested.

Jey shrugged, intrigued. “Why not? I never thought I’d be sharing brownies with Rhea Ripley.”

They settled at a table, Rhea placing her plate in front of them. As they dug into the brownies, the atmosphere shifted from casual to something warmer. Jey took a bite, savoring the rich chocolate. “These are amazing. I can see why you wanted to stock up.”

“Right? Nothing beats a good brownie,” Rhea replied, her eyes twinkling. “So, I’ve been watching your work with the whole ‘Main Event’ gimmick. You’re really killing it out there.”

“Thanks! That means a lot coming from you,” Jey said, genuinely impressed. “You’ve been a force in the ring.”

Rhea leaned back against the table, her demeanor relaxed. “I’ve seen you a few times in Florida Championship Wrestling. Always thought you were a badass.”

“Appreciate it! But what made you want to wrestle?” Jey asked, genuinely curious. “It’s a tough business.”

Rhea’s expression turned serious as she considered his question. “Honestly? I grew up watching wrestling, and I wanted to break barriers. I wanted to show that women can be just as tough as the guys. I love being in control of my own story and helping others find their voice, too.”

“That's inspiring,” Jey replied, nodding. “It takes guts to step into this world and demand respect.”

Their conversation flowed naturally, delving into their dreams, challenges, and the sacrifices they’d both made to get where they were. Jey felt an unexpected connection forming, one that felt deeper than mere camaraderie.

“Hey,” Jey said, hesitating for a moment before continuing. “I’m actually staying in Anaheim for another two days for PR stuff. Maybe you could come by my room tomorrow night? We can talk more, eat more brownies.”

Rhea’s face lit up with a genuine smile. “I’d like that. I’m doing PR too, so it works out perfectly.”

As they shared the brownies, laughter and stories filled the air, their initial banter giving way to something more meaningful. Jey never imagined he’d find such a unique connection with Rhea, but as they exchanged thoughts and dreams, he felt like this was just the beginning of a beautiful friendship—and possibly more.

—

February 20th, 2024

The next night, Rhea stood in front of her bed, staring at the array of clothes, feeling a flutter of nerves in her stomach. She couldn’t quite understand why she was freaking out; it was just a hangout with Jey. After several minutes of deliberation, she finally settled on a simple outfit: one of her best friend Damian Priest’s oversized shirts, paired with shorts and black Vans. Comfortable yet stylish.

Taking a deep breath, Rhea ordered an Uber to Jey’s hotel, her heart racing as she made the short trip. What if it was awkward? What if it was perfect? She felt a mix of excitement and anxiety as she arrived, stepping into the lobby and making her way to the elevator.

When she reached his floor, she hesitated outside the door, her pulse quickening. She gulped and knocked, trying to steady her breathing. Moments later, the door swung open, and Jey stood there with a warm smile, his hair slightly tousled and a hint of mischief in his eyes.

“Hey, look who decided to show up!” he said, glancing around the messy room. “Sorry about the state of things. I didn’t have time to tidy up.”

Rhea stepped inside and surveyed the room, which was littered with clothes and snacks. She laughed, shaking her head. “You’re telling me.. Dominik’s a horrible roommate. That place looks like a tornado hit it!”

Jey chuckled, a twinkle in his eye. “Right? I swear, he leaves his stuff everywhere. You’d think he’d have a little more pride.”

“Guess it runs in the family,” Rhea teased, plopping down onto the edge of the bed, her initial nerves beginning to fade. Jey closed the door behind her and leaned against it, crossing his arms with a playful grin.

“Make yourself at home,” he said, motioning to the mess. “I promise it’s usually worse.”

“Yeah, right,” Rhea replied, rolling her eyes but smiling. “I can only imagine. So, what’s on the agenda for tonight?”

“Well, I thought we could order some food and maybe watch a movie. Got a couple of horror flicks I think you’ll like,” Jey suggested, moving over to the mini-fridge.

“Perfect,” Rhea said, feeling more at ease. “As long as you’re not planning to scare me too much.”

“Me? Never,” Jey replied, feigning innocence as he pulled out a couple of sodas. “Just a few jump scares here and there.”

With the tension easing, Rhea felt a sense of comfort wash over her. Maybe this would be more than just a casual hangout. Maybe it was the start of something special.

The night had gone from lighthearted to something more intimate as the conversation flowed. As Jey poured them each a glass of Whiskey, the two soon found each other buzzed after the fourth drink, laughing uncontrollably at the conversation they were having.

“Wait, so it was your idea to be flirty with me at Fastlane?” Rhea asked, raising an eyebrow as she sipped from her glass.

Jey grinned, leaning back against the headboard. “Yeah, I thought it’d be good for business. You know, stir up a little intrigue, get the fans talking.”

Rhea shook her head, chuckling in disbelief. “You know people make edits on TikTok about us all the time because of those moments you suggested?”

“Oh yeah! I repost them sometimes,” Jey said, his grin widening. “They’re hilarious. Plus, the fans love the tension.”

Rhea burst into laughter, nearly spilling her drink. “You’re too much.”

Their laughter echoed through the room, the whiskey adding warmth and ease to their conversation. They were in sync, the barriers between them slowly breaking down. Jey, still chuckling, watched Rhea closely as she talked, her guard down, her smile genuine. There was something about the way she looked tonight—comfortable, raw, and real—that made Jey’s heart race a little faster.

As the laughter died down, a silence settled between them, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. Jey's gaze lingered on Rhea longer than it should have. He couldn’t shake this feeling—the magnetic pull that had been growing stronger all night. His mind raced for a second, considering the weight of what he was about to do, but before he could overthink it, he leaned in and kissed her.

It was soft at first, almost tentative, testing the waters.

Rhea froze, her eyes wide with surprise. She hadn’t expected this. Her heart thudded in her chest, and for a moment, she pulled back, looking at Jey with a mixture of shock and confusion. “Jey…” she whispered, unsure of what to say.

His face immediately flushed with guilt, and he began to stammer. “I—I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—”

But before he could finish, Rhea leaned in and kissed him back. This time, it wasn’t tentative or soft. It was firm, filled with all the unspoken tension and curiosity that had been simmering between them. Her fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt as the kiss deepened, both of them forgetting, if only for a moment, about everything else.

Jey was taken aback but didn’t pull away. He kissed her back just as fiercely, his hand gently cupping the back of her neck as they lost themselves in the moment. Time seemed to stop, the buzz from the whiskey mixing with the electric energy that now crackled between them.

When they finally pulled apart, breathless, neither of them spoke right away. Rhea’s lips tingled from the kiss, and she stared at Jey, her mind racing.

“I didn’t…” Jey began again, his voice softer now, searching her face for any sign of regret. “I didn’t mean for that to happen. I just…”

Rhea shook her head, cutting him off. “Don’t apologize,” she whispered, still catching her breath. “I didn’t hate it.”

The tension in the room hung thick in the air. Jey didn't hesitate this time. He leaned in and kissed her again, more confidently, with a spark that had been waiting to ignite for far too long.

Rhea responded instantly, wrapping her arms around his neck as the kiss deepened.

What started as a slow, exploring kiss quickly became something more. The two of them got lost in the heat of the moment, their movements becoming feistier and more intense. Jey's hands roamed down her back, pulling her closer as their breathing grew heavier. Rhea's fingers tangled in his hair, tugging gently as she shifted, pushing herself closer to him.

Jey kissed her with a passion he hadn't realized he was holding back, and Rhea matched it, pushing him back against the headboard as she climbed onto his lap. The room felt electric, their connection undeniable.

Between heated kisses, Jey murmured, "Do you want to stop?"

Rhea smirked against his lips, biting his bottom one playfully before kissing him again. "Good," he whispered, his voice low and teasing.

Their lips crashed together again, the intensity building as their hands explored each other, tugging at clothes, gripping tighter, needing more. Every touch seemed to spark a new wave of desire, each kiss more heated than the last.

They were lost in the moment, the rest of the world fading away as their connection deepened with every second. Neither of them cared what this meant, or where it would go-they were living in the now, giving into the pull that had been drawing them together for so long.

Jey pulled back for a moment, his chest heaving as he looked at her. "You're incredible," he whispered, his voice filled with awe and something deeper. Rhea only smiled before pulling him back into another fiery kiss, not ready to let go of the moment just yet.

—

Present Time.

Jey glanced down at his phone, confirming the flight details as the nail technician continued to work on his feet. He grimaced slightly when the technician scrubbed a bit too hard but quickly refocused on the task at hand. The two had managed to get a private session due to Trinity and Jon being the owner’s favorite wrestling couple duo. Rhea, seated next to him, was deep in conversation with her own technician about what shade of polish to choose.

"I’m thinking a deep red," Rhea said, turning to Jey for a moment. "What do you think?"

Jey barely looked up from his phone. "Yeah, sure, deep red sounds good," he replied absently, focused on securing their seats for the early flight.

Rhea rolled her eyes, clearly not satisfied with his half-hearted response. “You didn’t even look.”

Before Jey could defend himself, he received a confirmation email. "Got it," he announced, putting his phone down for the first time in the session. “Our flight’s at four a.m.”

Rhea's eyes widened in disbelief. “Four in the morning? You can’t be serious, Jey.”

He sighed, knowing her reaction was inevitable. “It’s the only time that works. The other flights are so late, we’d miss roll call.”

“That’s brutal,” she groaned, leaning back in her chair. “You know I hate mornings.”

Jey smirked, raising an eyebrow. “Yeah, but you’ll hate missing roll call even more.”

Rhea huffed but knew he was right. She looked back at her nail technician. “Guess I’ll need a coffee as dark as this polish.”

The technician laughed lightly, while Jey leaned over to glance at the color she’d chosen. “Deep red, huh? Good choice.”

Rhea shot him a playful glare. “Now you notice.”

As the nail technician finished with Jey, he stood up, flexing his toes slightly to shake off the stiffness. He pulled out some cash, handing it over with a polite smile. “Thanks, appreciate it,” he said, before turning to Rhea. “Do you want your lashes done too babe?” Rhea flashed a grin and nodded.

“Here,” Jey said, handing her more money. “For your lashes, for my toes and yours—and a tip for your tech.”

Rhea grinned, accepting the cash. “Always taking care of me,” she teased.

He leaned down and kissed her cheek, his hand briefly resting on her shoulder. “I’ll be back soon. I saw a Footlocker, but first, I’m grabbing a smoothie.”

Rhea nodded, settling back into her chair as Jey made his way out of the salon. The afternoon sun greeted him as he stepped outside, the warm breeze feeling good against his skin. He scanned the plaza, spotting the Footlocker Rhea had mentioned, but his eyes were drawn to a nearby smoothie shop first.

“I could use something to drink,” he muttered to himself, walking toward the shop. The door chimed as he entered, the cool air and fresh scent of fruit instantly hitting him.

The place wasn’t too busy, just a few customers scattered around. Jey stepped up to the counter, browsing the menu for a second before deciding on a strawberry banana smoothie.

As he waited for his drink, he checked his phone, glancing at the time. Rhea still had a while to go with her lashes. Smirking to himself, he thought about how easy it was for her to get him to agree to these long beauty sessions. Then again, she always knew how to work him, especially with those pleading eyes.

When his smoothie arrived, he took a sip, savoring the refreshing taste. Now it was time to hit Footlocker.

Jey was halfway to Footlocker, sipping his smoothie, when his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, frowning at the unfamiliar Orlando number. His first thought was that it might be one of his cousins—maybe Jon or someone else checking in. But as he swiped to answer, he quickly realized he was wrong.

The automated voice rang in his ear: “This is a collect call from the Orange County Jail. The inmate attempting to reach you is Matthew Adams.”

Jey’s grip on the phone tightened, his jaw clenching. Matt. His blood boiled at the sound of the name. Without hesitation, he accepted the call, his voice dripping with venom as he answered, “What the hell do you want?”

There was a brief silence on the other end before Matt’s voice came through, low and bitter. “I want to talk to Rhea.”

Jey’s anger flared. “You think after everything you did, you got the right to talk to her? You’re outta your damn mind.”

Matt’s voice raised in frustration. “She’s my wife, Jey!”

“She was,” Jey corrected, his voice steady but seething. “You don’t get to call her after you laid hands on her. You lost that right the moment you put her in that hospital bed.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” Matt spat, his tone desperate. “You got her twisted in some shit thinking she yours when in reality she will never be yours for as long as I live.”

Jey’s nostrils flared. “Oh, I know more than enough. You’re lucky you’re behind bars, because if I ever saw you on the outside, you wouldn’t be standing long enough to explain anything.”

The tension crackled between them, but Jey wasn’t about to let Matt have any more control. He took a deep breath, calming his voice just enough. “You’re done. Stay out of her life, or I’ll make sure you regret it.”

He didn’t wait for a reply. Jey ended the call, shoving the phone back into his pocket, his entire body humming with rage. He took a deep breath, trying to shake it off before heading into Footlocker, but the call lingered in his mind like a dark cloud.

Jey wandered through Footlocker, his eyes scanning the rows of shoes, but his mind was far from focused. The call with Matt had left him simmering. He pulled out his phone, quickly typing up a message to Jon.

Yo, I just got a call from Matt. Dude's trying to get in touch with Rhea.

He hesitated for a second before adding the next part.

Think I should talk to her about getting the divorce process started?

Jey sent the message and continued to browse, waiting for Jon’s reply. He wasn’t sure how to approach Rhea about it—especially with everything she’d been through. Bringing up Matt, especially after that call, could push her over the edge. But he also knew that Matt lurking in the background wasn’t helping anyone.

A few minutes later, his phone buzzed with Jon’s response.

Damn, for real? That dude just doesn’t quit. You should definitely talk to her. But tread lightly, man. She’s been through hell. Maybe wait until she’s in a good headspace before bringing it up.

Jey nodded to himself, texting back.

Yeah, I hear you. I don’t want to push her, but she needs to get that chapter closed.

Jon replied quickly.

Exactly. Just remind her you’ve got her back, whatever she decides. But yeah, don’t rush it. Last thing she needs is more pressure.

Jey sighed, his thumb hovering over the keyboard. He hated that Rhea had to deal with this, but Jon was right. The timing had to be perfect, and Jey would make sure he approached it carefully.

Alright, I’ll wait for the right moment. Thx.

With the conversation with Jon wrapped up, Jey shoved his phone back into his pocket. He tried to focus on picking out some shoes, but his thoughts were already on how and when he’d bring it up to Rhea. He’d protect her, no matter what it took—he just needed to make sure she was ready.

After sending the text to Jon, Jey continued to browse through Footlocker, his mind still on the conversation. He picked out a pair of sleek black sneakers that caught his eye and decided they’d be a perfect addition to his wardrobe.

Once he had what he wanted, he made his way to the checkout, feeling satisfied. After paying, he stepped outside and headed to explore a few more stores. As he strolled through the shopping center, he stopped at Zumiez, Nike, and Tilly’s and a couple of more shops, finally arriving at Polo Ralph Lauren.

Just as he was about to head inside, he spotted a store called Linked. A big ad in the window read, Jewelry. You. Personalized. Forever!, Intrigued, Jey leaned in to look, but the lights were off, and a "Closed" sign hung on the door.

Just as he turned to leave, a bubbly woman approached with a warm smile. “Hey there! Were you interested in something from Linked?”

Jey turned back, curious. “Yeah, I was just checking it out.”

The woman’s smile widened. “We do permanent jewelry—bracelets that you can personalize. Interested?”

“Definitely,” he replied, feeling a spark of excitement.

“Come on in!” she said, unlocking the door. “I’ll keep the sign on ‘Closed’ to respect your privacy. I know who you are, but I promise I won’t bother you with that.”

Inside, the store had a cozy, inviting atmosphere. She guided him to a display showcasing an array of bracelets. “So, what’s the special occasion?”

Jey glanced at the elegant designs, thinking about Rhea. “I’m looking for matching couples' bracelets.”

“That’s so sweet!” she exclaimed. “We have some great options that can be personalized with initials or special dates.”

“How long does the process take?” he asked, intrigued.

“It’s all done in-store,” she explained. “We’ll size the bracelets and make any custom adjustments right here. It usually takes about 20 minutes.”

Jey nodded, impressed. “Sounds easy. I’d love to get something special for my girlfriend.”

As the store clerk explained that Rhea would need to be there for the sizing, Jey felt a flutter of excitement mixed with a touch of nervousness. “She’ll need to be here so we can get the right fit and laser the clasp,” the clerk said with a smile, clearly accustomed to couples wanting something special.

Jey nodded, realizing that this was more than just picking out a piece of jewelry. It was about creating something meaningful together—a symbol of their bond amid the chaos they had faced.

“Got it. Excuse me for a second, my girlfriend should be finishing up her lashes.” Jey said, stepping aside to pull out his phone. It felt like time had dragged on since he last saw Rhea. Just as he was about to call her, his phone buzzed with an incoming call from her.

“Where are you?” Rhea asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and concern.

Jey glanced outside and spotted her walking out of the salon across the shopping center. “I’m right here! Just outside,” he replied, waving her down.

When she saw him, her face lit up, and she walked over, radiating warmth and excitement. Jey took her hand, feeling an electric connection as he led her into the store.

“We’re getting matching permanent bracelets,” he announced, his heart racing at the thought.

Her eyes widened with joy. “I’m so down!”

Jey smiled, feeling the weight of the moment. This wasn’t just about the bracelets; it was a way to celebrate their journey together. Rhea leaned in and kissed him, her happiness palpable.

The clerk chuckled, watching their interaction. “This is why I love my job,” she said with a grin. “Seeing couples so happy together is the best part.”

As they browsed the display of elegant bracelets, Jey felt a surge of emotion. He knew how important this was for Rhea, especially after everything she had endured. This small act represented more than a fashion choice; it was a promise, a commitment to stand by each other through thick and thin.

When Rhea reached for a bracelet adorned with simplicity, her fingers lingered, and Jey couldn’t help but admire her. “This one feels right,” she said, her voice filled with certainty.

“Yeah, it really does,” he replied, envisioning their names engraved side by side. This moment felt monumental—a healing experience, a way to reclaim joy after so much pain.

As the clerk prepared to size the bracelets, Jey took Rhea’s hand, their fingers intertwining naturally. “This is just the beginning,” he said, his voice steady. “No matter what happens, we’re in this together.”

Rhea smiled up at him, her heart full. “I know. This means so much to me.”

With each passing moment, as they discussed designs and personalization, the emotional weight of their journey hung in the air, but so did the promise of new beginnings. This simple act of getting matching bracelets was not just about jewelry; it was a tangible reminder of their love—a bond that would help them navigate whatever challenges lay ahead.

Jey and Rhea had settled on a thin 14k rope-style chain with a gold name bar, feeling it perfectly encapsulated their bond. When the store clerk asked what they wanted engraved, Jey confidently said, “Demi Fatu,” while Rhea added, “Joshua Samuel Fatu,” her voice filled with warmth.

The clerk smiled, clearly pleased with their choices, and began the engraving process on Rhea’s bracelet first. Rhea watched intently, her excitement contagious. When the clerk held up the finished piece before lasering the clasp, Rhea’s eyes lit up. “I love it!” she exclaimed, tracing the letters with her fingers, as Jey leaned in to kiss her cheek, feeling grateful for this moment.

Jey looked at his while it was being done on his wrist and as he felt the weight of the future represented in that small piece of jewelry, he couldn’t help but smile at Rhea.

“Are you both satisfied?” the clerk asked after finishing Jey’s bracelet.

“Absolutely,” they both replied in unison, smiles plastered on their faces.

Jey paid for the bracelets and the clerk informed them about coming back, “If you have any issues or need cleaning, just call or head back over here, okay?”

With the bracelets securely on their wrists, Jey and Rhea climbed into Jon’s car. “I’m exhausted,” Jey admitted, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Me too. I just want to go home,” Rhea replied, her fatigue evident. Jey checked in, “Do you need anything last minute?”

“No, I’m good,” Rhea said, leaning back in her seat, feeling content but ready for a quiet evening.

Once they arrived at Jon and Trinity’s house, Jey led Rhea inside. The sight that greeted them was cozy; Damian was sleeping on the couch, while Jon and Trinity were cuddled up on the other side, both peacefully slumbering. Jey glanced at the clock—it read 3:53.

“Looks like we’re the last ones up,” he whispered to Rhea with a smile. They quietly made their way upstairs to the guest bedroom, closing the door slightly behind them.

Jey set his bags down on the bed, feeling a mix of relief and satisfaction. The day had been long, but it had also been filled with love and new beginnings. He turned to Rhea, who was looking at him, a soft smile on her face. “I’m glad we did this,” he said, feeling the weight of the bracelets on his wrist.

“Me too,” Rhea replied, her lips giving him a quick kiss. In that moment, everything felt right.

Jey laid back on the bed, letting out a relaxed sigh as Rhea rummaged through the bags of clothes Trinity had managed to retrieve from the police station. She pulled out some of her gear, taking comfort in familiar items. “Hey, are we coming back to Jon and Trinity’s after RAW on Monday, or do you think we’ll go somewhere else?” she asked, glancing over at him.

Jey propped himself up on his elbows, considering the week ahead. “I want us to go to Pensacola to meet with the realtor about the rental on Friday,” he explained. “But I’d like to see my kids first after RAW.”

Rhea nodded, and Jey continued, “What if we drive to San Francisco right after RAW? We can get a room there for the night, then spend time with the kids on Tuesday and Wednesday. After that, we could head to Pensacola together on Thursday and stay at Jon and Trinity’s for the weekend.”

Rhea frowned slightly, contemplating his plan. “That’s a lot of traveling, Jey. Are you sure we can manage all of that?”

Seeing her hesitation, Jey quickly added, “It’s okay if you’re not mentally prepared for the kids yet. If it feels overwhelming, you could stay with Damian and Kayden while I spend time with them. I’ll come back for you on Thursday for our flight to Florida.”

Rhea shook her head. “But Damian and Kayden are heading to Indiana right after RAW. I don’t want to be alone.”

Jey furrowed his brow, trying to come up with alternatives. “Okay, what if we push the meeting about the rental off until next week? You could come back here after the show, and I’ll meet you on Friday.”

Rhea considered this, the idea sounding more manageable. “That could work,” she replied, her expression softening.

“See? We can make this work,” Jey said with a smile, relieved to find a solution that felt right for both of them. “Let’s just take it one step at a time.”

With a renewed sense of hope, Rhea nodded, grateful for his understanding. They both knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.

—

Trinity woke up from her nap, a sleepy smile on her face until she felt Jon's hand firmly squeezing her butt. "Really?" she muttered, still groggy, and lightly swatted his hand away before stretching. Jon let out a lazy chuckle but didn't bother to open his eyes.

"Pasta for dinner, maybe?" Jon mumbled, barely awake, his voice heavy with sleep.

Trinity rubbed her eyes and yawned, already thinking about her favorite creamy pasta recipe. "Yeah, I'll get on it after my shower."

She headed to the bathroom, hoping a quick shower would wake her up. As the warm water cascaded down, she felt herself shake off the sleep. Dinner was on her mind-something hearty and comforting. Jon loved her pasta dishes, and she was more than happy to make something simple and delicious.

Fresh out of the shower and feeling a bit more energized, Trinity threw on some comfortable lounge clothes and made her way into the kitchen. She pulled out all the ingredients for the creamy pasta sauce, but when she unscrewed the cap from the heavy cream and took a quick sniff, she gagged. "Ugh, this is sour," she muttered, holding the carton at arm's length.

"Jon!" she called, stepping out of the kitchen. "I need you to go grab some heavy cream from the store. This one's gone bad."

From the couch, Jon groaned loudly, stretching out as if the idea of leaving the couch was the worst thing in the world. "Babe, I really don't wanna go. Ask Jey and Rhea. They're right upstairs."

Trinity rolled her eyes, throwing a dish towel over her shoulder. "Typical," she muttered under her breath. She wasn't really in the mood to argue with him, so she sighed and made her way up the stairs.

As she approached the guest room where Jey and Rhea were staying, Trinity noticed the door was slightly ajar. Not hearing a any sounds that would reflect otherwise, she leaned closer and pushed open the door. "Hey, Jey, could you maybe run to the store for me?" she called out while nudging the door open a bit more.

The words caught in her throat as the door swung open wider. Her eyes widened in complete shock. There, on the bed, was Rhea on top of Jey, her bra flung to the side, and Jey's face practically buried in her chest. The sight hit her like a freight train, and before she could even process what she was looking at, a scream tore out of her throat. The couple had embarrassment over their faces as Rhea tried to get off Jey to go for the comforter while covering her chest.

"Oh my God! I'm so sorry!" she shrieked, the door swinging wildly as she scrambled to close it. She slammed it shut so hard it echoed through the hallway.

Her heart was pounding in her chest as she stumbled backward, her face burning bright red. "Oh my God. Oh my God. What did I just see?!"

She stood there frozen for a moment, her mind reeling with embarrassment. "Did I just... walk in on that?" she muttered to herself in disbelief, her hands covering her burning face. Her heart raced, and her stomach twisted in knots, trying to block out the image that was now seared into her brain.

Jon, hearing her scream from downstairs, immediately sat up, confused. "Trin? What happened?"

Trinity hurried down the stairs, her face flushed with horror. "Don't ask! You really don't wanna know!"

Jon frowned, his curiosity piqued. "What did you see?"

"I'm not even gonna explain it," Trinity said, still breathless, waving her hands in front of her as if she could somehow erase the memory. "Just know I'm never going up there again!"

Jon's brow furrowed as he glanced at the stairs, then back at his wife. "Wait... what did YOU-"

Trinity threw her hands in the air, exasperated.

"I walked in on them! And let's just say, Jey's face was not where it's supposed to be!"

Jon blinked, then snorted as the realization hit him. He tried to stifle his laughter, but it burst out uncontrollably. "Wait, you walked in on Jey and Rhea-"

"Don't laugh!" Trinity cut him off, mortified. "I'll never unsee that, Jon! I'll never unsee it!"

But Jon couldn't help himself. Damian even joined in, laughing his ass. He was practically doubled over, his laughter echoing through the house. "I told you to ask them!"

Trinity glared at him, flustered beyond words.

“At least you didn’t see them doing the deed..” Damian snickered.

"Yeah, well, I didn't expect to walk into... that!" She shuddered, throwing the dish towel at Jon as he continued laughing. "You're going to the store! I'm not asking anyone for anything ever again!"

Upstairs, Rhea frantically tried to put her bra back on, her face burning with embarrassment. Her hands fumbled with the straps as she muttered, “Oh my God, that was so humiliating.” She finally managed to snap the bra into place, turning to Jey, who was stifling a laugh but failing miserably.

"Don’t you dare laugh!" she warned, swatting him on the shoulder. "This is your fault too, you know!"

Jey couldn’t help it anymore; a chuckle escaped him as he rubbed his shoulder where Rhea had hit him. "C’mon, babe, you know Trinity’s probably laughing about it right now." He leaned back, still grinning. "I mean, how many people can say they’ve been walked in on like that?"

Rhea groaned, covering her face. "I blame you.”

Jey stood up, adjusting his shirt with a smirk. "I better go check on the situation. She probably sent Jon to the store already." He winked at Rhea, who just shook her head, still mortified.

As Jey made his way downstairs, he could hear the sounds of muffled laughter. He rounded the corner and caught sight of Trinity animatedly telling Jon what had just happened, her face still red but her lips twitching as if she were fighting off laughter. Jon, on the other hand, wasn’t even trying to hold it in—he was practically doubled over in laughter.

Damian was sitting on the arm of the couch, his arms crossed, but the amused grin on his face was unmistakable. The second Jey entered the room, all eyes turned to him.

Damian was the first to crack, letting out a loud laugh as he pointed at Jey. "Bro, you seriously can’t keep your hands to yourself for five minutes, can you?"

Jon caught his breath long enough to chime in, his voice thick with laughter. "You owe Trinity big time, man! She’s traumatized!"

Jey’s smirk only grew as he looked around at his friends, though his eyes landed on Trinity, who was still looking away, clearly trying her best not to meet his gaze.

"You alright, Trin?" Jey teased, raising an eyebrow. "Didn’t mean to scar you for life."

Trinity’s face turned redder, and she muttered under her breath, "I’m never looking you in the eye again." She folded her arms, still refusing to face him, her lips tightly pressed together to suppress the smile threatening to break through.

Jey leaned against the doorframe, shaking his head. "Hey, you didn’t even knock..."

Jon looked at Trinity and laughed even more, “Remember our failed quickie in the bus…. Now you know how it feels..” Jon said trying to breathe.

Damian slapped Jey on the back, still laughing. "Clearly Trinity you need some etiquette… clearly!" He then raised a hand, mimicking the moment. "I can’t believe she caught you guys like that. Should’ve locked the door, man!"

“We didn’t think anyone would just walk in!” Jey defended himself.

Jon chimed in, grinning, "Yeah, dude, at least give the rest of us a warning next time. Not everyone needs to see that side of you!"

Jey shrugged, unbothered, but shot a playful glance at Trinity. "I think you’ll survive, Trin. No lasting trauma, right?"

Trinity finally let out a small giggle despite herself but quickly cleared her throat, pretending to be serious. "You owe me for that one, Jey. Big time. And next time, lock the door!"

Jey winked, still grinning. "Noted."

—

Trinity finished serving the pasta, taking her seat next to Jon at the head of the table. Everyone gathered around—Jey, Rhea, Damian, and of course, Jon—reaching out to join hands. As they did, the mood in the room shifted slightly from playful to heartfelt, the warmth of family and friendship filling the air.

"Alright, Jon, lead us in prayer," Trinity said softly, squeezing his hand.

Jon nodded and closed his eyes, his deep voice resonating through the room. "Heavenly Father, we come to you with grateful hearts tonight. Thank you for giving me the strength to face my fears, especially when it came to donating blood for Rhea. You helped me realize what family really means, and I’m thankful for the path you’ve led me on. Thank you for bringing Rhea into our lives and showing me that family isn’t just blood but the people we choose to stand by."

Rhea’s eyes softened at Jon’s words, feeling a surge of emotion wash over her. The acceptance from Jon meant more than she could express, especially after everything.

"And Lord," Jon continued, with a small smirk on his face, "I also want to thank you for reminding my wife to knock on doors from now on—just to avoid any more awkward situations."

Everyone at the table, except Rhea, burst out into quiet giggles. Jey chuckled beside her, giving her hand a gentle squeeze, while Damian struggled to keep his composure.

Rhea, however, turned beet red, looking down at her plate, trying her best to hide her embarrassment. Jon glanced at her with a wink, clearly enjoying the light-hearted teasing. "In your name, we pray, Amen."

"Amen," everyone echoed in unison, and with that, the sound of forks and plates filled the room as everyone dug into the meal.

Rhea, still blushing slightly, glanced over at Jey, who gave her a reassuring smile. "You alright?" he whispered, nudging her.

She nodded, grateful for the moment of normalcy after everything they’d been through. "Yeah," she whispered back, smiling softly. "I’m good."

As the conversation picked up around the table, it felt as though the tension from the day had melted away, replaced by laughter, jokes, and the feeling of family. Even with the teasing, Rhea knew she was surrounded by people who cared deeply for her—and that was all that mattered.

After they finished their meal, with the warmth of family conversations lingering in the air, Trinity stood up to refill everyone’s glasses with wine, except for Rhea who opted for a sparkling apple juice. The sound of laughter still echoed around the room, the gentle clinking of glasses adding to the comforting atmosphere. Jey sat back, his arm draped around Rhea, feeling the weight of the past week begin to lift. He glanced at her, then at the table, deciding it was the right moment.

“So, I’ve been thinkin’ about new beginnings,” Jey started, lifting his wrist and showing off his bracelet. Rhea smiled shyly, doing the same, their matching gold bracelets glimmering in the soft light. “Me and Rhea decided to make things a little more official.” His voice was filled with pride and certainty, the weight of his words sinking in as the room fell silent.

Trinity and Jon shared a knowing smile, and Damian clapped Jey on the back, a playful grin on his face. “About time,” Damian teased, though there was a real warmth in his voice.

Jey chuckled, “Yeah, yeah. And I wanna let y’all know I’ve been looking at places for us in Pensacola. Found a rental that’ll put us close to Jon and the family.”

Jon nodded, clearly pleased, while Trinity beamed at the idea of having Rhea and Jey nearby. Damian, never missing an opportunity to lighten the mood, leaned back and grinned. “Looks like I’m gonna have to find a place out there too. Kayden’s been talkin’ about it for a minute, so I’ll just blame y’all when I start moving boxes.”

The room burst into laughter, but the humor couldn’t mask the deeper emotion behind the moment. It wasn’t just about moving to Pensacola or finding a place to live—it was about something much more meaningful. Jey was making it clear that he was committed, not just to Rhea, but to building a future together. And more than that, he wanted his family to be a part of it.

Jey’s tone grew more serious as he looked around the table, his expression softening. “I wanna thank you all for being so understanding,” he said, his voice steady but filled with emotion. “For accepting me and Rhea, for supporting us. I know things have been crazy, and this isn’t how I expected my week to end, but... I’m glad it did.”

Rhea’s heart swelled as she listened to Jey speak. His words meant everything to her. Despite the turmoil, the ups and downs, the unexpected twists—there was something solid between them now. Something unbreakable. For the first time in a long while, she felt like she could breathe, like she wasn’t carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders alone.

For Jey, this was more than just a declaration of love—it was an affirmation. He had spent so much time feeling torn between duty, love, and guilt. But now, surrounded by the people he loved, he felt free. Free to love Rhea openly. Free to plan a future without secrets. Free to embrace this new chapter of his life without fear or hesitation. And knowing that his family not only supported but accepted them both made it all the more real.

Jon, sensing the depth of Jey’s words, raised his glass. “Uce’,” he said with a gentle smile, “you don’t have to thank us for accepting Rhea. She’s family. Always.” He turned to Rhea and nodded, his voice filled with warmth. “You’re one of us now. You don’t need anyone else’s approval. You got ours.”

Rhea blinked back tears, deeply moved by Jon’s words. This was the first time in months that she truly felt like she belonged somewhere, like she wasn’t an outsider looking in. And hearing that from Jon—the man who had stood by his brother through everything—meant the world to her.

Trinity, ever the emotional one, squeezed Rhea’s hand. “We love you, Rhea. You’ve been through hell, and you’re still here, still standing strong. That says everything we need to know.”

Rhea’s heart thudded in her chest as she looked around the table at the faces of those who had become her family. It wasn’t just about her and Jey anymore. It was about something bigger. She had found a place where she was loved and accepted—not for what she had been through, but for who she was.

Taking a deep breath, Rhea knew it was time to share her news. She glanced at Jey, her fingers tightening around his, and then she spoke, her voice steady but filled with emotion. “While I was getting my lashes done today,” she began, her gaze locked with Jey’s, “I made a call.”

The room went silent as everyone waited, sensing that something important was about to be said.

“I called the lawyer WWE put on retainer for me... and I started the divorce proceedings with Matt.”

Jey’s eyes widened, the shock quickly giving way to overwhelming joy. His entire face lit up as the reality of her words sunk in. “You serious?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, as if he needed to hear her say it again just to believe it.

Rhea nodded, a small, relieved smile playing on her lips. “Yeah, Jey. It’s done. I’m starting fresh—with you.”

The emotion that flashed across Jey’s face was raw and unguarded. He felt like his heart was about to burst. In one swift movement, he pulled Rhea into his arms, hugging her tightly as if he never wanted to let go. “I can’t believe it,” he whispered against her ear, his voice thick with emotion. “I’m so happy. You don’t know what this means to me.”

Everyone around the table began to cheer, raising their glasses in celebration. Damian grinned, lifting his glass. “To fresh starts and new beginnings,” he toasted, his voice filled with genuine happiness for the couple.

Jon clinked his glass against Jey’s. “This is it, bruh. This is your moment. I’m proud of you.”

Trinity, tearing up, reached across the table to grab Rhea’s hand again. “We’re so happy for you, Rhea. This is your time.”

As the laughter and joy filled the room, Rhea couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with emotion. The weight of the past few months was finally lifting, and in its place was something she had longed for—hope. She had made the call, ended her marriage, and now she was free to build a future with Jey. And more importantly, they were doing it together, with the love and support of a family who truly cared.

For Jey, it was more than just a fresh start. It was the beginning of the life he had always wanted. One filled with love, with the woman he adored, and the unwavering support of his family. In that moment, surrounded by the people who mattered most, Jey knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together. Stronger than ever.

There was a knock at the door, and Damian, eager to stretch his legs, volunteered to answer it as Trinity and Jon leaned closer, wanting to admire their new bracelets. When Damian swung the door open, his face fell in surprise. Standing there was Takecia, flanked by Jey's two sons: the younger, Jeyce, and the older, Jaciyah.

“Jey!” Damian shouted, urgency creeping into his voice.

Jey's heart sank as he stood up, he didn’t like the way Damian sounded, Jey walked to the living room and stopped in his tracks, dread settling in his stomach at the sight of Takecia with their children. Jeyce rushed forward, throwing his arms around Jey’s waist, a warm embrace that momentarily softened the sting of the unexpected visit. But Jaciyah lingered back, his face twisted in an expression of disappointment and anger.

As Jon, Trinity and Rhea emerged from the dining room, surprised by the sudden appearance, Takecia wasted no time. “I needed some time alone,” she said flatly, her eyes darting between Jey and Rhea. “And since you’re playing house, the kids can stay with their dad and his new much younger girlfriend.”

The comment pierced Rhea, a reminder of the age gap that loomed between her and Jey. He was 39, while she had barely crossed into her late twenties. It stung, and she felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her.

“Please, don’t be harsh,” Jey implored, but Takecia raised her hand to silence him.

Looking past Jey, she addressed Trinity directly, “I’ll be back on Saturday to pick up both of them, Naomi.” Using Trinity’s stage name felt like a calculated move, a sign that she was distancing herself from the Fatu family entirely.

Jey tried to reason with her. “Is there any way we can make this easier?”

Takecia shook her head. “Just sign your name after the six-month waiting period,” she replied, her tone clipped and final. Without another word, she kiss her boys goodbye, her demeanor resolute as she turned to leave.

Jey felt the weight of her words settle in his chest as she walked away. The atmosphere in the house shifted, leaving a palpable silence. Rhea stood frozen, emotions swirling inside her and finally tears welling up in her eyes. She turned on her heel and went upstairs, seeking refuge from this moment.

“Rhea, wait!” Trinity called after her, but Rhea didn’t look back. “I’ll go check on her..” Trinity said and Damian followed her upstairs as well.

Once she was gone, Jey faced his children, uncertainty etched on his features. Jon, ever the fun uncle, stepped in, trying to lighten the mood. “Hey, how about we play some WWE 2K24?” he suggested with a grin.

Jaciyah glared at his father, the resentment simmering just below the surface. “No,” he said curtly, avoiding Jey's gaze as he stormed toward Jon’s son’s room and slammed the door behind him.

The sound echoed in the hallway, leaving Jey standing there, feeling more isolated than ever. Jeyce looked up at Jon, a mixture of confusion and longing in his eyes. “Can we play?” he asked softly, breaking the heavy silence.

“Yeah, buddy,” Jon replied, forcing a smile. He knelt down to meet his nephew’s gaze. “Let’s have some fun, just us two for now.”

As they moved toward the gaming console, Jey couldn’t shake the feeling that this moment was just the beginning of a complicated new chapter, one filled with challenges he never expected to face. And as the sounds of the game filled the room, he could only hope that they would find their way through it together.

—

Rhea sat on the edge of the bed, tears streaming down her face as Trinity and Damian hovered nearby, their expressions filled with concern. The weight of the situation pressed heavily on her chest, and she felt as if everything she had been dreading was finally crashing down.

“I just… I don’t think I’ll ever be good enough for his kids,” Rhea sobbed, burying her face in her hands. “What if they don’t accept me? What if they see me as just the ‘new girlfriend’?”

Trinity moved closer, gently rubbing Rhea’s back. “You have to understand, it takes time. I’m a stepmom too, and it’s not easy, but you’re not just some outsider. You’re someone who loves their dad.”

“But the age difference,” Rhea whispered, shaking her head. “Jey’s nearly 40, and I’m barely going to be 28. What if they think I’m too young to be taken seriously?”

“Rhea,” Damian interjected softly, “Jey isn’t with you because of your age. He loves you for who you are, not just as his partner but as a person. You bring something special to his life.”

Trinity nodded vigorously. “Exactly. Love doesn’t have an age limit. You two share a connection that goes beyond that. And believe me, kids can see when someone genuinely cares for their parent.”

Rhea wiped her eyes, taking a shaky breath. “But what if I mess it up? What if I can’t be the person they need?”

“You won’t know unless you try,” Damian replied, his voice steady. “Kids are resilient. They’ll adjust, especially if they see how much Jey loves you. That’s what matters most.”

Trinity chimed in, “And you’re not alone in this. Jey will be there to guide you. It’s a journey for both of you, and as long as you communicate and support each other, you’ll find your way.”

Rhea looked between them, the warmth of their encouragement slowly calming her racing thoughts. “Do you really think he loves me?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Without a doubt,” Trinity assured her. “He lights up when he talks about you. You’ve made a profound impact on his life.”

As Rhea pondered their words, a flicker of hope ignited within her. “I want to be there for him and the kids. I just need to believe I can do this.”

“You can,” Damian said firmly. “It won’t be easy, but love is worth fighting for. Just remember, Jey chose you, and that’s a huge testament to how he feels.”

Rhea nodded slowly, her heart beginning to mend. “Thank you both. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Anytime,” Trinity said, offering a reassuring smile. “We’re here for you, every step of the way.” Trinity hugged her newly found friend and Rhea hugged her back.

As Jey tucked his youngest son, Jeyce, into bed, he felt a familiar warmth wash over him, the kind that only comes from being a father. He leaned down, planting a gentle kiss on Jeyce's forehead, whispering a soft "goodnight." But when he turned to Jaciyah, his heart sank a little.

"Goodnight, Jaciyah," he said, but his son didn’t respond. Instead, Jaciyah simply put on his AirPods and turned his back to Jey, engrossed in his own world.

Jey sighed as he closed the door behind him, a mixture of frustration and sadness lingering in the air. He walked down the hallway to the guest bedroom, hoping to find some solace. As he entered, he saw Rhea lying on the bed, the soft glow of her phone illuminating her face as The Great Gatsby played quietly in the background.

She paused the movie, looking up at him. Jey's breath caught in his throat; she looked so peaceful yet so distant. "Hey," he said awkwardly, "I’m going to shower."

Rhea nodded without a word, her gaze drifting back to the screen. Jey felt the weight of unspoken words hang between them. He grabbed his clothes, the fabric feeling heavy in his hands as he made his way to the bathroom.

The shower felt like both a blessing and a curse. The warm water cascaded over him, washing away the stress of the day, but his mind remained restless. Thoughts of Jaciyah’s coldness swirled with the earlier tension of the night—the confrontation with his soon to be ex wife, the unacceptable weight creeping in, and the undeniable connection he felt with Rhea.

As he lathered shampoo into his hair, Jey couldn’t shake the feeling that his family was teetering on a precipice. He thought about how Jaciyah was shutting him out and how much he wished he could bridge that gap. Then there was Rhea—her strength, her vulnerability, the way she made him feel seen in a world where he often felt lost.

After a few moments of contemplation, he rinsed off and stepped out of the shower, the steam fogging up the mirror. He wiped it clear and looked at his reflection, trying to gather the courage to face Rhea again. He wrapped a towel around his waist, took a deep breath, and made his way back into the bedroom.

Rhea had resumed the movie, but the atmosphere was charged with unspoken tension. He sat on the edge of the bed, feeling the weight of the silence. “You okay?” he asked, breaking the stillness.

Rhea paused the movie again and turned to him, her expression unreadable. “Just tired,” she replied softly, but Jey could sense there was more beneath the surface.

“Want to talk about it?” he offered, hoping to peel back the layers.

She hesitated, her eyes flickering with uncertainty. “What’s there to say? Things are complicated.”

“Complicated how?” Jey pressed gently, wanting to understand but afraid of what he might hear.

Rhea sighed, looking away. “You know how it is, Jey. We have our pasts, our families… it’s not just us.”

Jey felt his chest tighten. “I get that. But I want to figure this out. I want to be here for you and for Jaciyah and Jeyce.”

Rhea turned to him, her gaze intense. She couldn’t say anything.

“I’m trying,” he said, his voice low and earnest. “But I can’t do it alone.”

For a moment, they were caught in each other's eyes, the weight of their unspoken fears hanging heavily in the air. Jey reached out, brushing his fingers against hers. “Let’s not give up on each other, okay?”

Rhea looked down at their hands, her expression softening slightly. “Okay,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Jey felt a flicker of hope as they sat together in the dim light, the movie forgotten. Maybe they could find their way back, piece by piece, despite the complications that surrounded them.

—

As Jey and Rhea settled into bed, Jey found himself wide awake, thoughts swirling around his head like leaves caught in a gust of wind. He envisioned the perfect wedding, with his sons standing beside him, a picture of unity and love. He held onto the hope that Jaciyah would eventually come around, bridging the gap that had formed between them.

Before he knew it, the shrill sound of his alarm shattered the quiet, signaling 2:25 AM. Rhea groaned softly, and Jey closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to steady himself. He knew he would have to catch up on sleep during the flight. Leaning over, he planted a gentle kiss on Rhea's forehead, coaxing her awake.

She yawned, stretching slightly before sitting up. Jey smiled, his heart lifting at the sight of her. They shuffled to the bathroom together, brushing their teeth in companionable silence. Jey quickly splashed some water in his hair, while Rhea combed through her short locks, both preparing for the long day ahead.

Once they finished, they grabbed their last toiletries and headed back to the bedroom to pack them in their bags. Rhea threw on some sweatpants and a hoodie, and Jey did the same, feeling comforted by the cozy attire.

“I’m going to wake up Jon to drive us to the airport,” Jey said, glancing at Rhea.

She nodded, still half-asleep, and slipped on her black crocs. Jey left the guest bedroom to check on Damian.

As he descended the stairs, he found Damian already awake, scrolling through his phone, packed and ready. “You’re all set?” Jey asked.

“Yeah, just waiting on you guys,” Damian replied, looking up with a grin.

“Good. I’m going to get Jon,” Jey said before heading back upstairs. He approached Jon and Trinity’s door, knocking softly. After a moment, he knocked again, then nudged the door open. Jon was sprawled across the bed, deeply asleep.

“Jon, wake up,” Jey said, nudging him again.

Jon turned over, groaning. “What time is it?”

“Time to take us to the airport,” Jey replied, his tone light but firm.

Jon sighed but managed to sit up, rubbing his eyes. “Fine, give me a minute.”

He quickly threw on a jacket and some slide sandals, looking like he was still in a daze. Jey chuckled to himself, feeling the camaraderie of their morning routine.

Once Jon was ready, Jey opened the guest bedroom door again, calling to Rhea. “Come on, let’s go!”

Rhea soon joined them, and together they made their way downstairs. Jon climbed into Trinity’s Escalade, and soon Rhea, Damian, and Jon were all settled in the car, heading towards the airport.

As the city lights faded behind them, Jey felt a sense of determination settle in his chest. No matter what challenges lay ahead, he was ready to face them, one step at a time. With Rhea by his side and the hope of a future together, he knew they would find their way.

Jon pulled up to the airport drop-off lane, Jey noticed the early morning quietness—only a few other travelers milling about. The low hum of the airport echoed around them, creating a peaceful ambiance. Damian hopped out of the car, grabbing their bags from the trunk, while Jey turned to Jon.

“Hey, just a heads up, Rhea and I will be back tomorrow around 4 AM. Can you pick us up?” Jey asked, knowing it would be an early morning for Jon.

“Sure thing, man. Safe travels!” Jon replied, offering a reassuring smile.

Jey glanced at the time on his phone: 3:16 AM. The urgency of their schedule set in, and he quickly ushered Rhea and Damian toward their gate. They moved through the terminal, the adrenaline from their early start pushing them forward.

Once they reached the gate, Jey felt a wave of relief. They boarded the plane, and he was thrilled to see they had first-class tickets again. The luxury of being able to recline and relax felt like a gift after the whirlwind of the past few days.

As the plane began its descent and the safety announcements played, Jey turned to Rhea, who had already settled into her seat, her eyes heavy with sleep. He leaned in and kissed her goodnight, feeling a sense of warmth and connection that eased his mind.

“Sweet dreams,” he whispered, watching her drift off.

He then reclined his own seat, feeling the tension of the day slip away as he closed his eyes. The gentle hum of the engines and the soft vibrations of the plane lulled him into a comfortable sleep. For the first time in a while, Jey felt hopeful about what lay ahead. The day would bring new challenges, but for now, he surrendered to the soothing embrace of slumber, knowing that together, they would face whatever came their way.