The clinking of silverware against porcelain filled the cozy bistro as Melody sat with her girlfriends, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts about the upcoming wrestling match. Delia, Brie, Ali, Lissa, and Mani were all seasoned wrestlers, their conversations often veering into the realm of the ring, the locker room, and the challenges of balancing their personal lives with their careers.

"Alright, so who do you think will win the championship match this weekend?" Melody asked, raising her wine glass to her lips.

Brie, her eyes narrowing, replied, "I'm putting my money on Jey. He's been on fire lately, and his moves are just... unstoppable."

"I know, right? He's been a beast in the ring. But don't you think he's taking it too hard, you know? The pressure is getting to him." Lissa questioned as she cut through her steak.

Ali nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's tough. He's been putting in extra hours, barely eating, just to be the best. It's like he's trying to prove something."

"Yeah, but I reckon Bron is going into this too cocky. He's acting like he's already won and is definitely underestimating Jey." Mani said.

The conversation meandered through the usual gripes and cheers for their colleagues, but Melody had something on her mind.

Last weekend she had gone out to celebrate Delos's birthday with a few other friends and wrestlers and she had gotten a little bit over intoxicated. On the way back to the hotel they were staying in, Melody had stumbled onto the wrong floor and saw Jey trying to open his hotel room but failing due to his drunken state also.

Melody's heart raced as she steadied herself against the hotel corridors wall, her breath inconsistent due to the alcohol. She had never been much of a drinker, but tonight, the laughter and the music had been too strong to resist. Now, here she was, on the wrong hotel floor, watching as Jey Uso struggled to open his door. He was as drunk as she was, his arms limp and his legs wobbly.

"Jey, you okay?" Melody asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Yeah, just... a little tipsy," he replied, his eyes half-closed. "Thanks, Mel."

She nodded before legging out a snort before stumbling over to him. She grabbed his key card as he slumped against the wall and opened the door.

She pushed the door open and stepped inside, her hand reaching out to steady Jey. His weight was surprisingly light, and she felt a strange warmth spread through her as she guided him to the bed. She helped him sit down, then gently laid him down, his body going limp and his arms sprawling on the sheets.

"Goodnight, Jey," she said softly, her voice tinged with a hint of humour.

"Goodnight, Mel," he murmured, his eyes fluttering closed.

Melody turned to leave, but a hand on her wrist stopped her and she turned to look at the man before her. The contact was electric, and she felt a shiver run down her spine.

"Jey," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper.

"What?" he asked, his eyes opening slightly.

"I need to go get some sleep," she replied, her voice letting out a small burp.

"We both know that's not true, Mel." He flirted with a smirk. Jey smiled, a soft, tender smile that melted her heart. He gently pulled her towards him, her legs giving out once they hit the bed, her form falling on top on his.

Melody's heart raced as she was inches away from Jey. He leaned in closer, his lips centimetres away from hers. The moment was electric, and she knew, without a doubt, that this was a mistake. But he leaned closer and his lips brushed against hers, she felt different. The moment they kissed, she couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and connection that she hadn't felt in years.

And when the night finally ended, they lay together, their bodies entwined, their hearts beating in sync. They knew it was a mistake, but for that one night, they were just two people, lost in each other's arms, finding solace in the forbidden.

She knew he was married, a fellow friend named Nyah. The thought of their affair was a dark secret, one she had only shared with Delia.

After dinner, the women moved to the bar, the lively atmosphere a stark contrast to the somber mood that had settled over the table. Melody and Delia found a quiet spot near the back, the hum of the crowd a distant murmur.

Delia, her eyes reflecting the dim light, turned to Melody. "So, what's been going on with you and Jey? I know there's more to that one-night stand."

Melody's cheeks flushed, her voice barely above a whisper. "It was just a mistake Delia."

"Oh come on Melody. You can't deny that you've been completely different since then." Delia said. She had noticed a change in Melody, a more confident side to the girl. Melody sighed and couldn't stop the small smile creeping up on her.

"It's just... he's so intense in the ring. And then, outside of it, he's... different. I mean, we're both married, but it's like we're two different people when we're together."

Delia leaned in, her expression serious. "I know you, Mel. You're not one to act on impulse. So, tell me, what's really going on?"

Melody sighed, her heart aching with the weight of her confession. "I don't know. It's like I'm living a double life. I'm excited by the affair, but I'm so guilty. I feel like I'm betraying everyone—my Sami, Nyah, Jey, even myself."

Delia reached out, her hand resting gently on Melody's. "I understand the excitement, Mel. It's thrilling to be with someone who understands the intensity of yourself. But the guilt is real too. You have to be careful."

Melody nodded, her eyes meeting Delia's. "I know. I just... I don't want to lose everything. I love my husband, and I love Nyah. But with Jey, it's like I'm alive again. I feel... free."

Delia sighed, her expression softening. "I get it, Mel. But you have to be honest with yourself. Is this just a fleeting moment, or is it something more?"

Melody's eyes flickered with uncertainty. "I don't know. But I can't ignore how I feel. It's like a drug, and I'm addicted."

The bar was a blur of movement and laughter, but Melody's mind was a storm of emotions. She knew the affair was a dangerous game, one that could shatter the lives of those she loved. Yet, the thrill of the forbidden was intoxicating, a siren call that threatened to pull her under.

As the night drew to a close, Melody walked home, the cool night air a stark reminder of the choices she had made. The ring's shadow loomed large, casting a long, dark shadow over her life, and she wondered if she would ever find her way out of the grip of Jey Uso.

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