Too Sweet

Chapter 17: The Decision

The Raw before MITB....

For the last week Finn had been traveling on the Raw European tour, facing Elias. Lily didn't know if this was done for her benefit or because he was previously advertised before the draft but he'd spent the last week with her and she didn't care. It felt like old times especially when they had the opportunity to visit his parents in Ireland. She thought this would make her feel better but she knew when they made it back to America, he'd rejoin Smackdown and she'd be back to square one.

"Hello, Godfather," Lily smiled. She tried to be on her best behavior around Hunter for obvious reasons for the last week. She didn't want to do, say or give him any reason to retaliate against her. She sat in front of him in his office about an hour before show time.

"Lily, you've been in a good mood lately, I see. Wonder why," he snorted. "What brings you to my office tonight?"

"The pay per view is Sunday and I was wondering if you've come to a decision about the results..." she inquired.

"Yes, I have," he nodded. "You're retaining."

Lily's hopeful expression dropped. "You never planned on moving me to Smackdown, did you?"

"You and Alexa are killing each other in the promos and the backlash of your win has faded. Why stop the momentum now? Is Finn really more important than your career?" he asked and she didn't immediately answer. "Are you serious right now? Because if that's the case I'll gladly send you to Smackdown...but it's going to come at a price. It's up to you to decide whether or not you want to pay it. You'll have until Sunday to think about it."

Lily's eyes widened when she heard his next words.

"I, as a five time women's champion, have nothing to prove to you, a rookie," Alexa was in the middle of her promo against Lily. "You want me to pull out all the stops but the truth of the matter is, all I'd really have to do is ask that Finn be banned from the arena during our match because everyone in the back knows that you can't function without him."

"Focus on your fiancé...oh wait, he ran for the hills leaving you behind with a pig. How fitting," Lily retorted. "Alexa, I'm so confident I'll win this match that I'm adding my own stipulation. If I lose, I'll relinquish my rematch clause and never challenge you for the title again. As a matter of fact, I'll be so embarrassed I'll take it a step further and never challenge for the RAW title ever again."

***

"What do you think I should do?" Lily asked Finn after the show.

"I can't make this decision for you," he shook his head, raking a hand through his hair. He took a deep breath and began pacing the floor. "This will change your career path forever."

"At least give me some insight into what you're thinking, Ferg."

"I'm 37. Realistically, my career can only last another 5 years give or take before the wear and tear catches up. You're only 18 with no major injuries so you can last another 10 years if you take care of your body. I doubt you spend all 10 on Smackdown. Hell, what if we both get drafted back to Raw during the next Shakeup? You'll just be on the roster because you'll have hindered yourself by giving away your rights to the title," he stated.

"Rules and stipulations can be changed. Just look at the Shakeup that lasted all of 2 weeks before the Wild Card Rule was implemented," she pointed out.

"That was done for ratings purposes and unless you plan on remaining heel for the rest of your career, I don't see them reversing your stipulation going over well with fans," he replied. "It's going to be a major shit storm."