(20 minutes later)

Roman's P-O-V

I drove the car silently as a storm played within myself. I agreed to marry Rachel..but only for JoJo. A part of me wanted to kill myself before I took the decision. I know I was betraying Galina, I was betraying our love, I was betraying the family we built together. It ripped my heart to know that I'll be calling someone else as my wife other than Galina but my heart also rips apart every time I see JoJo sad, crying, silently hiding her emotions as she sees her friends holding the hands of their mothers. Also, I spend most of my time with wwe and I'm always worried about my little princess. What is she doing? Is she taking her food? Does she still doesn't want to go to school?

Now, I feel mom was right. It was only after she met Rachel that she has started smiling and skipping like a normal girl of her age and I can't take those moments away from her. I remembered the day she cried holding Tina telling her that she wants her mother back. She wants Rachel.

But, I wasn't convinced till today that how much JoJo also means to Rachel. Initially, I hesitated calling her but Rachel's name was all JoJo took in her feverish state and that left me no other option. But, I never expected Rachel to take that so seriously. I never expected that perturbed tone of her while she learnt abput Jojo's illness. She started from her place just the moment she got my call and the way she confessed what JoJo means to her few minutes ago and said that she'll love JoJo no matter I marry her or not..was something I never saw coming. I was shocked!

To be honest, at one point, I did take Rachel as a gold-digging, sugar-coated element teying to use me and my family for her own benefit. But, the way she spoke to me today....crying out loud, using that harsh, angry tone and sharp words like being advantaged and  blue-blooded on me...I felt it. I felt those un-coated raw emotions within her. She didn't care if I accepted the proposal or not. All she cared was about her family, the father and her trials to resort had reached the dead end now. She was helpless and would probably do anything to help her family!

But, even then she was rigid about her affections for Jojo.

That was the moment I knew Rachel was the only woman who could fit in as JoJo's mother. And that was the moment, my selfishness for JoJo took over my selfishness for myself. I didn't want Rachel to go away from JoJo. I went after Rachel after she left with tears, cursing myself for being mean to her but then I saw her walking through the middle of the road while a truck was making its way towards her. I ran fast. I can't let her die..for JoJo.

Through the corner of my eye, I saw Rachel leaning on the window lost in thoughts. I guess the storm in her heart was no smaller than mine.

I understand what a marriage means for a girl and there she was sacrificing herself to a loveless agreement for the sake of her family. But, I'm glad she understands me and holds no expectation from me either. I'm glad she knows that I can never love her. Galina is and was the only love of my life.

And love cannot happen twice.

We reached her place in the next few minutes.

I got out and opened the door for her. She came out silently. There were so many tear stains on her face. I saw her take out a handkerchief from her purse and wipe her face. She also took out something that looked like a lipstick and applied some quickly over her lips.  She gave me a forced smile. She surely doesn't want her family to know how sad she was.

'So.. Bye..' she said pretty awkwardly.

'Hmm.. but Rachel, I was wondering.. Did you tell your family about this?' I asked curiously.

The smile on her face vanished and shook her head looking down.

I frowned in surprise. 'Then, how are you gonna say them? They sure don't expect you to marry a single father who's eight years older than you?' I asked remembering how young she was compared to me.

Rachel bit her lips looking around. 'I'll think of something but..' she looked at me.. 'Please, don't let them know about the agreement.' she pleaded through those sad eyes.

I felt really bad for her. She looked devastated. Her hairs were messed into a bun that she probably tied in the morning. Her face was laced with stained tears. I really didn't notice it before it seemed her face shrunk a lot in these few days. There were also marks under her eyes. It seemed she didn't have some good sleep in weeks and she was so tired of thinking about the money all the time.

I nodded and she muttered a small bye walking towards the small bleak house.

I sighed getting back to the car.

Rachel's P-O-V

I took a deep breath and pressed the door bell. Rena opened the door with a smile on her face.

'Wow Rachie, you're just on time. The capsicum took some time and we just sat around for dinner.' she said pulling me inside.

'Hey! My pumpkin in back!' Dad smiled as he saw me. I smiled and gave him a hug.

'And what took so long? Is the girl fine now?' mom asked placing the dishes on the table.

'Mhm.. She's sleeping now and the temperature went down too.' I said not looking at her and walking to the bathroom to change into some fresh clothes.

After a little shower and a lot of thoughts, I cleansed my face to make things look normal to my family. I looked at the mirror thoughtfully reminiscing every word I had with Roman today.

I changed to a tank top and a pair of trousers and made my way towards the dining.

'There she is! In these few days, Rachie seems to have lost ten pounds at least.' Rena said pointing to me. I forced a smile.

'Yes. Look what my pumpkin has done to herself thinking about this old man..' Dad sighed in sadness. No day, no night..she's been searching for jobs all the time to get us out of this misery. And the time decided to be cruel with her at the same time..' he said talking about my career-ending injury. '...and look at me, I can't even stand by my daughter at this moment. Such a bad father I am..' he said looking down in remorse.

The guiltful look on my Dad's face couldn't be seen by me.

'It's nothing like that Dad. It's just that my eating schedule did change a bit in these few weeks and it's nothing because of you.' I tried to console.

'Yeah. Even today, you went out without eating a thing after learning about Jojo.' Mom pointed. 'And as far as I know my daughter, she mustn't have taken anything at Roman's place.' She added knowing me exactly.

I scoffed. 'Trust me mom...it was akready very difficult for Roman to manage meals for Dean and Renee and I did have some snacks. I just didn't want to bother him with the lunch.' I said pulling my chair amd having a seat.

Dad nodded. 'I understand. It mustn't be easy for someone as busy as him to look after everything..it must be so hard for him being a single father.' He said rightly.

'You're right honey. I can only imagine how it is for Roman to look for her all by himself. His mom told me the other day that his wife died in a car accident few years ago.' Mom said serving the food.

'Yes and did you see his daughter, she's so cute!' Rena said giggling.

Dad chuckled. 'Well since our Rachie is so attached to her, why not call her someday.' he proposed with delight. 'You can make all the dishes she loves..' he said to mom.

'Not a bad idea.' mom said. 'But, as you know Roman Reigns is the biggest star of the company and he's definitely very rich. Who knows if he'll let his daughter come here or who knows if his daughter can adjust to our foods.' she pointed.

'Of course, they will. Didn't you see how Roman and his family came like angels to the hospital that day?' Rena said.

My head was spinning as their voices stung my ears and my eyes were getting blurred by the way I was tricking them.

'Mom! I've something to tell you all.' I blurted standing up and looking at all three of them. I gulped gathering some confidence. I didn't want the marriage to go beyond week considering its association with my father's treatment as per Patricia's proposal. So, it was now or never for me.

All three of them gave me confused looks.

'Sure Rachie, just sit with down and we'll talk through the dinner.' Dad said with a loving smile.

'No Dad. It's urgent and I need to tell you now.' I said as tears started gathering my eyes.

'What is it Rachel?' mom asked pretty worried. 'Everything okay?' she asked concerned.

I didn't respond.

'Rachel, you're scaring me now.' mom said walking near me with concerned look. 'You look distracted today. What is it? Did anythinghappen at Roman's place?' she asked. 'Is your knee fine?'

My hands fisted. I gulped and looked at her eyes. 'Mom I've decided to get married this week.' I said hiding every emotion I had and holding a straight face.

Mom's eyes widened in disbelief and Dad and Rena were no different.

'This week! What are you talking about Rachel? What's going on?' Mom asked restlessly looking at me and cupping my face.

'Yes Rachie. What's going on? You never gave such hints before!' Dad said standing up from his seat.

'Mom. I'm sure about it. I am getting married and it's my final decision.' I announced confidently.

Mom and Dad looked at each other with confused faces. 'You are kidding us Rache!' Mom blurted. 'Your Dad just got out from the hospital and God knows how we managed the money and here you are...talking about a marriage!' Mom said charging upon me. 'Tell me Rachel, have you lost every bit of sense within you?' she asked shaking me by my shoulders angrily.

'Stop Nora..' Dad tried to stop her while I tried to stop my tears that were seeking chances to flow out.

'Rachel, we've always been so excited about your wedding but the thing is me or your mom never expected to hear it from you so unexpectedly. Tell me Rachel, who is it?' Dad asked patiently. 'And what is the reason for the rush, pumpkin?' he asked.

My lips shivered. I gulped again. 'D.. Dad it's Roman.' I said placing the stone on my heart.

'What?' mom, Dad and Rena said at the same time.

'Yes Dad. He's a great man and I know I'll be happy with him.' I presented the biggest lie of my life to my parents.

I looked up to see Rena frozen while Dad was trying to comprehend the whole situation.

'Roman! Are you serious? This guy has a daughter from his first marriage and you know, he even seems way older than you.' Mom said. 'Besides, I don't remember you two even talking or looking at each other that day and all of a sudden you decide to marry him. There's something more to it, isn't it Rache?' she asked suspiciously.

'I don't know about that. And it's not my fault that you didn't see us talk.' I said moving away from my position to avoid the eye contact.

'It's about that child, isn't it?' Dad asked making my heart jump.

He walked to me and looked into my eyes. 'JoJo, is it?' he asked calmly guessing one of the two reasons of this marriage, the other being himself.

My voice shivered. 'Dad.. I..'

'Don't lie to me pumpkin. I've been seeing how the girl calls you every day and how your face beams when you talk to her...but that doesn't mean, you'll have to marry her father for that!' he placed his opinion.

'Oh! So, she doesn't even love Roman and she just loves his daughter. Amazing!' mom said wrathfully. 'What's wrong with you Rachel? You're our elder daughter? You have no idea how excited we were about your marriage but..'

'But, I've decided that if I ever marry, I'll marry only one person and that's Roman Reigns and that too within this week before...' I paused alongside my heartbeat. '... before he goes for the Royal Rumble.' I lied.

'And is that about his money Rachel?' mom asked. 'I mean, I understand you've lead a different lifestyle while you worked in the wwe and marrying Roman would definitely ensure you that again.' she added.

What?

I looked at her in disbelief. She really thinks like that about me?

'Stop it Nora. Don't you know your daughter? She always places the people she loves over herself.' Dad said.

'Then why's she marrying him if she doesn't love him?..' mom argued.

My heart paced but I knew I have to do it. I clutched my teeth and bit my lips.

'I love Roman.' I said looking at my parents. 'I love him and his daughter and I want to be happy with them.' I lied again.

Everyone frowned.

'You...you're sure about this pumpkin? You see..marriage isn't just a word!' Dad asked still not being able to comprehend, perhaps.

'And does Roman love you?' mom asked. 'I mean, he does know about your financial situation and it's very unlikely that he'll ever go for someone out of his clan especially someone who's brother is a criminal and who..'

'Roman's not a man like that mom. He loves me for who I am.' I argued trying to win through my lies.

'But..' mom tried to argue but Dad stopped her.

'Fine Rachel. If you're happy with him, we've no problem pumpkin. After all, it's your happiness that makes us happy.' Dad smiled pinching my cheeks.

I hated lying to Dad. I wanted to cry seeing this illusion of his happiness over my happy marriage.

Mom looked at me sympathetically. 'I hope you're Dad is right Rachie. I never wanted a rich guy for you. I just want a guy for you that'll love you and treat you like his queen. That's a mother's dream Rache and I just can't stand it shattering and that's what is scaring me Rachel. I just can'tput two and two together in this case..' she said sobbing.

I swallowed the tears forming in my eyes and smiled pulling mom into a hug.

'Don't worry mom. He loves me. He will definitely treat your daughter like a queen.' I muttered hiding a drop of tear that rolled down my eyes.

Mom kissed my forehead. 'Roman's a great guy Rachel. I have seen it but I only hope what you said is true..'

'....and I have full faith on my pumpkin. Whoever she has chosen must be the best man in the world.' Dad said smiling emotionally. I smiled theough my tears with a nod.

'Thank you mom. Thank you Dad. I love you.' I said pulling both of them in a hug.

Rena looked at us and held a smile...that didn't completely fit on her honest face. But, she too joined the hug and we all smiled together.

I can do everything for my family.

We had a happy dinner as I convinced my parents about my decision. I forced my laugh too.

******

Another important chapter!

So, Rachel lied to her family about her being in love with Roman..

Do you think she did the right thing with the whole marriage stuff?

Do you think Roman, too, cannot fall in love again?