" I believe congrats is in order my friend", Paul exclaimed walking up to Joe.
He was surrounded by other superstars saying their wishes, as Randy watched from a corner.
The reality began to sink in last night when he saw her Instagram post.
"Mrs. Reigns has a nice ring to it...Acknowledge us".
It hurt like a bitch. He thought he would always have her. It was him and her against the odds. She encouraged him to be that better person, and he finally realized not only was she great for him, but he shit on her. At that moment, he didn't realize it, and wanted what he wanted. Not what they wanted.
Of course he knew better now, and he needed to talk to her one more time to just plead his case.
She sat at the coffee shop waiting for her guest to arrive. Not really a guest she wanted to talk to, but it was needed. She was getting married, and things would change in her house. He needed to understand that.
"I guess I've been summoned by the queen herself", the businessman sat down.
"You're late".
"Oh, will you restrict me from the kids again? I'm just checking cause I can use the free press for business", he said smirking.
A waiter came by to check on Adelyn.
"Miss, do you want another coffee?"
"For now, I may need a shot of jack after this meeting though", she said eying the man.
"And you sir?"
"Just water. I'm not staying for long", he said tipping the waiter a 100-dollar bill.
He eagerly rushed off after pocketing his gratitude. These two sat smug in silence for 10 minutes before the man broke his silence.
"Addy listen".
"Friends call me that. We aren't friends or friendly, so Adelyn or Ms. Berstein works for you".
"We share kids. We are more than friendly Adelyn".
"Derek, I haven't been friendly or friends with you in a decade. The payout I gave you made your business. Either abide by my boundary or I'll get my money back by filing for harassment".
"You wouldn't win".
"Maybe. You would go broke fighting me though, and that would be enough for me to be happy".
"Are you really that petty of a bitch?"
She grinned and sipped her water before she answered. The waiter brought the drinks back which gave her time to choose her words.
"Let's be direct. I'm getting married. I have arranged for a representee to communicate to you about Derek from here on out, because honestly, I don't feel like dealing with you anymore. Joe and I are in a great place with the kids".
"My kids".
"Derek, they haven't been your kids since I divorced you. I comply to be nice".
"Court said you had to".
"Well...", she slid a paper envelope over to him, "two of the three are seeking to remove that fact. Derek loves Joe like a father. You need to realize we have moved on, and these kids see you for the bullshitter you are. Derek can't but we are protecting him as much as we can. I hope you have good lawyers if you choose to fight this", she explained sipping her coffee.
His face turned strawberry red. Adelyn was waiting for the explosion. It's sad she was used to his temper and wondered why it took 10 years to walk away. She had plain clothed security at another table in case it got violent, but this meeting was needed. Maddie and Bianca were over his issues. They were fierce protecters of their older brother when needed but also understood that they didn't need to put up with this man anymore. Her marriage was a happy time and a new beginning for everyone involved.
She breathed slowly to keep her fear in check and drank her coffee.
~Flashback~
Joe, Brock, and Paul met her backstage early before the show. It was a happy time for the couple, but they knew Derek had to be dealt with. Now, they didn't know Maddie and Bianca were seeking to cut off all ties with their father, which meant court hearings, lawyers, and dealing with her ex. No one liked it, but these kids had the right to control their lives too. The men wanted to make sure she was protected in case it went bonkers.
"Order coffee when you meet him. Use it as a weapon if you need to", Brock said.
"Keep distance and breathe when talk to him. I wish we could go with you", Joe added.
If nothing united Brock and Joe it was the hatred of her ex husband. They met with Paul to coordinate serving papers. She didn't want the girls serving him, so she took one for the crew to serve him and break the news. Paul walked over to address the trio.
"Listen, I got two of the best going with you, no cost. Next time, arrange this through me. I don't need my business investments risking their lives", Paul said disappointed.
Secretly, if he could make this guy disappear, he would. If he cost her money, it cost them money. Personally, it's guys like this that made his ass itch. Divorce but be cordial. This dude has been riding her fame since she became known in Hollywood. It got worse as the kids found their paths as well. It was only a matter of time.
"Listen, I'll be ok, but thank you. I'll take them with me. I got this", she said rubbing her side. That odd injury was a reminder of her failed marriage, but it was over, and at this point this would be the last face-to-face encounter she'd need to have. That brought her peace. Hiring Matt as her family rep was one the best ideas that Rena had.
"Honey, divorce is never nice. He also sued you? Time to detach and be happy".
"The girls really filed this", he slowly asked. You could hear the sadness in his voice.
"Yes Derek. I warned you. Eventually these kids would be adults. They would see you for who you are. It's not my problem anymore though, because they are adults. We are moving on, and this filing makes it official. We have a wedding to plan for".
"Oh, you think he's taking my place as their father".
She grinned, showing off her ring. That is when he lost it.
"HE AINT TAKING MY PLACE", he screamed throwing a glass. The security rushed him, and she jumped up. It was a blur for her, because it took her back to the day she got the broken ribs, and just scared. It took the manager to ask her twice if she needed EMTs for her hand. She didn't realize the glass cut her hand. He was on the ground being handled by her guards and now the police.
"Miss, you should get checked out".
Snapping out of it, she looked down at her hand.
"Yeah, yeah", she answered the EMT talking to her.
"Ms. Bernstein, do you want to press charges?"
"Yes", said with confidence.
This needed to end, and now she could protect Derek and move on. As she rode to the hospital, TMZ got pictures of the ruckus. In hours, everyone would know, and legal would be all over it. She was more worried about the kids and Joe.
To be famous. A blessing and curse.