Chapter 25

The backstage area of the arena was bustling with the usual pre-show activity. Liv Morgan sat on a bench, lacing up her boots, her mind focused on the match ahead. Y/N was beside her, offering quiet support as always. Despite the noise around them, they shared a moment of calm, a sense of routine in an otherwise chaotic environment.

Tonight was a big night—another chance for Liv to prove herself, to show that she belonged at the top of the division. But even as she mentally prepared for the battle ahead, her thoughts occasionally drifted to the new face in the women’s division: Jade Sabin, their newly appointed medic. Liv had learned more about Jade’s past over the last week, and it was clear that her return to WWE had stirred up emotions among the roster.

As Liv finished with her boots, Y/N glanced at her, noticing her thoughtful expression. “You’ve got that look again,” he said with a small smile.

Liv looked up at him, her brow furrowing slightly. “What look?”

“The one that says you’re thinking about something—or someone,” Y/N replied, his tone light but curious. “Jade, right?”

Liv sighed, nodding. “Yeah, I guess I am. It’s just... her story, you know? She was here for almost a decade, doing what she loved, and then it all got taken away in an instant. And now she’s back, but in a completely different role. I can’t imagine how hard that must’ve been for her.”

Y/N nodded in understanding. “It’s tough, for sure. But she’s here now, and from what I’ve seen, she’s doing a damn good job. You should talk to her more, get to know her better.”

Liv smiled softly, appreciating Y/N’s encouragement. “You’re right. I should. She’s already been so helpful, but I feel like there’s a lot more to her story.”

Just as Liv finished speaking, Jade Sabin herself walked into the room, her med kit slung over her shoulder. Her long brown hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail, and her slight tan gave her a healthy glow despite the grueling schedule she kept. She spotted Liv and Y/N and made her way over, a friendly smile on her face.

“Hey, Liv. Y/N,” Jade greeted them warmly. “How are you both doing?”

“Hey, Jade,” Liv replied, returning the smile. “We’re good. Just getting ready for the match tonight.”

“Great to hear,” Jade said, setting her med kit down on the bench beside them. “Do you need any help stretching out or anything before you head out there? I’m here to make sure you’re feeling your best.”

Liv shook her head, though she appreciated the offer. “I’m feeling pretty good, actually. Just a few pre-match jitters.”

Jade nodded, understanding all too well the nerves that came with being a performer. “That’s completely normal. But if you need anything at all—before, during, or after the match—just let me know. I’m here for you.”

There was something in Jade’s tone that caught Liv’s attention—a subtle hint of experience and empathy that made her feel like Jade wasn’t just talking about physical injuries. There was a depth to her words, a reminder that Jade had been in her shoes before, standing in the ring with the weight of the world on her shoulders.

“Thanks, Jade,” Liv said sincerely. “Actually, if you have a minute, I’d love to talk more. Maybe after the show?”

Jade’s eyes softened, and she nodded. “Of course, Liv. I’d be happy to.”

Y/N, sensing the conversation might take a more personal turn, stood up and stretched. “I’ll leave you two to it, then. I’ll be in the catering area if you need me,” he said with a grin, giving Liv a quick kiss on the forehead before heading out.

Once Y/N was gone, Jade took a seat beside Liv, her demeanor calm and approachable. “What’s on your mind, Liv?”

Liv hesitated for a moment, unsure how to phrase what she was feeling. “It’s just... I’ve been thinking a lot about you and your journey. You were a wrestler for almost ten years, right? How did you deal with everything after your injury? How did you find the strength to come back here?”

Jade looked down at her hands, taking a deep breath before speaking. “It wasn’t easy, Liv. Not at all. Wrestling was my life. I started in developmental in 2009, worked my way up, and by the time I made it to the main roster, I thought I was set. But in 2018, during a match, I took a bad bump. I knew right away something was wrong. It turned out I had a severe neck injury. The doctors told me I’d never wrestle again.”

Liv listened intently, feeling a pang of empathy for Jade. She couldn’t imagine how devastating that news must have been.

Jade continued, her voice steady but tinged with emotion. “I was angry at first. Angry at the world, at my body for failing me. But after the initial shock wore off, I realized I had a choice: I could either let it destroy me, or I could find a new way to channel my passion. So, I decided to go back to school. I studied sports medicine and eventually graduated from medical school in 2021. Coming back here, as a medic, felt like the right move. It’s my way of staying connected to the business I love, even if I can’t be in the ring anymore.”

Liv nodded, her admiration for Jade growing with every word. “That’s incredible, Jade. You turned something so painful into a way to help others. I think that’s amazing.”

Jade smiled, though there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. “Thanks, Liv. It wasn’t an easy road, but I’m proud of where I am now. And I’m grateful to be back here, helping you and the rest of the women’s division. It’s my way of giving back.”

The room fell silent for a moment as Liv processed everything Jade had shared. She felt a deep sense of respect for the woman sitting beside her—someone who had faced incredible adversity and come out stronger on the other side.

“Jade,” Liv began, her voice soft, “I’m really glad you’re here. It means a lot to know that we have someone like you looking out for us.”

Jade’s smile widened, and she placed a reassuring hand on Liv’s shoulder. “And I’m glad to be here, Liv. I’m here to make sure you all stay healthy and strong, but I’m also here if you ever need someone to talk to. I understand the pressures you’re under, and I want to help in any way I can.”

Liv nodded, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. “I appreciate that, Jade. I really do.”

As their conversation came to a close, the backstage area grew louder, signaling that it was almost time for the show to begin. Liv stood up, feeling more grounded than she had in a long time. She was ready to face whatever the night had in store.

“Good luck out there, Liv,” Jade said, standing up as well. “I’ll be watching. And if you need anything, you know where to find me.”

“Thanks, Jade,” Liv replied, her confidence renewed. “I’ll see you after the match.”

With that, Liv made her way toward the gorilla position, her mind clear and focused. She knew that the road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but with people like Y/N and Jade in her corner, she felt stronger than ever.

As she waited for her music to hit, Liv took one last deep breath, centering herself. The arena erupted in cheers as her entrance theme blared through the speakers. She stepped out onto the stage, her heart racing with adrenaline.

Tonight was her night. And no matter what happened in the ring, she knew that she had the support of those who truly cared about her—both in the ring and out of it.

With a determined smile, Liv headed down the ramp, ready to give it her all. The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear: she wasn’t facing it alone.

Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: AzTruyen.Top