His Other Woman ↠ Roman Reigns

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Thirteen

Three months had passed since Joe had grappled with the reality of his life. Galina was still living with Fahayra, an arrangement that left him both grateful and bewildered.

On one hand, having both women he loved under one roof meant he could be present for all his children without the complications of visitation schedules.

Yet, on the other, the sight of Galina and Fahayra thriving together as the best of friends was disconcerting. They had each occupied a significant space in his heart, but now, their seamless friendship created a new, perplexing dynamic.

As Joe drove to pick up the two women and their children for his brother Aleni's wedding, he mulled over the unusual circumstances.

The event promised to be extravagant—a Kardashian-level celebration enhanced by the large and boisterous Anoai family.

Joe's mind drifted to the past, recalling the tumultuous moments that had led to this strange arrangement. Now, the women who had once been adversaries in his heart had formed an alliance that baffled everyone around them.

Joe pulled into the driveway and hopped out, quickly ushering the thirteen kids into the car. Galina stood by the front door, watching Fahayra as she locked up the house. Joe caught himself staring at the two women, a sense of unease creeping in.

There was something different about them—something that stirred his curiosity. Galina hadn't mentioned divorce, and Fahayra acted as if she and Joe had never shared a life. Yet, there they were, behaving like the closest of friends.

Galina extended a hand to Fahayra, helping her navigate the small steps leading from the porch. Joe raised an eyebrow, noting the tender interaction.

He couldn't shake the feeling that something was brewing beneath the surface. Fahayra had changed in subtle but noticeable ways. Her demeanor, her appearance—everything seemed to reflect a new chapter, but Joe was reluctant to probe deeper.

As he held the car door open for them, Joe's thoughts were a whirlpool of confusion. He mentally shrugged off his suspicions, focusing instead on the excitement of the day. The ride to the venue was filled with the sounds of children chattering and laughter, a comforting backdrop that helped alleviate Joe's worries, if only temporarily.

Forty minutes later, they arrived at the wedding venue, a lavish estate adorned with vibrant floral arrangements and shimmering lights. Joe, as the best man, felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders.

He quickly rounded up the kids in the bridal party, ensuring they were ready for their moment on the stage of familial celebration.

As he directed them inside, he turned to Galina and Fahayra, who had gathered the remaining children to find their seats.

Galina pulled out a handmade fan, handing it to Fahayra, who playfully complained about being overheated. Joe watched the two women with a mix of admiration and bewilderment.

How had they forged such a bond in the wake of their complex history? They sat together, each radiating a confidence that seemed to repel the judgmental gazes of others around them.

As the ceremony commenced, Joe felt the weight of people's eyes upon them. The subtle whispers, the glances—it was a noticeable energy in the air.

Galina mentally rolled her eyes at the unspoken scrutiny. She had grown accustomed to it but still found it irritating that their unique situation was the subject of speculation. Fahayra, on the other hand, maintained a neutral expression, unbothered by the judgment.

The wedding ceremony unfolded quickly, a series of beautiful moments strung together in a celebration of love. When it transitioned to cocktail hour, Joe took a moment to breathe, surveying the scene before him.

The reception promised to be a true reflection of Aleni and Khloe's backgrounds—a vibrant fusion of Samoan, Italian, and Armenian cultures that would bring their families together in a joyous celebration.

As the music began to play, Fahayra pulled Galina onto the dance floor, their movements fluid and joyous. Joe found himself standing with Joshua, watching the two women dance together, their laughter echoing above the music. "I still don't understand how they are getting along so well," Joshua said, his brow furrowed in confusion.

Joe shrugged, still processing the sight before him. "It's... complicated," he replied, his gaze drifting back to Fahayra and Galina. They seemed so at ease, their bodies moving in sync with the rhythm of the music.

"Complicated doesn't even begin to cover it," Joshua muttered, shaking his head. "This whole situation is wild."

Joe nodded, feeling the weight of his cousin's words. The juxtaposition of the two women was a tension that hung in the air, yet here they were, creating a new narrative. A narrative he had not anticipated, but one that seemed to work for them.

As the night wore on, the dance floor became a kaleidoscope of movement and laughter. Joe found himself pulled into the festivities, but his mind was never far from the evolving relationship between Galina and Fahayra.

They were carving out a space that defied conventional understanding, a partnership born from the ashes of past heartaches.

Later in the evening, as the couple exchanged vows, Joe felt a sense of calm wash over him. The love radiating from Aleni and Khloe was infectious, reminding him of what was possible.

As he looked at Galina and Fahayra sitting together, their heads close as they whispered and laughed, he began to understand that maybe this was their version of love. A love that was unconventional, but genuine and supportive in its way.

During the reception, the cultural blend came alive through food, music, and dance. Joe watched as Fahayra pulled Galina back onto the dance floor, this time for a traditional Samoan song.

The two women lost in their world, twirled and laughed, their joy was something else. It was a moment that showcased their bond—a bond that had somehow managed to flourish despite the odds stacked against them.

"Maybe we should just let them be," Joshua suggested, finally acknowledging the spectacle before them. "They seem happy."

Joe contemplated his cousin's words. Perhaps it was time to stop analyzing their dynamic through a lens of judgment and expectation. Maybe happiness didn't always look the way society dictated. He could see that both women were thriving in this unconventional family they had built, and it filled him with a sense of gratitude.

As the night continued, Joe found himself swept up in the festivities, sharing laughter and dancing with the children. In the midst of it all, he caught a glimpse of Galina and Fahayra, who were now dancing closely, their faces illuminated by the warm glow of the lights.

The ease with which they moved together struck him—two women who had once competed for his affection were now united in a bond that transcended traditional boundaries.

By the end of the evening, as the fireworks lit up the sky, Joe felt a shift within himself. The weight of expectation and confusion began to lift. Instead of feeling torn between the two women, he felt a sense of peace. They were all co-parents, navigating this new landscape together, and perhaps that was enough.

As he gathered the children to head home, Joe took one last look at Galina and Fahayra, who stood together, their arms wrapped around each other's waists, laughing at something only they understood.

At that moment, he realized that love comes in many forms, and the most important thing was the happiness they had managed to create together.

The journey ahead would be different, but as long as they continued to support each other, Joe felt hopeful for what the future might hold.