A/N: Sorry for late update... I've had some serious problems with this chapter... To dldb, sorry for making you waiting for so long.... Anyway, here's the new chapter. R & R :-)


"Morning Abby,"

"Good morning Mr. McMahon," the middle aged woman said.

"Morning dad," Vince looked at the dining table and saw his daughter smiling at him silently asking him to join her for breakfast.

"Morning Steph, you're early," he commented coldly.

"Just wanna spend a little time with you, dad," Stephanie said beamingly. Vince joined his daughter reluctantly. It was hard for him to look at her as days gone by. She looked more like Linda every day. Stephanie chose to ignore the cold emotionless look her father gave to her. They were always either not talking to each other or fighting. But today none of those were going to happen. Not today. Today is a special day for her. A special day that she hoped she can spend it with her father and forget all the problems or issues they had.

"Dad, do you know what date is today?" she began, breaking the silence between them as they were having their breakfast together. Vince looked at his watch.

"September 24th…" He paused. He remembered.

"It's your birthday," he said. She smiled. It meant a lot to her that father still remembered her birthday. For the past few years she never got the chance to celebrate her birthday with Vince since he was a busy man. Usually she would just celebrate her birthday with Shane but since he was in Australia for business purpose she hoped she can celebrate with her father.

"Happy Birthday," finally she saw a small smile from Vince.

"Thank you dad,"

"So what do you want for your birthday? A brand new car? Just tell me," he said.

"A dinner with you at my favorite restaurant would be nice," she said. She saw her father's face expression changed. He seemed like he didn't like her idea.

"I don't know Steph. I've got some big meetings today till evening," he said.

"Well you can always reschedule your meetings. Please dad. It would mean a lot to me to celebrate this special day with you. I promise I'll behave, I'll be good this week," she said with her puppy eyes silently persuading him to say yes. Vince sighed in defeated.

"Okay, I'll think about it," he said casually, tried not to notice her genuine smile. He wiped out his mouth and rose from his chair.

"I should be going now," he said, and left.

"Stephanie there's someone on the line and he wants to talk to you," Abby said. She passed the phone to Stephanie. Stephanie beamed happily and walked to the living room before she plopped herself onto the sofa.

"Hello,"

"Happy birthday baby," she smiled when she heard his voice.

"Thank you," she giggled.

"Guess what?"

"What?" she asked giddily.

"I'm here in Greenwich," he said.

"Really?" he smiled when he heard her squealed happily.

"Yes sweetheart, I'm here because I wanna meet you so bad. It's been 2 weeks and I miss you so much,"

"I miss you too," she said.

"So what do you say, after school, we celebrate your birthday, only you and me, in a very romantic dinner," he said.

"Oh Paul, that's so tempting," she sighed.

"But?"

"I'm planning to celebrate my birthday with someone else this evening," she said. Paul sighed.

"Oh, should I be worried about it?" he asked playfully.

"It's my dad, Paul," she said.

"Oh, so I won't be seeing you today, at all?" he sounded upset.

"Paul, I'm so sorry. I want to see you, really, but,"

"It's okay Steph, I understand. We still have tomorrow to meet," he said. He knew how much Stephanie wanted to spend time with her father. And he would be the last person to stop her from getting what she wanted.

"But you know what, I always can skip school for today," she said.

"Nope, don't ever think about that baby. We'll meet tomorrow okay," he said.

"I love you," she said.

"I love you too," he said.



"Paul," he heard her weak voice.

"Steph, are you okay?" he asked, concerned.

"Yeah I guess. I want to see you," she said.

"Steph, I thought…"

"He cancelled it. He has to go to Australia to accompany Shane," He closed his eyes thinking how sad she must be when her father ignored her again even on her birthday.

"Just stay there, I'll pick you up," he said.

"No, no, you stay there, I already phoned the cab. I'll be there in 40 minutes," she said.

"Steph I could have picked you up,"

"It's okay. Just wait for me," she said.

She felt terribly sad when she called her father and he told her that he was on his way to the airport to go to Australia to watch Shane's presentation. She didn't understand why her father despised her and continuously keeping her away from him like she was some kind of disease. She was lucky to have Paul. He was there for her almost all the time especially during difficult time like this, where she needed him the most. Although they were always away from each other since Paul was busy with tour, he would call her at least once a day to know how's she doing. It has been 6 months since they were officially dating. They started as friends and took some time to know each other after the party since both of them didn't want to rush anything that will causing them to regret later. And he had been a very good boyfriend to her. Unlike every normal couple they haven't do anything below the waist, yet. Sure they had involved in several serious passionate making out session but they weren't there yet. He told her that he'd wait for her until she was hundred percent ready. And she trusted him with all her heart. Though she knew she was ready for him she waited for a right time to give herself to him. And tonight was the right time. She was already 18 and no one can say anything about them being together.

Stephanie was in front of Paul's hotel room. She took a deep breath composing herself before she rang the bell. She winced when she heard him moaned. He moaned again.

"Coming!" she heard his hoarse voice. Her heart stopped beating for a split second. Paul was in the room, groaning, and moaning, she couldn't think about other things none other than… Maybe he can't wait for her. It has been almost a year since they knew each other and what kind of man who would wait for six months without sex? Now she realized that everything between her and Paul was just too good to be true. He might be sleeping around behind her unbeknownst to her during their relationship. Stephanie didn't know what to do. Her mind went numb and hot tears started to blur her vision. Even if he cheated on her, why must he cheat in front of her? He must be thinking that she was naïve and stupid. She called him and told him she'll be here in 40 minutes and he thought he can get a quickie before he met her? Why must all of this happen on her birthday?

Later he opened the door and saw she stood there with tears in her eyes. It broke his heart when he saw her like that.

"Steph," he reached to hug her but she pushed him away furiously. She wiped her tears angrily.

"Steph, what's wrong?" he reached her again only to get rewarded by a slap square across his face. He felt sting on his cheek, rubbing it gently. He looked at her angrily.

"What was that for?" his voice was venomous. But when he saw a single tear falling down her cheek his face soften.

"I thought I could trust you," she said weakly.

"Steph,"

"Now where's that bitch?" she pushed herself pass through him and entered the room. She was expecting to find a naked woman on the bed but no one was there. The bed was nicely tidied up. She went to the bathroom wondering if that woman was hiding but found no one. Almost gave up she went outside to the balcony only to stop dead in her tracks when she saw a small table setting complete with food, wine, candles, a bouquet of roses on it. Her mouth gaped as she was speechless. She turned around only to find him looking at her with a small smile on his face.

"I was planning to surprise you when you said you wanted to come here," he said as he walked towards her. She was still speechless.

"You don't really give me enough time to prepare all the things but somehow I made it. But instead of a hug I got a slap, hard in the face," he said playfully.

"Paul, I'm sorry, I thought… God I'm so stupid. I just… I don't know what's happening to me today… I…I…" he hugged her when he saw a solitary tear falling down her cheek.

"Shh… It's okay baby. I'm with you now. It's okay," He stroked her brown tresses softly.

"I'm sorry I hurt you," she reached to touch his now bruised cheek. He held her hand gently.

"Well, if you wanna help, the pain will lessen if you kiss it," he said. She kissed his cheek longingly, before her mouth met his. She kissed him relentlessly silently apologizing. He kissed her back, returning the kiss with an equal passion before he pulled away.

"Steph,"

"Hmm," she moaned softly, her mouth continued to attack his.

"Earlier, what was that slap for?" he asked. She looked into his eyes.

"Paul what are you doing just now when I ring the bell?"

"I wasn't finished setting up the table, and tidying up the bed, took me a while to answer you," he shrugged sheepishly. Stephanie looked down sheepishly.

"I heard you moan, and I thought you're…" Paul raised his eyebrows.

"…fucking someone else?" he asked her back. Reluctantly she nodded.

"You know I would never do that to you," he said.

"I know, I'm sorry, I was thinking that I couldn't offer anything to you, you would…" she stopped when she saw him shook his head in disbelief. She knew she had hurt him.

"Is that how you think of me Steph? I would never do that to you," he said.

"Paul, I'm sorry, I am an idiot, I'm so sorry," she was about to cry again. He wiped her tears away, stroking her cheek lovingly. God, she looked so adorable when she was trying to apologize and with that facial expression he can't be mad at her at all.

"Hey, it's okay," he looked into her glassy blue eyes.

"I love you so much. Just a silly thought won't keep me away from you. Now, I don't want my girlfriend to cry on her birthday," he smiled. She smiled.

"Better, now, let's eat before the food gets cold," he said.

It was so nice of him to set a romantic dinner for them on the balcony. Somehow she managed to forget her sadness and enjoyed the dinner with him.

Stephanie was leaning on the balcony railing, staring into the night when Paul came from behind and wrapped his arms around her slender frame and kissed her shoulder lightly.

"Close your eyes," he said gently. She smiled and closed her eyes. As her eyes closed she could feel his breathing at her neck that sent shivers down her spine. Suddenly she felt something cold, like metal touching her skin around the neck. Her hand quickly reached the thing around her neck as she could guess it must be a necklace.

"You can open your eyes," he said. She opened her eyes only to have her mouth wide open when she saw a ruby circle pendant necklace outfitted in white gold. Inside the ruby circle, there was a small ruby heart covered in luminescent diamonds. She traced the small heart with her thumb. Unable to find her voice, she turned her head to look at him who was smiling at her.

"That's my heart, I'll let you keep it," he said.

"Oh god," her vision was blurry as she felt tears stinging her eyes. She was indeed so lucky to have Paul. Paul frowned looking at her glassy blue eyes. Paul turned her around to face him.

"You don't like it?" Paul asked unsurely. She kissed him hungrily as an answer.

"Oh Paul, I love it! It's beautiful!" she said, and kissed him again, before looking at the pendant again. He wrapped his arm around her waist, looking at her admiringly.

"The heart represents my heart, which is yours. And the ruby circle that surround the heart ensures you that my heart is protected and safe from any other woman. It's always yours," he said. Stephanie chuckled.

"I never knew my big strong boyfriend is a hopeless romantic," she said, filling up his big arms.

"Well, just don't tell anyone okay. I don't want girls chasing after me," he smirked.

"I thought you would love that," she said playfully.

"Nah, I don't want to get slapped by a certain McMahon. She got the best slap ever," he said. She hit his chest playfully as he laughed and pulled her closer in his arms.

"That's not funny! I told you I was sorry," she pouted, pretend to sulk.

"Babe, it's an honest compliment from me. It makes me think twice before looking at another woman," he said.

"I'm glad you think that way," she replied. He chuckled.

"So, it's still early. What should we do now?" he asked. She bit her lip when she thought about her plan earlier. About wanting to make love to him tonight.

"Steph?" He was waiting for her answer. He hoped she didn't say that she wants to go home. He missed her so much. He just needed more time to be with her. And God knew how he wanted to be closer to her than they already were. He wanted to touch her, to feel her in every way, to show how he really felt about her. He wanted everything of her, in every way. She had no idea how much he wanted her, to be with her, to take care of her in a very intimate way. But as much as he needed to be with her, he rather waited for her till she was ready. He knew she was worth the wait.

"Let's pick a movie to watch," she said. He smiled.

They were snuggling under the duvet while watching Ghost on tv. Paul held Stephanie tight in his arms, stroking her hair gently while Stephanie had her head on Paul's chest, her hand was busy playing with his shirt. Her eyes were on tv but her mind went to somewhere else.

"Do you think I'm a spoiled brat Paul?" suddenly she asked. She looked up as her eyes met his.

"Steph, is this about your dad?" he asked. He hated to see Stephanie feeling guilty because of Vince. If only he knew why Vince was so cold towards his own daughter…

Stephanie shifted from his embrace and lying closely beside him, with one leg covered his, his hand surrounded her slender frame as their eyes were locked into each other's.

"Well, I always cause problems and make dad mad, maybe that's why he hates me," she said.

"Steph, you know that's not true," he said.

"Then why he keeps pushing me away from him?" she asked sadly. He sighed. He kissed her briefly before he looked at her admiringly.

"I don't know baby. But I do know he's a grumpy old man who doesn't appreciate funny people like us," he smirked. She grinned before she kissed him and played with his golden strands as she lost into those hazel eyes.

"I love you so much…" she said.

"I know, I love you too," he replied huskily that sent shivers down her spine. God, she needed him.

"Those words aren't enough anymore Paul… I need to show you how much I love you," she said with a determined look on her face. Paul frowned.

"Steph," he was unsure about his own thoughts regarding on her statement meaning until she uttered those words.

"I need to be with you, Paul, I'm ready," she said. Paul traced her flushed cheeks with his big hand, thinking how lucky he was to have her in his life. She looked incredibly beautiful with those determined blue eyes despite her red cheeks revealing her shyness. He kissed her deeply and slowly shifted and positioned himself on top of her. No questions needed to ask. She was sure of her decision and he respected it. Breaking the kiss, both were gasping for air. He gazed at her underneath him lustfully, noticing that she had that heated look on her face that screamed for him, his body and his soul.

"I'll take care of you," he said. He meant it.

"I trust you," she replied with a small smile on her face.

That night, they bared their soul to each other.



Paul watched her sleep soundly beside him, the steady rise and fall of her chest with each deep breath. Unconsciously, his own breathing synchronized with hers as he observed, noting every line and curve of her face and body. He leaned over her and kissed her gently on the lips, causing her to stir from her sleep, smiling despite her closed eyes.

"Rise and shine baby," he said, planting a kiss on her bare shoulder. Stephanie let out a small moan and stretched a little before opening her blue eyes and looked at him lovingly.

"It's still early," she protested playfully.

"Well, I thought you got school today?" he said hesitantly. Sounding like her parents were definitely the last thing he wanted to do. But he cared about her.

"Trust me school is the last thing on my mind right now," she said. He smiled.

"What's the first thing on your mind then?" he smiled deviously.

"A 250 pounds Greenwich snob in the bed with me stark naked," she smirked. He grinned before he captured her lips with his, tracing her tongue with his.

"About last night…" he paused. He was afraid to continue. He was until he saw her smiling at him happily.

"…was the best thing that ever happened in my life," she replied, her hands playing with his soft blonde hair. He looked unconvinced with her answer. She kissed him deeply, trying to let him knew what she really felt. That she loved him too damn much. Her hands trailing his biceps as she looked at him deep in the eyes.

"Paul, there're no regrets at all about last night. I wanted last night to happen, and you're amazing," she said. He kissed her neck and looked at her.

"You're the one that amazing baby… Last night something about you… terrified me," he confessed. She frowned but waited him to continue.

"Last night I just realized how much I love you and how I afraid if I lose you and I so want to be your rock… oh crap," he hated when he sounded so pathetic but he can't help it. He was totally under her spell if she got one and never intended to break the spell. Stephanie smiled.

"I just want to be everything for you," he said.



What was wrong with her? Or better, what was wrong with him?

Since after their segment he couldn't stop thinking about her. She seemed to be different after he told her his decision. She seemed to move on. She was avoiding him. And he didn't like the way she ignored him like he meant nothing to her other than just a co-worker. But it was him who pushed her away, he should be happy she finally understood him, shouldn't he?

No. He felt everything but happy. When he wanted to be closer to her at least as a friend she ran away and put an invisible barrier between them. The only time he could get closer to her was when they were working together on-screen. He valued every second with her while it lasted. And when it lasted, like a blink of an eye she treated him like a stranger again. As he entered the bedroom he saw Trish was already asleep. He lay down beside her on the bed rolled off to his side. He was having a hard time to answer her when she asked him about the kiss he shared with Stephanie in Vegas and at their segment just now. She asked whether Stephanie tried to put some moves to seduce him while they were shooting together. And to be honest, like what he told Trish, Stephanie did nothing other than being professional all the time, though he could see the gleam in her eyes telling him that she wanted him just as much as he wanted her. Right. He wanted her. He always wanted her, he knew that when every time he kissed her he felt the similar sensation he longed for years since she was gone. He wanted more from her. When he said to her that they were over he was indeed lying. No, he wasn't lying. He was trying to live the present and that was with Trish. But day after day, he just couldn't resist her. He tried to be a good boyfriend to Trish but it was difficult when Stephanie was around. Maybe he was scared to admit that it was Stephanie all the way from the past, and he wanted her to be with him in the present and the future. He was scared if he let her in his life again she might be leaving him again.

Stephanie entered her office and plopped herself on the couch. God, he just planted some kisses. On her neck. They were live on Raw where she had to sit on his lap with DX members joining them on the stage watching The Rock vs The Big Show in the ring. So they were acting like a loving couple, smiling, laughing and kissing until she felt Paul's mouth on her neck. She gasped and she was sure he could feel her gasping against his body. Not to mention his big hand was busy trailing up her exposed thigh. At that time she could feel herself blush and he was smirking towards her. She smiled. If she was right her plan was working smoothly. She heard a knock at her door and saw him walking in, causing her to stand up abruptly.

Now she just had to put a little act in front of him.

"Paul,"

"Steph, you want to see me?" he smiled.

"Yes, please sit down," she said. He sat on the opposite couch looking at her intently. Stephanie felt her heart beat faster but she managed to keep her cool expression. Paul smiled thinking that he knew Stephanie too much to know that she was acting cool in front of him. Just a few flirting words he was sure her pink cheeks will turn red.

"I got the script for this Thursday's Smackdown revised, here, take a look," she said, as she handed the script to Paul. He read it and frowned. Unseen by Paul Stephanie smirked deviously. He looked up at her.

"You remove all the kissing moments?"

"Yeah," she said.

"Why?" he asked. Stephanie tried not smile when she could hear a hint of disappointment in his voice.

"Well, maybe because I don't like the way we get too intimate during our scene together," she said.

"That's a bull and you know it,"

"Well, I don't want a certain blonde bimbo to have a serious hair fall thinking about us," she said.

"What? Don't tell me you're doing Trish's favor,"

"Sometimes, enemies do help one another,"

"Yeah right, and I'm not an idiot too. Steph, what's going on here?" he asked. She stood up, walking towards the table and stood there with her back in front of him. Paul stood up too, looking at her.

"What did Trish said to you?" he asked, as he slowly walked towards her. Unseen by him Stephanie smiled before she sighed. She turned around to face him.

"It's not because of her," she said. Stephanie looked into his eyes as she saw nothing but love and concern in his hazel eyes.

"It's you," she said. Now she saw nothing but total confusion written in his face.

"Paul, I can't continue with this… I mean I can be absolutely professional when we're on camera," she said. Paul waited her to continue.

"The way you were making some advances on me… I can't deal with that, not with you," she said. Paul felt his anger rising. 'Not with you'. What did she meant by those? That she prefer doing it with some other guy than him? Before she could distant herself further from him he grabbed her gently, not wanting to hurt her and looked at those beautiful blue eyes of hers.

"I thought you wanted it, that's what we both wanted," he said, with a low growl in his voice, tried to suppress his anger.

"But are we living for what we wanted?" she asked. Realizing that she was indeed right, Paul released her slowly. Stephanie almost regretted at her own words as she wished he would stay holding her like he did just now.

"What do you think about how I feel when you keep taunting me, touching me, kissing me when those actions were not even in the script?" she asked, pretended to sound upset and sad. Paul stood there silent. It hurt him to see her like that. But he can't help himself when Stephanie was near to him. He just couldn't stop keeping his hands on her. Sometimes it occurred spontaneously, sometimes he felt the need to do it. But he didn't have any idea how his actions upset her.

"I'm sorry, you're right. But trust me, I had never intended to hurt you," he said. Paul took the script.

"I'll accept this, and I promise you, I would never do those things again," he said, and left.