"We never had a chance,
you and I, and
I'm finally just now realizing the fate
we doomed upon ourselves."
◁Reeds by me▷

●●●

"So did you find the one you're happy with?" I questioned as I met them in the parking lot after having been banished from their sides for the morning.

While I had been welcomed to attend some wedding fashion show the day before, today I wasn't allowed anywhere near it which I guess was fine with me as I had gone to the family gym.

"You can see if you want"

"Nah, let's keep it traditional I guess" I smiled and kissed the side of her head.

"She looked beautiful" my mom smiled as soon as we caught up with them which made me even happier. We had flown in a couple nights before and decided to fly her mom and Brie out so she could have them with her which she regretted since she had wanted me to help her pick out her dress.

"I bet she did."

"Shhhhh" Jojo tugged on my mom's hand. "Daddy can't know"

"Its bad to keep secrets hey" I eyed her.

"But this is a good one, daddy!" She whined seeming annoyed which caused me to lean her way and tickle her causing her to giggle before I held her hand in mine allowing my mom to walk ahead.

"Well can I see your one, I don't think that needs to be a secret" I smirked and she seemed to think for a bit but then glanced past me at Nicole for approval.

"How about we keep it all a surprise from your dad?" Nicole smirked trying to further torture me but deep down knew I understood her need for the art of surprise.

"Seriously?" I groaned but was met with a kiss on my cheek by Nicole before we found our way to take our seats with our family.

"My mom organized this for us" Nicole smiled as we sat in the rather classy restaurant making me wish I had brought along a suit jacket.

It had been a rough weekend with me going up against Owens for the Universal championship which hadn't gone as I had hoped but nevertheless I still managed to be on cloud nine as I had my Jojo with me for her birthday weekend.

It had gone from a one on one match to Jericho coming in to save the day for his best friend. I suppose I had enjoyed it with Colby and I having been able to team up and lay waste to the two idiots but I had more so hoped I would be making history and bringing two titles home to my girls.

Nicole had soothed my disappointment that night as we facetimed each having our own set of donuts making me wish she was right beside me but had to settle.

"Will your flower crown be ready?" Kathy smiled at Jojo who nodded.

"Lots of flowers and a princess dress. " She explained and continued to trail off going into detail despite having claimed for it to be a surprise but it made me happy to know she was excited.

I felt Nicole's head resting on my shoulder as she sipped on some wine before I planted a kiss on her forehead. I couldn't wait to marry her and knew what hell planning could be with our schedules but with our moms on it as well I knew it would be made easier.

"I really wish you would have brought Viv with, I miss her so much." Nicole whined causing Lauren to laugh.

"I know she's with Johnny, I mostly think he used it as an excuse not to be dragged around to different stores."

"Yet I wasn't denied that privilege" JJ rolled his eyes.

"Hey who had to be dragged around with Lola them for your wedding?" I narrowed my eyes as I had been tricked into it so many years ago. I had flown in to visit Nicole only to realize she had lured me into tagging along with Lola to go dress shopping. I hadn't minded much considering her brother had begun dating Lola the same time I was introduced to her family so we were both newbies into the crazy family of theirs. And coming from a family of wild Samoans that said a lot...

"The difference between me and you Joe is that you can't say no to my sister. So you would suffer through that while Nicole is my sister so I have to tag along or I seem like the bad guy" He chuckled.

"Wow you're complaining now when you were gushing about what a beautiful bride she would be" Brie shook her head most likely referring to earlier in the day.

"Well its true." He rolled his eyes while Nicole giggled.

"Okay guys lay off JJ. At least he came to accompany us. Thank you to everyone who trailed along today, I know Johnny and Sika ditched but they're here in spirit."

"You should be more happy my sisters couldn't make it, they would have taken over" I cringed at the thought having had quite the headache simply telling them I was engaged yet again.

"I'm sure not so much, besides I love their opinion they know you well so I'm sure they would know what you'd like to see me in."

"I love everything you wear so all you need to do is trust yourself, babe" I placed a swift kiss on her lips which caused Jojo to giggle beside me and I smirked having forgotten she was seated right beside me.

"You're adorable" Lola teased and I narrowed my eyes before chuckling as desert made its way to us.

"I don't want you to goooo" She groaned into my lips as we stood outside of the restaurant waiting for the rest of the family to clear out. I groaned in return into her neck as I held her closely trapping her body in my arms.

"I don't want to go either but the last thing we need is Vince on our ass." I sighed staring into her sad brown eyes, I nudged my nose over hers and my lips grazed over hers as we both smiled.

"I guess we have to be patient. You know its the first time we see each other in between shows and I didn't get to sleep with you"

"Aaaah thanks for the reminder" I licked over my bottom lip as my hand lowered allowing my fingers to subtly trace over her behind.

"Are you getting turned on now?" She giggled tracing her fingers over my stubble slowly biting my bottom lip.

"I can feel your nipples through that shirt so damn right I'm getting horny" I whispered briefly grabbing her behind before clutching her waist tracing my fingers over her bare back.

"Now I'm hor..."

"Okay lovebirds! Kids are coming out"

I buried my face in Nicole's neck as I chuckled hearing her mom's warning tone before placing a kiss in her neck and reluctantly loosening my grip.

I greeted her family and watched as she spoke to Jojo in whispers. "All the times we said she needed the happiness of a real man, who knew my son would be providing that"

I smiled hanging my arm over my mom's shoulder and kissing the side of her head before both our eyes fell on my girls. "Who knew huh..."

◈◈◈◈

"Is it really bad?" I stared nervously at Nattie as she ran over her lines. Apart of me wanted to know while the other simply told her to not to let me know so that my reactions could be even more genuine.

"Er well I don't really think so. I mean nothing should affect you when you're on cloud nine with Joe"

It was bad...

"I guess not. Let's get this over and done with" I smiled at Carmella who would be out there as well and heard my music hit.

The last 24 hours had been absolute bliss with Joe flying in with his mom and the kids and sort of colliding with my small part of my family. While they had met plenty of times backstage and at some occasions it was the first time since Joe and I were together they hung out so it meant a lot to both of us. Especially since I had my mom and the woman who had served as a second mom to me over the years with me as I picked out the dress I would be saying my "I do's" in.

I was so afraid I wouldn't have been able to make a decision due to my lack of decision making, so much so that I had wanted Joe to tag along simply to help me. However the rest weren't having it but the third dress had been the charm, I could picture it all in that dress and having Jojo in her little white dress and Koa in his little suit serving as an escort for the ring bearers; it all fell into place. I knew it would be hard to keep it from Joe but luckily it wouldn't be too long a wait until he saw it himself.

Carmella's music broke me from my thoughts as she interrupted the discussion going on between Nattie and I. I watched as she made her way down and patiently waited. She didn't bother getting into the ring but simply stood on the apron and stared at me with a smug look.

"I told you a million times, if I was the one who dropped you I'd be bragging about it. Nikki, when are you going to realize that your little friend over here? She's a liar. Or has some of that silicon leaked up to your brain?"

I didn't even know what to say to that one as it was certainly a good one but before I could comment Nattie sprung to my defense only to be dismissed by Carmella yet again.

"...I mean you told me the only reason the Bella Twins were in the WWE was because no one cared enough when they tried to make it on their own."

"Nattie you said that?" I briefly stared at her while she focused on Carmella.

"You're nothing but a dirty little Staten Island Snitch!" Nattie spat while I stared in confusion questioning her but instead she ran after Carmella and viciously attacked her causing her to land amongst the Christmas decorations placed on the stage. Nattie attempted to get her yet again but she managed to escape while Nattie turned to me as she picked up the mic previously held by Carmella.

"Alright I did it you bitch!" My eyes widened slightly at her vulgarity considering this was Nattie which I suppose played in my favour as I prepared myself for the worst.

"I have always despised you! I am Natalya Neidhart I am wrestling royalty. You may have been longest reigning Diva's Champion and worked so hard but you and your sister got everything because you're beautiful. You got the cover of magazines, you got the star feature on Total Divas well until you quit after breaking up with John Cena. You've got no charisma, my cat has got more charisma than you, Nikki. You're a nothing and that's why John Cena dumped your ass!"

"John Cena dumped my ass?" I began but she quickly interrupted.

"You couldn't be with John Cena cause he didn't want to give you what you wanted so you went for the man's shoulder's you were crying on. Woah, Nikki you're really working your way through the company aren't you? But at least you have that ring on your finger now! That's right everyone, Nikki Bella is engaged!"

I heard cheers from the audience but focused my eyes on her as she clearly wasn't done, "Nikki you might have that ring on your finger but until you're a Mrs I wouldn't go celebrating. For all we know there is no engagement and you bought yourself that diamond simply to feel loved! But we'll see how long this lasts I mean who would want to marry someone like you? But I see your plans Nikki, John's slowly diverging into greater ventures so 'your man' is destined for the top and now you're oh so in love. I feel sorry for you, Nicole because once he realizes he is nothing more than a doll in your need to have the perfect life he's going to dump your ass as well!"

I watched as she dropped her mic and her music played while I simply shook my head. I wasn't surprised by the level of harshness within her voice or the bluntness of the words. I knew the new storyline would be a lot to handle and I was sure Creative loved hearing about the engagement to make it even more juicy but why would her words affect me if they weren't true? They were grasping at a past that I had no intention of revisiting...

"I'm so proud of you, you were so fucking mean" I giggled as we got backstage.

"I'm so sorry. When I read that script I was like seriously? Did Joe get to approve this."

I hugged her sensing how bad she felt.

"Probably not, considering he wasn't really mentioned but be prepared for a tough match. I'll be using those words as fuel and here is your invite" I winked taking it from the gorilla where Bryan had been keeping it for me.

"As long as I'm still getting one of these" She hugged me tightly while my eyes fell on the delicate invitation that had been approved this morning by my fiance.

"Of course, its going to be a small wedding though so feel extra honoured." I narrowed my eyes as I took off my cap and stretched a bit.

"Really? I thought with how long you've been waiting it would be some extravagant thing" Bryan chuckled and I shrugged.

"Joe is simple and I'm sure he wouldn't mind every crazy idea but those are crazy ideas I had before, when I didn't think it was possible. So when you do you wanna fit everything you possibly can into it but when he proposed and we were laying in bed and just thinking about it the only thing I pictured was staring into those brown eyes of his saying my vows. Everything is just extra so I don't see the point, we both love our families so it will be our families and friends from work and a few others. No big thing, just cosy and it helps because we're both on the road" I shrugged as they slowly nodded. "My phone please..."

Bryan handed me my phone and I smiled seeing a text from Joe and dialed him as I waved them goodbye.

"Hey, I thought you'd be sleeping." I whispered.

"He is" I frowned hearing Colby's voice. "Came waltzing into the hotel room, went into the shower and probably beat that Samoan meat in honour of you and is currently sleeping."

I rolled my eyes patiently waiting for him to tell me the reason for him stealing my man's phone. Normally, well if it were Jon I would be cutting him off but that's simply because Jon graced his presence in my life everyday where as Colby I saw even less than Joe. "Caught your segment, guess we should be happy Joe didn't. He would not be impressed"

"I have warned him, I'm trying to have a thick skin you know? I mean if Joe senses I'm upset he might do something stupid and talk to Vince and I can't have that" I emphatically stated so Colby wouldn't go spurring him on.

"I know but you shouldn't also just give them a leeway by agreeing to everything. They're taking advantage of the fact that you're trying to remain neutral about the relationship when they're bringing it into play."

I sighed as the only thing I wanted to focus on was my bubble I had been in since my relationship with Joe began and now my engagement, "Did you just call me to give your input or is there something else Colby? I have spent the day picking out dresses, entertaining friends and booking things. I'm honestly so tired and I have a flight to catch..."

"I think I might have found someone" he rushed out and heard shifting which meant he was probably leaving the room he shared with Joe.

"Someone?"

He groaned before sighing, "I think well.. Charlotte and I have been talking. I mean we've always been friends and that but I don't know she's been there a lot and well the road gets lonely."

I smiled like an idiot happy he hadn't chosen to facetime me, "That's amazing, Charlotte is amazing. Does she like know how you feel and..."

"Nah we're just hanging out you know? But she is amazing so who knows? I wouldn't mind but she's sort of perfect you know? With my past..." He trailed off.

"Colby you fucked up, we had this discussion before okay? It doesn't define you any longer! You are free to go after whoever and I'm sure she wouldn't mind. You're a catch, I mean I dated you for a reason" I teased and heard him chuckling.

"I know. Look I'll talk to you more next week but have a good week and..."

"Quick question"

"Yeah?"

"Why didn't you just call me from your phone?"

"Well I was hanging out with Char before and forgot my phone and just realized now and its like 2am over here."

"Oh.." I giggled but it soon faded as I spotted John ahead and turned on my heel, "I'll see you next week and give Joe a big hug from me"

"He hates my hugs, but will do"

"Nicole" I mentally cursed before turning as I saw John making his way to me, we had always sort of avoided unnecessary contact. I knew I had hurt him and he had hurt me by not showing any trust when I guess I couldn't be when my heart had betrayed me but perhaps my heart just knew I wouldn't be satisfied with constantly making sacrifices to improve someone else's life, giving up things that were important to me.

I gave a small nod before preparing myself to walk past him but instead I felt his hand wrap around my wrist and noticed him glancing at the ring placed onto my hand before he stared at me.

"John?"

He let my arm go when he was satisfied I wouldn't leave before focusing on me, "I saw your segment"

I nodded not sure what he wanted me to say to it, I wasn't going to lie and say I caught his when I hadn't. I generally only caught the women's matches as I was either doing some photoshoots, having dinner, face timing Joe or watching his matches from the previous night. I made sure I made time to see Joe as soon as I could just to see how the crowd was and watch his reactions so I knew how to speak to him.

"Nicole?"

"Sorry, you were saying?"

"Is it true? Did you choose him because he could give you everything I couldn't?"

I frowned slightly taken aback by the question."Why does it matter?"

"Its just a question. "

"John, I chose him because you gave me an ultimatum. Joe and I were nothing then so how could you even say that I chose him because of that." I knew I shouldn't have but I did feel offended maybe because the fact that he actually thought the scripted implications were real messed with me.

Joe meant the world to me and the fact that he would give me everything I lacked with John had nothing to do with it. I had forced myself not to let it affect me out there but now I was annoyed.

"We both know you were hung up on the fact that he had everything you wanted. And then you're finished with me and he's finished with Galina."

"Galina and him ended things way before you were even petty enough to make me choose." I wavered before folding my arms.

"You just proved my point."

"No I didn't because I knew nothing about it until after we ended things."

"Really? Because it sounds weird to me when you're joined at the fucking hip" he chuckled and I knew that one all too well.

"We're not together anymore I honestly don't need to prove anything to you, John. I thought we were civil and now you're attacking me at fucking work. It doesn't even matter whether I knew then or not because point was that I loved you and you failed to trust me. You just proved that in our years together there was no trust when I trusted you with everything!"

"Because I proved myself to be trustworthy"

"Really? So you have a love storyline with AJ while we're together and now you're with her? You see, things like that. You agreed to that when we were dating."

"We had just begun dating, Nicole. Point is if I had been the man to give you the life you so badly wanted because of what you saw he had would you have stayed with me?"

"No I wouldn't have because you wouldn't have even considered it because there was no trust. And you would have still believed things that weren't there, you would have still been disapproving of a man that I cared greatly about and knew before you even came into the picture. John, I'm fucking engaged and you're here trying to mess with me why?" I said a bit frustrated and he sighed.

"Because I'm not with April anymore"

"And?"

"I want you back"

♡♡♡♡

Another update 😊😊😊
Not sure if I'll manage to get another one out by Sunday so just in case goodluck to THE SHIELD + TEAM RAW
AAAAND HOPING FOR A PAIGE / NIKKI RETURN!!