A/N: I hate to announce it but this story is really winding down to the end. There may be one or two more chapters and that's it. It really makes me sad because this was by far my favorite story to write :'( It's so bitter sweet. On a little other side note, I am going to make a sequel and possibly a third story to this one because it's just been an amazing experience. I may write one or two other fics before I start the sequel though, but things can always change. I really want to thank you all for sticking this one out with me and I hope you've enjoyed reading it as much as I loved writing it. It truly means soooo much to me that anyone actually reads my writing lol I love you guys! You're the best xoxoxo

Deadly Sins

Chapter 21: The Final Good-Bye

Trish's POV

The movements, the conversations, the actions around me all mesh together into a blur of nothingness. I'm emotionally drained. The turmoil I've been through within the past few months makes soap opera drama look tame. My husband had an affair and made me have a heart attack. Then he got me pregnant and paid my medical bills with the mistress's money. This is enough stress to last me a life time. Now he's coming around again trying to get me back. I don't know if I can handle this much longer. I feel weak. My heart can't handle this. Eventually, it's going to give out under all this pressure and that'll be it.

John was always the guy I went to, the guy I could count on when my life was a wreck. If my boss was giving me a hard time John would put him in his place. If strangers started up, John told them off. He was always so protective of me. It's a shame he couldn't even protect me from himself.

He's the man I'm supposed to be devoted to; the man I have been devoted to. The man who was supposed to cherish and love me until the day we die. I mean, what's the point of marriage if you're not going to respect what it signifies? He trashed all over our vows, trampled on our life, and destroyed my trust. He's betrayed me and I just don't think I could ever forgive him. It's not like he got drunk and banged some whore. He had a long-term and ongoing affair. There's a special place in hell for men who lie to their wives like that.

I can't understand how John could possibly want children if all he cares about is himself. What would I do if we never had the miscarriage? If I actually had a child with him? How could I explain to my children what their daddy did to me? That their father lied to, disrespected, and deceived their mother? They would ask me questions like if their father still loved me, why he wasn't living with us, and why he didn't love them enough to stay faithful to their mother. What a delicate conversation that could have been. I feel terrible for the women who need to have that talk with their children.

Then comes the question: would he have still cheated on me? Or would having a family finally put him on the right path? I'd love to believe that mothering his children would cause him to care about someone other than himself. Then again, I've always been more hopeful than life is accustomed to providing.

I never thought a 32 year old man could be so juvenile. John acts like a 14 year old boy trying to lose his virginity. He's such a horn dog. I can't help but question if he's done things like this before and I just haven't found out about them. It's no secret that John can't control any of his primal instincts. He screams, curses, lashes out, and attacks people when he's provoked. That was clear when he nearly killed that lunatic. And it's without any question how animistic his sexual urges are. All he wants is to sleep around and spread his 'seed' as these dirty men call it.

Then there's Adam. Gorgeous, handsome, sexy, filthy rich Adam. Any woman would drop her panties to him in a second with just a flash of his beautiful smile. He's dreamy, I've gotta admit it. No matter how perfect he is, he's not John. I know I sound like a stupid bitch thinking this way but I can't help it. John is, for the time being, my husband. He loves me, there's no doubt about that. Whether he knows how to actually show it is another question.

Adam has made it no secret that he wants me and that he cares about me. He went out of his way repeatedly just to be there for me. A trait I only dream John had. I know for a fact Adam will treat and love me the way I so badly want and need to be. He's thoughtful and generous. He puts me before work and I haven't even committed to him yet. It's just friendly dates and simple conversation. I know the time is coming though. He's eventually going to ask me where this is all heading. I don't know if I can ever love him. With the way my love has been thrown around and abused I doubt if I could ever let a man in anymore. I never want to feel so vulnerable that I'm crushed like this again.

I also have to think about the future of my child. He or she is gonna need a man in their life; a father figure. I don't know if John could be a positive influence. Adam without a doubt will be one hell of a father and he'll make it a priority to spend time with the kids. He knows I'm pregnant and didn't even bat an eye when I broke the news to him.

My newly repaired heart races as the extravagant billionaire reaches out and holds my hand. He makes me feel like a teenage girl again. He brought me out here at sunset for a romantic walk on the beach. Cliche? Yes. Cute? Absolutely. And I'm loving every second of it. This is our third date and I still haven't told him. He deserves to know just in case this turns into something more. I face Adam with dread filling my psyche. "Adam, I need to tell you something."

His blue eyes softly gaze down at me. The sand under my feet gives way a bit as the waves come rolling in. "What is it Trishy?"

There's his little nickname for me again. Trishy… I've never been called that before. "It's serious, so just bare with me here." I warn him but his eyes never harden. They remain calm and attentive. "You know that I'm separated right?" He nods. Of course he does, I told him this all already. Come on, stop stalling and just spit it out. "Well, there's more to it than I told you." For a second, concern spreads across his face then eases back out to non-abiding attention. "You see… before I found out we kinda…" I let go of his hand and shuffle my weight. "We um…" God, this is so hard to admit.

He cups my chin in his big soft hands. "It's okay. You can tell me anything."

He invests his trust unto me. Here it goes. "I'm pregnant." I blurt it out finally getting the second of courage I so desperately needed.

I watch uneasy as he lets this information sink in. After a moment, he nods. "That's fine."

"What?" I almost yelp.

"It's cool, Trish. I've always wanted a kid. Too bad we had to skip the fun part of making it." He winks at me and I sigh audibly relieved at his willingness to stick around. I throw my arms around his shoulders appreciating the feeling of a man finally being there for me.

He's been there for me since the start. I scoff. I can still remember when we first met.

Ugh, I should have called off today. This morning sickness shit is driving me insane. I struggle to scan and pack each grocery item. I can't believe this. The only job I'm qualified at this point is a fucking cashier. I have a Bachelor's degree and yet I'm stuck here at this shitty job. The excuse of my previous boss was that he couldn't afford to bring in a pregnant woman who would just have to leave again. Of course, his excuse matched every single other job I tried to get. It's crazy how the most lenient jobs are also the worst.

"Geez, lady could you be any slower?" I freeze in my spot to look up at the grouchy customer. "My ice cream is starting to melt and I'd appreciate it if I weren't being checked out by a turtle."

I hold my breath. The number one rule Mr. Hurley gave me when he hired me was to be courteous to the customers at all times. I can't argue back with this prick and risk getting fired. This is the only income I'm making and for the sake of my baby I need this job. "I'm sorry, Sir. I'm just a bit sick today and…"

"Oh, yeah. Leave it to the minimum wage earners to know every excuse in the book." I roll my eyes at his stupid remarks.

I don't know how all these other people deal with this job but I'm not one of them. I've had enough crap from this guy. "Look…"

"The woman's doing her best so cut her some slack." I'm cut off by a man I've never seen before. He's incredibly tall, blonde, and good looking… and he's coming to my defense. The grouchy customer shuts up and lets me finish his order without any further problems. I finally get to my savior and he won't stop giving me his handsome toothy grin. "So, what's a lovely lady like you doing at a job like this?" He steps to the front of my line.

I shrug. Honesty is the best policy. "Just trying to make ends meet."

He nods in a knowing gesture. I swear I've seen him somewhere before but where? "I know that feeling all too well, Miss. I'm Adam, by the way." He extends his hand to shake being ever the gentleman.

I reciprocate his friendly gesture. Adam? Is he THAT Adam? "It's nice to meet you. I'm Trish. I hate to ask this but are you…?"

"Adam Copeland from GAN Enterprises. Yes." He answers my question before I even ask it. I knew it! Man, this guy is just awesome. He donates so much of his fortune to charity a year it's incredible. "Say, what kinds of things are you good at? Other than being beautiful that is." He winks at me and I feel myself blush. I can't believe a rich, sexy, entrepreneur like himself is actually flirting with me. ME! What's so special about me?

"I actually have a Bachelor's Degree in computer skills. I was a secretary before I got laid off. Economy, you know how it is." He shrugs. Okay, maybe he doesn't. What kind of billionaire feels any kind of sting in an economic crisis anyway?

"How coincidental… It just so happens that I have an opening for that exact job at the moment. I was going to have a job fair but that's such a hassle. So how about you save me some time and effort?" I bag his last bit of groceries as I stare back at him in shock.

Is he for real? "Are you offering me a job?"

"More like insisting on you to take it." His eyes are warm and inviting.

I feel shy. I run my hand down the length of my hair nervously. "Okay."

He takes his few bags from me in his big hands. "Great. You can start tomorrow. Stop by the office around 9. Floor 85, suite 805." He hands me his business card. "I look forward to seeing you again." He flashes me another gorgeous smile before disappearing out of the door. I can't believe this. He just answered my hopes and prayers. Being a cashier sucks. This job can bite the dust.

Our relationship has remained completely platonic due to me of course. I'm just not ready to take that step, to let another man in. I feel in my heart that Adam can be trusted. He's never been married or publicly linked to another woman before. The press has started to catch onto us. Thinking maybe there's something more than just a working relationship going on. If I say yes to Adam I'll no doubt be in all the magazines and papers. It would be the first time he has a public relationship. He hasn't even tried to deny to the paparazzi that he likes me. He's proud of it, actually. I have to think long-term. Adam is exactly what I'm looking for in my life right now. Maybe, with time, I can learn to love and trust again. It'll take some work but I'm positive Adam won't mind going that extra mile with me. He knows what I've been through and he'll take it easy on me. I think I'm going to make this official.

John's POV

Local billionaire goes public with new girlfriend.

I chow down on my blue berry muffin as I read through the daily newspaper. A picture of my wife and Adam Copeland pollutes the cover. He has his arm around her shoulder as they share a kiss. What the fuck is this? I glare down at the paper and read a little of the article.

For the first time Adam Copeland has gone public with his personal relationship. Trish Stratus has seemingly won the dreamy bachelor over. Adam has willingly provided information to sources stating that Trish was an employee of his who he couldn't help but to fall for. By the looks of things, those feelings are mutual.

I rip the page in half not even bothering to read the rest of that shit. Yeah, but did they mention Trish was still married? No! This is utter bullshit. She's mine. They shouldn't be posting lies like that. I glance at my watch, the Rollex from Maryse. It's almost 10. I have to be to court in a few minutes.

I make my way grudgingly to the civil court, a different element. I've never been in one of these before. I enter the court room and wait patiently for everything to finally get rolling. I could keep waiting for the rest of my life. What I was about to finish wasn't anything I wanted to be a part of. I had no choice but to show up. I never even got the chance to try and put Angela's advice to work. Everything has happened so fast I barely had time to react. Hell, I'm still trying to figure out how I really feel about all of this.

A few minutes later Trish and Adam arrive not even having the courtesy to look my way. He wraps his arm around her shoulder as they take a seat. I stare at them jealous, yearning to be close to her like that. We hadn't been so physical like that for months leading up to everything. I wish I could take it all back. To have never hurt her the way that I did. Things would be different today.

The judge makes her presence known and before my eyes court is underway. I can barely concentrate on anything other than Trish. I screwed up big time. I would give anything to just have another chance with her. To show her that I can be a different man. "Mr. Cena?"

I'm drawn from my thoughts. I glance at my watch for a brief second. It's already 10:30. What did I miss this past half hour? "Huh?" I don't even know what was going on.

"You've been quiet all this time, what do you have to say for yourself?" The 'lovely' Judge Rackler wants my input?

Trish and Adam both turn and put their attention directly on me. Once again I'm back in that classroom with those rowdy teenagers. "I don't… know. I don't want the divorce. That's all I can really say."

"Has it ever occurred to you that you're the cause for the divorce?" Judge Rackler states the obvious. She's a woman and I presume she's going to take Trish's side. After all, everyone views me as a crazy sex fiend. According to Trish I'm nothing but a jackass and I don't care about anyone else. To people other than Maryse and Angela, this holds true. Maybe even to myself.

"Yeah, actually it has. I'm not going to deny the fact that this is my fault. I never should have done what I did. I apologized to Trish and that's all I could really do. I can't change the past. Right now all I want is to be able to sort this whole mess out and get back on good terms." I've decided to take the high road and take responsibility for everything. Trish peers at me with a look of thought. Maybe something I said resonated with her, I don't know. I'm just tired of fighting and struggling with her.

Rackler shrugs with a small smirk. "Okay, well, I've seen divorce cases a whole lot more messier than this one. It's not a popular thought but I'm going to say it anyway. All Mr. Cena really did was cheat on his wife. He didn't abuse her, he didn't try to harm her, and while yes, he may be the one who set all of the unfortunate events into place, he didn't actually cause them himself. He didn't physically have a hand in any of it." Even I'm shocked to hear someone finally defending me. Trish furrows her brows in disgust at the judge's words. "Now, if this were just any other divorce I'd go ahead and finalize it but there's a baby involved. It's obvious that Mrs. Stratus is hurt over the affair and I don't blame her. However, I do think she is acting rather hasty and out of spite. So here is my alternative; wait on it until the baby is 6 months old. This will give you both some time to cool down and think about this a little more. This isn't just any easy decision to make. Divorce is a serious matter that has to be made carefully and rationally especially when there are children involved. My suggestion is to try and talk things out. But until that baby is six months old I'm not granting a divorce. It's too soon after the split to know for sure if this is really what you want. Court dismissed." She bangs her gavel without a second thought.

Trish jumps to her feet. "Are you kidding me?" She asks in disbelief. She glares at me with hatred like I'm the one who made the decision. Hell, this buys me some more time to make things right. I'm not going to complain. I want to approach Trish and talk about the outcome but decide against it. She's fuming over the judge's ruling and I'm not going to instigate anything with her. I leave the court room and make my way into the parking lot to my car.

As I approach it I find that God awful, incorrect newspaper on my windshield. Why the hell is this here? Someone planted it. I bet it was Trish trying to rub this into my face. I yank it off and glance it over once more. I focus on the picture of my wife with another man. She looks so happy being with him. I could never make her feel like that again. It makes me feel even worse seeing her so better off with someone else.

I toss the newspaper to the ground as voices echo through the parking deck around me. I turn around to watch Trish and Adam making their way toward me. Trish's eyes lock with mine and she almost seems in a trance as we stare back at each other, now complete strangers. Adam pauses in front of a 2014 Porshe. Geez, how many new cars does this guy own? Trish mumbles something to him before she reluctantly makes her way to me. I watch in silence not sure what to expect from her.

"What was that in there?" She crosses her arms getting right to the point.

As much as I try to hide it I can't. The distress and depression are written all over my face like I've been tattooed. I shrug with a simple shake of the head. "I don't know…"

"Did you have anything to do with that? Huh?" She probes me with an angry intensity I only thought possible from an angry district attorney. It pains me to see how much hate she has toward me; a man she was head over heels for just a few short years ago. She cried tears of joy when we got married and now... now she wishes I was dead.

I sigh. I'm done fighting with her, for her. She's given up on me and there's no sense dragging out the inevitable. I just want this all to be over so I can try and build my life again. "No, Trish. I didn't have anything to do with that." I'm calm and collected, for once. "You want out, I get that. I know that I hurt you and I don't blame you for filing for this divorce. I just hope someday you can forgive me so we can be friends. I'd really love to be in the baby's life, but that's all up to you." She peers at me with her fury slowly diminishing. "I'm done fighting for a love that just isn't there anymore…"

"I never said I didn't love you." Her words come more as a shock than the truth. She still loves me? And she's openly admitting it? I nod. I understand her. She's heartbroken but that doesn't mean she doesn't still love me. She just can't be with me because of how I've hurt her.

I'm done with fighting and arguing with her. We're both adults and I want to be mature about this all. "Trish, look, I know that what I did is unforgivable. I know why you're leaving me and why you're so upset with me. I understand everything now. I deserve it all. I just want you to know that there was never a moment that I didn't stop loving you. I know I can be a real ass and even down right ignorant to your feelings but I never wanted to hurt you like this. I don't know what I was thinking but I promise you I'll never do anything like that again. I just want you to know how truly sorry I am for everything. If I could, I'd go back and change it all. I'm done being selfish and self-righteous. I'm willing to let you go if that's what you truly want. I just want you to be happy and if being with Adam makes you happy then..."

"John…" She cuts me off as she glances back at her 'boy' friend. "I'm not with him." She glances down nervously at her own feet before continuing. "He wants to be with me but honestly, I'm just not ready for anything serious. I can't be; not when I'm still in love with you." Her voice cracks and she bites her lower lip preparing herself for the threatening tears. "If you love me like you say you do then you'll understand why I need to do this… why I can't be with you." She places her hand on my shoulder in a supportive showing. I can feel the knot in my throat emerge. No, John. Don't do this. Don't cry, not in front of her. "I'm sorry, Johnny but this has to be it. This has to be good-bye." She places a small peck on my cheek before turning and walking out of my life for good. As much as I try to fight it I can't. The tears show themselves as I watch Trish and Adam disappear out of the parking deck. I've never felt so alone and sorry in my life.