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Stephanie awoke with tears on her face.
She was sobbing nearly uncontrollably, the pain from her dream vivid and staying with her. However, what she had just awoken from was not merely a dream... It was her reality.
She could hardly believe the No Mercy pay-per-view was taking place in two short days. In fact, it killed her just to think about it.
"Stephanie? Honey, what is it?"
The misery-filled brunette turned to face Sean, her face drenched with tears. She couldn't stop crying if her life depended on it.
The still slightly groggy dark-haired man took in the sorrow and anguish in the young woman's face, his heart nearly breaking in two. He knew the answer to his own question, as no words were ever needed when the diva was this upset. And damn it, he felt almost impotent to put an end to her agony. Stephanie was still convinced that there was no way to prevent the wedding from taking place.
Sean reached for her, gently pulling her toward him and then on top of him.
"Honey," he said softly, his heart nearly breaking, "don't cry. Please, Steph..."
{My only love
My Only peace
(You are) My only joy
My only strength
My Only (You are my only)
My only (You are my only)
My only love
I can't run anymore
I give myself to you
I'm sorry
I'm sorry...}
He raised both hands to her face, gently pushing her long brown hair back as he gazed into her face. Somehow, he wished he could completely erase all the turmoil within her - but he knew that, no matter what he did or said, she would worry regardless. He'd quickly grown to realize that trait about her - she was a worrier by nature. Then again, he couldn't say he blamed her.
Stephanie blinked and gazed down into O'Haire's beloved handsome face. This was all she wanted in life - she wanted him, everything else be damned. Hell, she didn't even care about her job. She didn't have to work another day in her life due to her savings, checking account and trust fund. If she quit for real after No Mercy, she wouldn't have to see that wretch Paul Levesque ever again... That was, of course, seeing that the wedding never took place.
The brunette impetuously lowered her head to Sean's, her lips pressing hungrily to his, passion taking over.
After awhile, Stephanie came to a conclusion. She thought it might be worth taking a chance, even though it probably wouldn't make a difference. Yet, at least she would be making an effort.
"What? You have such a pensive look on your face all of a sudden," Sean said.
Stephanie nodded slowly, her blue eyes blinking rapidly.
"I'm going to talk to my father later at the arena," she told him. "Maybe... maybe I can talk him into helping me or even calling off the match at No Mercy." Her voice was small and weak to her own ears. She just hoped she could make herself believe her own words.
"It's definitely worth a shot," the shaggy-haired man said. He gently pushed a lock of chestnut away from her face.
The brunette bit her lip, her thoughts going to her father. Vince was not an easy man to call father. He was stern, hard and cold, and not in any way an affectionate parent. She counted her lucky stars she had Linda - a stark contrast - as a mother.
Finally, she spoke again.
"Yeah... Daddy may be a hardass, but he's still my father."
"And I'll be right there waiting for you in my locker room to give you moral support."
Stephanie smiled.
"I love you, Sean O'Haire." She pressed a quick kiss to his cheek and then lips.
"I love you, Stephanie Marie McMahon," he replied softly.