Brooklyn NY. August 19th. 2018.

Finally, an hour after winning the Universal title, Roman sat alone in his locker room. After all the hugs, pats on the back, and praises… he was finally alone.

Initially, he hadn't expected to hear from her. After all it had been a little more than eight months, and by now, with all she had going for her, Roman was sure that Riley Flair was long gone. Charlotte's baby sister had began modeling about a year ago and was already on a majority of the Fashion Week runways.

The two had dated off and on for six years, while they were both training at NXT, and after, once Roman was called up and Riley stayed back a while. After a while, without her sister and boyfriend NXT began to get lonely, and she knew she wasn't as athletically inclined.

She walked into Stephanie's office one day in Connecticut and asked to be cut from her contract. When asked why, she told Stephanie honestly, "It's not where my heart's at anymore… I'll always love it, but it's not for me."

And with her father's blessing, Riley Flair began her modeling career. She'd always been comfortable in front of the camera, and her piercing grey eyes set her apart from most. After dying her blonde hair jet black, she'd been booked and busy.

So busy, that one night they'd each had enough. Neither had time for the other. One the off chance that they were both home, it was in passing. After arriving back home after dinner and dancing, both a little more than tipsy, Roman could take it anymore.

Miami Fl. December 28th. 2017.

"This isn't working anymore, Ry…" Roman said under his breath, as his eyes began to sting. He'd been holding this in for too long and he felt like he was going to burst.

"How many more phone calls am I gonna have to pretend like I don't get from you? Drunk and crying… because you miss me just as much as I miss you. I love you Riley… and I always will… but this… right now? It's not fair for either of us… but I'm sorry…" Roman's head lowered in shame as the statuesque blonde ran and locked herself in their bathroom. Roman sighed against the door, knowing it was for the best. Riley was destined for greatness, and he couldn't make her hold off on her dreams just for him.

He looked down at the shiny, crimson belt and frowned.

He hoped she was happy.