Work Text
"You need to get it; if he doesn't wanna, Love you the right way, he ain't going to"
Benni stared at her reflection in the mirror, her fingers smoothing down the navy floor-length dress. The high slight leaves little to the imagination. Tonight was the night of the big charity gala, and she was more than a little anxious. The press, the fans, and the glittering crowd were all a lot to take in. However, the constant tension in her relationship with CM Punk weighed most heavily on her mind. Despite the glitz and glamor of the evening, it felt like a storm brewing just beneath the surface.
In the middle of a room adorned with gold and crystals, CM Punk—Phil Brooks—stood off to the side, talking animatedly with some of the other wrestlers. His eyes occasionally darted over to Benni, who tried to ignore the growing discomfort in her chest. It wasn’t that Phil was unkind or distant; it was more that he seemed perpetually distracted, caught between his wrestling career and a life he wasn't fully committed to.
“Girl, if you don’t talk to him.” Naomi, one of her closest friends, urges. “If he neglects you like he said, you need to talk to him.”
“Here, though?” Benni asks. She was never one to make a scene, especially not at a work event surrounded by friends and colleagues.
“He’s about to do an overseas tour with a few of the guys. Do you really want to prolong the talk further?”
Benni shakes her head as she takes a deep breath and approaches him, her determination unwavering. She must address the unsaid words that have lingered between them for weeks. As she draws nearer, Phil glances up, a small smile on his face, but his eyes reveal something more—a guarded vulnerability.
“Phil, can we talk for a moment?” Benni asked, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside.
He looked puzzled but nodded, leading her away from the bustling crowd to a quieter corner of the grand ballroom. The low hum of distant conversations and the soft clinking of glasses created an almost surreal backdrop to their conversation.
“What’s up, Benni?” Phil asked, his tone casual but his eyes betraying a hint of concern. Benni...not baby or princess...just Benni.
“Where were you? You were supposed to walk in with me..” That wasn’t the question she wanted to ask, but she had to start somewhere.
“I had stuff to do.” He sighs. “Did you really call me over here to talk about this?” He was already over her nagging about needing support.
“I mean, you know how I am about crowds like this.” She purses her lips together at his sudden dismissiveness. “But no, that is not what I want to discuss.” She began, her heart pounding. “It’s about us. I’ve been feeling like I’m losing you, Phil. We both know it’s not just about how busy you are with wrestling. It’s more than that.”
Phil’s face remains hard as he listens; if she were any other person, she would be intimidated, but she remains firm. Her freshly threaded eyebrows furrowed together as she thought about her following words. “You haven’t slept at home for weeks, constantly taking calls in the middle of us doing things together-.”
“Benni-” She raises her hand, slowly gaining back her confidence and attitude as she spills out her emotions.
“No,” Benni interrupted. “I need to say this. I’ve tried to understand and to make things work. But if you’re unwilling to meet me halfway, then there’s no point in us.”
Phil looked almost pained, but Benni could see the truth in his eyes. He had always been driven, but lately, his attention was divided. He wanted to chase dreams, and their relationship was becoming a secondary priority. He tilted his head back, thinking deeply, the sudden motion exposing the large hickey on his neck and the light pink kiss mark next to it. She scoffs.
It ain't where he's at, it's where he
Where he wanna be, yeah
Benni continued. “I can’t keep investing in something that feels like it’s slipping away. I know you’ve got a lot going on, but if you can’t love me how I need to, I must step away.”
Phil’s face was a mask of regret and confusion. “Benni, I—”
Before he could finish, laughter and music grew louder as AJ Lee entered the room. She had always been a vibrant presence, her energy almost palpable. Her gaze swept over the scene, and she quickly spotted Aj in the crowd giggling. It wasn’t the fact that she was distracting; it was the way Phil was looking at Aj and that Aj was wearing a Phil-inspired dress. She knows because it was the same dress he bought her for their anniversary dinner a month ago. He had no shame.
“See, I wanted to give you the benefit of the doubt by not assuming, but it looks like I was right.” She sighs. “Goodbye, Phil.”
Phil wasn’t sure what he was feeling, but the look on Benni’s face as she walked away tugged at his heart. He glances at Aj, waving at him with a soft smirk and softly kissing him. He shakes his head and continues with the Gala.
Naomi looks at her friend apologetically. A comforting hand on her back. “What happened?’
“He cheated.” She grumbles, grabbing her purse to leave. “And with AJ, no less.”
Naomi has a frown. “I can go beat her ass-”
“Nah, Mimi. I’m good. But I think I’mma head home for the night.” Benni was already over the night and didn’t feel like plastering a fake smile on everyone.
“Okay, girl, I’m staying for a little bit, but I’m coming over for a girl's night.”
Benni is grateful for her friendship with Naomi. The animated, colorful woman knows just how to make her feel better. As she exits, she bids farewell to Naomi and other friends. None of them questioned why she was leaving, chalking it up to having to be up early tomorrow for more events, only to be stopped in the hallway.
“Leaving so soon, are we?”
The silver dress adorning her lithe body does nothing for her body. It essentially washes her out, and it wasn’t her style. She was doing that shit on purpose.
“Aj. I’m not in the mood.”
Aj ignores her while swaying side to side, plastering a fake innocent look on her face. “What, don’t you like my dress?” She taunts while turning with a smile. “You should; I mean, Phil has a nice taste.”
Benni grinds her teeth together. It was taking everything in her not to punch Aj in the face. This charity event was too important for everyone else to ruin because Aj wanted to be petty. She takes a deep breath and just walks around her. Aj doesn’t take the hint and continues to follow her.
“Did you see the gift I left on him? Nice, right, you know he needs someone to mark him, you know. He likes being claimed, especially when where in bed to”
Benni doesn’t allow her to finish that sentence. Her fist connected to her nose, the blood splattering from being broken on Aj’s dress as she cried out.
“You Bitch! That’s why Phil will break up with you tonight!” she holds her nose while wincing. “He will never love a fat black girl like you!”
Beeni could only shake her head as she left the building. She was over today, and that just made it ten times worse.
As the night continued, the vibrant music and laughter of the gala seemed distant to Benni. She had taken a crucial step toward her happiness, and though it was painful, it was necessary. She would move forward, embracing the possibility of new beginnings, knowing she had made the right choice.
The gala had been a whirlwind, and Benni hoped the following months would bring clarity and peace. She focused on her work and tried to push her turmoil aside. However, that plan unraveled quickly. In the following weeks, Benni was scrolling through her social media feed when a picture caught her eye—CM Punk and AJ Lee together, looking undeniably close.
Her heart sank as she saw the caption: “A new chapter begins.” The photo was taken at a cozy café, their hands intertwined, their smiles bright and genuine. But she couldn’t feel the hurt she felt when she saw the princess-cut diamond ring on AJ’s finger. Benni's breath hitched as she felt a mixture of hurt and betrayal. She tried to brush it off, but the reality of Phil’s new relationship was unmistakable. She couldn’t deny that seeing them together was more painful than anticipated. Especially knowing he wanted to marry Aj and not her. He always said he didn’t like labels–he just didn’t like labels with her.
Days passed, and while Benni tried to stay busy, she couldn’t escape Phil's constant text messages and phone calls. Each time her phone rang, she hesitated before answering, unsure what to expect. One evening, her phone buzzed with another call from Phil. Reluctantly, she replied.“What, Phil?” A lace of irritation in her tone.
“Hey,” Phil’s voice was cautious but warm. “I didn’t expect to hear from you again.”
“What do you want, Phil?” Benni’s voice was tired, strained from the emotional rollercoaster of the past few days.
“I wanted to apologize,” he said. “I miss you.”
Benni sighed, feeling a mix of anger and frustration. “You’re with AJ now. It’s clear where you stand.”
Phil’s tone shifted, becoming defensive. “It’s not what you think. AJ and I—”
“What you mean it ain’t what I think?” she yells. “You proposed to her after saying you didn’t wanna get married!” Her anger’s bubbling up, her fists clenched tight as she listens to him babble on.
“I still love you, Benni; I never stopped,” he tries to explain, stuttering as he searches for the right words. “It’s just—” But Benni’s phone rings again before he can finish. She sees it’s Naomi—perfect timing.
“Phil, I gotta go,” she cuts him off, her voice sharp.
“Benni, wait—” Phil protests, but she hangs up and answers the call from Naomi. Her friend’s bright voice is a welcome distraction.
“Thank you, Naomi,” she sighs, leaning forward and resting her head in her hand.
“What’s up, girl?” Naomi’s voice is full of warmth and curiosity.
Benni takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “Girl, you won’t believe the mess I’m in. Phil just dropped a bomb on me, and I’m tryna hold it together.”
Naomi’s voice grows concerned. “What happened? Talk to me.”
Benni rolls her eyes, frustration still simmering. “So, Phil just proposed to Aj after tellin' me he didn’t wanna get married. Can you believe that?”
“Wait, hold up,” Naomi says, her voice rising with disbelief. “He did that? What’s his excuse?”
“Man, he’s saying he still loves me, and it’s complicated or some mess,” Benni explains, shaking her head. “I can’t even deal right now.”
Naomi’s voice softens, full of empathy. “I’m so sorry, Benni. That’s messed up. You need me to come over or something?”
Benni smiles faintly, grateful for her friend’s support. “Yeah, if you could, that’d be great. I could use a good distraction right now.”
“Got you.” Naomi says. “I’ll be there soon. Hang tight, okay?”
“Thanks, Naomi. See you soon,” Benni says, her voice filled with relief. She ends the call and takes a deep breath, waiting for her friend to arrive and help her sort through the chaos.
Naomi hangs up and sets her plan into motion. True to her word, she arrives within the hour, pulling up to Benni’s place with a bag full of snacks and a determined look on her face. As soon as she walks in, she’s greeted by a whirlwind of emotions from Benni.
“Girl, you came through,” Benni says, her face lighting up with relief.
Naomi grins, setting the snacks down on the coffee table. “Of course. I brought your favorites—chips, dip, and some of your favorite cookies. And don’t think I’m showing up alone. I’ve got the crew with me.”
Benni raises an eyebrow. “The crew?”
Before Naomi can answer, the doorbell rings, and Nia, Jimmy, Josh, and Joe are all WWE superstars known for their no-nonsense attitudes. They’re dressed casually but still exude a formidable presence. “Surprise!” Nia announces as they pile in, each carrying something to add to the snack spread.
Benni’s eyes widen. “Y’all really came through. I wasn’t expecting everyone.”
Jimmy gives her a reassuring smile. “You know we got your back, Benni. Phil's a punk ass for fumbling you.”
“Facts,” Josh adds, nodding firmly. “Nobody messes with our girl like that.”
With a severe look, Joe chimes in. “We’ve been hearing about Punk’s bitch ass for a minute. We’re here to make sure you’re good.”
Benni laughs, the warmth of their support melting some of her frustration. “Thanks, y’all. I needed this. Phil’s been a hot ass mess, and I’m just trying to process it all.”
Nia starts setting up the snacks. “Girl, fuck him. Besides, we need to plot our revenge or something.”
“Definitely,” Jimmy agrees, grabbing a plate of cookies. “Let’s make tonight all about having fun and forgetting that clown.”
They all settle into the living room, snacks spread out, and the energy shifts to camaraderie and support. Nia, Jimmy, Josh, and Joe share stories, crack jokes, and keep the atmosphere light. Benni finds herself laughing and enjoying their company, the earlier stress dissipating.
Josh nudges Benni playfully. “We might not be able to teach Punk a lesson ourselves, but we can sure as hell keep you smiling.”
Joe raises his glass of soda. “To Benni—our friend, family, and the only person who matters right now.”
Everyone raises their glasses in agreement, and Benni’s smile grows wider. “Thanks, y’all. This means the world to me.” As the night progresses, surrounded by friends who understand and care, Benni feels relief. The sting of Phil’s betrayal still lingers, but the support of her core group brings comfort and a reminder that she’s not alone.
As Benni heads to the bathroom, hoping to catch a moment alone, her phone starts buzzing off the hook. She can hear the vibrations even through the closed door. Naomi and Nia exchange glances and decide to handle it.
Naomi picked up the phone first and put it on speaker. “Yo, Phil, what’s up?”
Phil’s voice is desperate. “Naomi, listen, I need to talk to Benni. This isn’t what it looks like—”
Nia snatches the phone from Naomi. “Bruh, don’t even. You had your shot and messed it up. Ain’t no coming back from that.”
Phil’s frustration is evident. “Come on, Nia. Just let me explain.”
Before either Naomi or Nia can say more, Josh strides into the room with a determined look. He grabs the phone, cutting off Phil mid-sentence. “Hold up, Phil. Let me make this clear to you. You messed up, and you need to back off.”
Phil tries to plead. “Josh, listen—”
Josh’s voice is firm and unyielding. “Nah, we ain’t listenin’ to nothin’ yo ass gotta say. Benni’s our girl, and we ain’t lettin’ you pull this mess on her. So you better think long and hard about whether you want to keep callin’ here, ‘cause if you do, it’s only gonna get worse.”
Phil stammers, “Wait, you can’t threaten me—”
Josh interrupts, his tone icy. “That ain’t a threat, faife'au. It’s a promise. We got Benni’s back, and we don’t play when it comes to family. So back off, or else.”
The call ends abruptly. Josh hands the phone back to Naomi and Nia with a satisfied nod.
Naomi and Nia exchange approving looks, clearly impressed. “That’s right,” Naomi says. “Let him know. He needs to learn his lesson.”
Benni emerges from the bathroom, her expression a mix of relief and amusement. “What did I miss?”
Nia grins. “Oh, just Josh laying down the law. Phil’s officially on notice.”
Benni laughs, shaking her head, feeling a wave of relief. “Y’all are the best. Thanks for handling that.”
Josh pulls her into a reassuring hug, his robust-scented cologne enveloping her in a comforting embrace. “We got you, Benni. Anytime.”
As they settle into their evening, the tension from earlier seems to melt away. Their laughter and chatter fill the room, creating a warm, supportive atmosphere that wraps around Benni like a cozy blanket. With her friends by her side, she starts to feel the weight of Phil’s betrayal lift, replaced by the comforting presence of those who genuinely care.
Months later, Benni and Josh’s relationship blossomed into something special after that night. He decided to stay after he left in case Punk tried to show up on her doorstep. They’ve been inseparable, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. Their relationship has been a source of happiness for Benni, and she’s often seen posting about their adventures together on her socials—photos from events, candid moments, and loving captions that highlight their deep connection.
As Benni’s online posts celebrate her relationship with Josh and fill her social media feeds, she starts receiving a flurry of calls and texts from blocked numbers. Each time she feels her phone buzz, her heart races, and her stomach knots, dreading the possibility that it might be Phil.
One evening, as Benni and Josh are relaxing at home, Benni’s phone rings again from an unknown number. She glances at Josh, sitting beside her on the couch, and hesitates before answering.
“Hello?” she answers cautiously.
“Benni, it’s me,” Phil’s voice crackles through the line, filled with desperation. “I’ve been trying to reach you. We need to talk.”
Benni’s face tightens with annoyance. “Phil, why are you still calling? We’ve got nothing to talk about. I’m with Josh now, and I’m happy. You need to move on.”
“I know, I know,” Phil pleads, his voice barely above a whisper. “But I’ve been thinking about us. I messed up, and I just want a chance to explain.”
Benni cuts him off firmly. “No, Phil. It’s over. I’ve moved on, and I need you to respect that. Stop calling me.”
She ends the call, feeling a surge of frustration. Before she can put her phone down, it buzzes with another message from a blocked number.
Josh notices the tension on Benni’s face and wraps an arm around her. “Everything alright?”
Benni sighs and shows him the screen. “It’s Phil again. He’s been blowing up my phone since I posted about us.”
Josh’s expression hardens, his protective instincts kicking in. “I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. He’s gotta understand that you’re not interested in hearing from him anymore.”
Benni nods, grateful for Josh’s support. “I know, but it’s just frustrating. I thought he’d move on by now. Especially since he finally married Aj.”
Josh takes Benni’s phone and starts blocking the numbers. “Let me handle it, " he says, standing while passing her phone back to take out his own. He shoots a few texts, but Benni is worried.
“Josh.”
“Don’t worry, mama.” He leans down over her sitting form, pressing a tender kiss to her pouted lips. “He’s gonna get his.”
She sighs, her eyes filled with concern. “Just—just be safe, please.”
Josh nods, giving her another lingering kiss, his resolve firming up. “I will. I promise.” He murmurs against her lips. Josh pulls away slowly, looking into her eyes with a reassuring smile. “You know I got this. Just hold it down here, okay?”
She nods, her expression softening slightly. “I trust you, Josh. Just come back to me safe.”
“Always,” he says, his voice filled with warmth and determination. He gives her one last kiss before heading toward the door.
Josh, Jimmy, and Josh, driven by a sense of protectiveness and frustration, have been tracking Phil for hours. Josh had enough of his persistent harassment and is determined to put a stop to it. The trio arrives at a local gym, having received a tip that Phil frequents this place. They wait in the shadows until they spot him emerging from the gym, his demeanor casual, unaware of the storm brewing behind him.
“We got him,” Josh says, his voice low and steady. His hard gaze is fixed on Phil, heading towards his car, still in his workout gear.
“Let’s move,” Jimmy replies, his tone grim. “We’re not here for a friendly chat.”
The three men trail Phil, keeping their distance until he turns down a dimly lit alley. It’s quiet, with only the distant hum of city traffic as background noise. Josh, Jimmy, and Joe exchange glances and slip into the alley, their footsteps muffled against the damp ground.
Phil reaches the end of the alley and pauses, sensing something off. Before he can react, Josh steps out from the shadows, his presence commanding and unyielding.
“Punk!” Josh calls out, his voice carrying a menacing edge.
“What the hell are you guys doing here?”
Jimmy and Joe join Josh at his sides, their expressions cold and relentless. “We’re here to make sure you understand what ‘no’ really means,” Jimmy says, his tone icy.
Phil backs up against the wall, his bravado faltering. “I didn’t mean to cause any trouble. I just—”
“Save it,” Joe cuts him off, stepping closer. “You’ve been warned. You need to stop calling and texting Benni. It’s done. She’s moved on.”
Phil’s attempt to protest is cut short as Josh steps forward, his gaze steely. “We’re giving you one last chance. Stop now, or things are gonna get a lot worse.” Without another word, Josh grabs Phil by the collar and slams him against the wall, his grip firm and unrelenting. “This is your final warning,” Josh growls, his voice low and dangerous. “Leave Benni alone.”
Jimmy and Josh move in closer, their presence intimidating. “We’re not here to play games,” Jimmy says. “You messin' wit’ family; we don’t take that lightly.”
Josh releases his grip but keeps Phil pinned against the wall. “Get it through your head, Punk. You’re done here. Any more calls or messages, and you'll be in a stretcher.”
Phil nods vigorously, his face pale and sweaty. “I understand. I swear, I’ll stop.”
Satisfied, Josh, Jimmy, and Josh step back, giving Phil space but remaining vigilant. Phil stumbles away from them, his face reflecting his fear and humiliation.
As he hurries out of the alley, the trio watches him go, their expressions a mix of relief and resolve. “Let’s get outta here,” Josh says. “We’ve done what we needed to do.”
Benni paced around her apartment; her nerves frayed as she imagined what Josh, Josh, and Jimmy were doing. The thought of them confronting Phil made her stomach churn. She was grateful for their protection but couldn’t shake the worry. Her hands trembled as she grabbed her phone, deciding she needed support of her own.
She dialed Naomi and Nia, her anxiety evident in every ring.
“Hey, Benni, what’s up?” Naomi’s cheerful voice answered.
“Naomi, I’m freaking out,” Benni admitted, her voice trembling. “I can’t stop thinking about what Josh and the guys are doing now.”
Naomi’s tone shifted to concern. “Oh no, what happened? Are you okay?”
Benni took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “Josh went to confront Phil. I’m just… I’m really worried about him.”
Nia’s voice cut in, calm and reassuring. “Don’t stress too much, Benni. He knows what they’re doing, and I’m sure he called Jon and Joe to accompany him. But we can come over and keep you company if that helps.”
“That would be great,” Benni said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I just need someone to be here with me.”
“On our way,” Naomi said, and the call ended.
A short while later, Naomi and Nia arrived, their presence immediately calming the anxious atmosphere. They walked in, noticing Benni’s distressed state.
“Hey, are you all right?” Nia asked, setting down a bag of snacks and drinks she had brought.
Benni shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. “I’m just so worried. What if something goes wrong?”
Naomi wrapped an arm around Benni, giving her a reassuring squeeze. “Look, they’re handling it. They’re not going to let anything happen. We’re here now, and we’ll keep you occupied.”
Nia sat back on the couch, her mind working through ideas to help Benni unwind. After a moment, a knowing smile spread across her face. “What if we go out to the club tonight?”
Naomi looked at her, raising an eyebrow. “Nia, are you serious? Benni’s stressed out, and you want to hit the club?”
Nia winced as Naomi gave her a playful but scolding tap on the arm. “What? I’m just trying to lighten the mood.”
Still feeling the tension but appreciating the effort, Benni considered the suggestion. “That doesn’t sound like the worst idea. I just… want to be here when Josh gets back.”
Naomi softened, nodding in understanding. “I get that, Benni. But we don’t have to stay out late or anything. We could meet the guys later if they’re up for it.”
Nia’s eyes lit up with another idea. “What if we have the guys meet us at the club? That way, we can have fun and still be around if they return.”
Naomi glanced at Benni, gauging her reaction. “That could work. It’s a way to keep your mind off things without completely isolating yourself. And if Josh and the others want to join, they can.”
Benni thought for a moment, weighing her options. “Yeah, that might be a good compromise. I’d like to have a little fun, and if the guys join us, great.”
Nia clapped her hands, excited. “Perfect! I’ll get us ready and figure out where we’re going. Naomi, you’re in charge of ensuring we don’t go too wild.”
Naomi chuckled. “Alright, alright. I’ll keep us in check. Let’s do this.”
As they got ready, the atmosphere in Benni’s apartment shifted from anxiety to anticipation. Naomi and Nia helped Benni pick out an outfit, and soon, they were ready to head out.
“Let’s take a picture First!” Naomi exclaims, setting up the camera on Benni’s Vanity and rushing back to pose together after a couple of group and solo shots. The trio of women left for their destination.
Club Aqua is the hottest venue in Atlanta, Georgia, so it was only fitting they went there. The club was lively when they arrived, with music thumping and lights flashing. Benni felt a rush of energy as she stepped inside, the earlier worries momentarily pushed aside by the vibrant atmosphere.
"I don't want you, man, cause I got it like that But it ain't even gotta be like that (eh-heh-heh-heh-heh) Yo' man, he be callin' me back. He say I'm fine and a matter of fact (eh-heh-heh-heh-heh)? He asked how I do that that. Fit my jeans over Baby Phat.
Listen, I don't know the type of tricks he playin', But I should warn you; I don't want yo' man"
Benni took the shot, savoring the burn as it went down. The alcohol quickly began to work its magic, easing some of the tension she’d been holding onto. She felt a bit lighter, her nerves beginning to unwind.
Naomi clinked her glass against Benni’s. “See? Not so bad, right?”
Benni laughed, her spirits lifting. “Yeah, actually, this is just what I needed.”
Nia raised her shot glass, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Alright, one more round to get this party started.”
The bartender returned with another set of shots, which the girls cheerfully took. The warmth from the alcohol, mixed with the club's energy, made Benni feel more relaxed and ready to enjoy the night.
As the music pulsed through the club, the girls danced and laughed, their movements becoming more carefree with each passing minute. The club’s vibrant atmosphere seemed to wrap around Benni, helping her to push aside her worries and focus on the fun of the evening.
The first wave of shots had done their job—Benni was starting to let go of her anxieties, her laughter coming easier and her steps more rhythmic on the dance floor. Naomi and Nia kept her company, dancing alongside her and lighting the mood.
Just as Benni fully embraced the night, her phone buzzed with a text from Josh: “We’re here. Meet us at the VIP section.”
Benni’s face lit up with a smile as she showed the message to Naomi and Nia. “Josh and the guys just arrived. Let’s head to the VIP section!”
The girls made their way through the crowd, weaving between dancers and bumping into friends, until they reached the VIP area. Josh, Joe, and Jimmy were already settled in, enjoying the night.
Josh’s eyes met Benni’s, and he grinned as she approached, letting out an appreciative whistle and giving her a once over, “Pretty mamas.”
Benni hugged him tightly, feeling a surge of happiness. “I’m so glad you’re here."
Josh’s expression softened as he pulled back, reassuringly kissing her. “Everything’s fine. We took care of it. I just wanted to come and enjoy the night with you.”
Joe and Jimmy greeted Benni and her friends with warm smiles, and the group settled into the VIP section. The rest of Benni’s night would go smoothly..or so she thought.
Aj wasn’t one to let things slide, and right now, with the man of her dreams seemingly slipping away, she was more determined than ever to get to the bottom of things. The signs were impossible to ignore: how he would flip his phone face down at dinner, the secretive calls, the late nights, and the lack of intimacy. It was clear to her that something was profoundly wrong and revolved around Benni.
When Aj heard the front door creak open tonight, she knew he was home. He walked in, visibly shaken, barely acknowledging her. He headed straight for the shower without a word, leaving his phone carelessly on the nightstand. That was all the opening Aj needed.
Her mind raced as she walked over to the nightstand, her heart pounding. Glancing towards the bathroom, she picked up his phone, her hands trembling slightly. She knew she had to act fast.
She unlocked the phone and navigated to his call history and messages. Her fingers flew over the screen as she scanned the outgoing calls and texts. Her breath caught as she saw multiple entries to Benni’s number—calls texts, and all of them filled with compliments and pleas to reconnect.
“You look amazing,” she muttered, reading one of the messages. “I miss us, let’s talk.’” Each message was like a stab to her heart; each call reminded her of what was slipping through her fingers.
Anger surged through her, boiling into a deep, almost feral rage. How dare he try to rekindle something with Benni, leaving her in the dark and neglecting their relationship? She slammed the phone down on the nightstand, her mind racing with thoughts of confrontation. She wouldn’t be pushed aside and let him go without a fight. She needed to make her presence known, to remind him of who he was with and what he was risking.
Aj took a deep breath to calm herself, her mind now set on a course of action. She wouldn’t let him walk away from their relationship without a fight. She had to confront and show him that she was not someone to be ignored or taken for granted.
She paced the room, her anger giving way to a cold determination. When he emerged from the shower, she would be ready. The confrontation wouldn’t be pretty, but she wasn’t backing down. This was her relationship, and she would fight for it, no matter what it took.
Aj's resolve hardened as the shower sound turned off and the bathroom door creaked open. She squared her shoulders, ready to face the man about to understand how serious she was about holding on to what she believed was rightfully hers.
Punk emerged from the bathroom in just his boxers, towel-drying his hair. His easygoing demeanor faded when he saw Aj standing by the nightstand, his phone in her hand. The look on her face—part fury, part determination—made it clear she’d seen the calls and messages.
Punk’s face paled as he caught the anger in her eyes. Before she could speak, he rushed to explain. “She’s not responding. I’m over it. I was just trying to get closure.”
Aj’s expression hardened, but she didn’t back down. “Closure? Sweetheart, if you think I’m just going to let this slide, you’ve got another thing coming.”
Punk’s eyes widened, his heart racing. “What are you talking about?”
Aj’s smile turned from warm to something more intense, her eyes glinting with a mix of resolve and something more fierce. “Oh, don’t you worry? I’ll handle this. I’ll get you all the closure you need.”
Punk looked confused and a bit wary. “How are you planning to do that?”
Aj’s tone softened slightly, but her eyes remained steely. “I’m going to take care of it personally. I’ll handle Benni so you can finally move on.”
Punk’s brow furrowed. “What are you going to do?”
Aj’s smile grew as she tilted her head at him, but it was edged with a dangerous gleam. “Don’t you worry about that? Just know I’ll ensure she gets the message loud and clear.”
She stepped closer, her voice dropping to a soothing, almost sweet tone. “I’m not going to let her drag this out any longer. You deserve to move on without any more drama. So I’m going to have a little chat with Benni. I’ll make sure she knows exactly where things stand.”
Punk hesitated, his eyes flicking between Aj’s intense gaze and the phone still in her hand. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
Aj’s expression softened into a reassuring smile. “Trust me, I’ve got this. I’ll handle it in a way that gets results. You just focus on getting yourself together and moving forward.”
Before Punk could protest further, Aj leaned in and placed a tender, lingering kiss on his lips. Her touch was sweet but carried an undercurrent of determination. “Don’t worry, darling. I’ll take care of everything.”
With that, Aj turned and headed for the door, her mind racing with plans. Punk watched her leave, a mix of relief and concern on his face. He was left alone with his thoughts, wondering how far Aj would go to ensure he got the closure he sought.
Aj, now resolute, prepared to confront Benni with all her determination. She was ready to ensure that the messy chapter with Punk was closed for good, even if it meant confronting Benni in a way she’d never imagined.
Aj’s mind raced as she gathered her things, her resolve hardening with each passing second. The multiple Instagram posts from fans made it clear that Benni and her friends were at Club Aqua tonight. Aj had been tracking their social media activity, piecing together their whereabouts from the location tags and the excited snapshots of the club scene.
She grabbed her phone and headed out the door; her thoughts focused on one goal: confronting Benni and ending this situation. The club was buzzing, and Aj’s determination grew stronger as she approached the venue.
Upon arriving at Club Aqua, Aj navigated through the line of eager partygoers, her mind set on the VIP section where Benni was likely to be. The bouncer, recognizing her from previous visits, allowed her inside without much fuss. The music pulsed, and the lights flashed, creating a vibrant backdrop to her mission.
"When this song comes on in the club, They gonna be like, damn, that's hot.
And when they play it in the car
They gonna drop they top like, damn, that's hot.
They gonna mix it with Biggie's "It was all a Dream"
Like, damn, that's hot.
Me and Keyshia won't stop 'til the tick don't tock; Like, damn, that's hot"
Aj stormed into Club Aqua, her eyes locked on the VIP section, where she saw Benni and her friends enjoying the night. She was fueled by anger and determination, her mind set on confronting Benni and making sure she understood where things stood with Punk. Navigating through the crowd, Aj reached the VIP area, her presence causing a stir. As she called out to Benni, the thumping music and flashing lights seemed to fade.
“Benni!” Aj’s voice cut through the noise, demanding attention.
Benni turned, her expression shifting from surprise to annoyance. “Aj? What the fuck do you want?”
Aj didn’t hold back. “We need to talk. Phil has been neglecting me because of you! You need to leave him alone!” She voices her anger more. “Give him closure!”
This bitch was delusional, she thought as Benni raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Girl, I’m over it. If he wants closure, he can figure it out himself. I’ve been done with that nigga.” She waves her off, trying to turn her attention back to her friends and the fact that her favorite song is on repeat.
Aj’s eyes narrowed, her patience running thin. “You think you can just walk away from this without consequences? I’m here to make sure you get the message.”
Benni tried to stay calm. “Aj, if you don’t get the fuck away from me, we’re gonna have a problem.” Josh is next to her with a firm hold on her waist, pressing soft kisses on her face to ease her anger. It helped some as she pulled back to look at Aj. Her head was tilted, and she zoned out as she did when she locked in on her prey in the ring. Benni wasn’t intimated in the slightest.
But Aj’s anger had reached its boiling point. Without warning, Aj swung a punch at Benni. The hit landed with a solid thud, and Benni stumbled back, momentarily shocked. The crowd around them gasped, sensing the escalating drama.
"Now, here's a little lesson: Lil Kim don't stress 'em Kick 'em all straight to the curb like Beckham Broke up with my Ex, he with her for now, but little do she know she just a rebound Callin' my phone she so outta pocket I been there before ol' girl you need to stop it When he's with you, he's wishin' it was me
You might be where he's at, but I'm where he wanna be, baby, baby"
Benni’s eyes flared with determination. She wasn’t going to let Aj’s aggression go unanswered. She quickly regained her balance and fired back with a punch of her own. The fight was on. Aj and Benni exchanged blows, their movements fast and furious. Benni, driven by a mix of anger and adrenaline, used her agility and strength to land several hits. Aj struggled to keep up, caught off guard by Benni’s resilience. The VIP section turned into an impromptu battleground. Benni managed to get the upper hand, delivering a series of well-placed strikes that had Aj reeling. As Aj stumbled, Benni pressed her advantage, pushing her back against the velvet ropes of the VIP area.
“Bitch, you busted my fuckin’ lip!’ she growls.
Aj tried to retaliate, but Benni was relentless. With a powerful swing, Benni landed a decisive blow that sent Aj sprawling. The crowd watched in stunned silence, the fight between the two women drawing everyone's attention. Breathing heavily, Benni stood over Aj, her expression a mix of exhaustion and triumph.
“I told you I don’t want your man.” she said, her voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her. Now, on the floor, Aj looked up at Benni with shock and defeat.
“Fine,” she said weakly, struggling to reach her feet. The pain from Benni’s heavy blows to her ribs and stomach settling in.
Benni’s friends quickly moved in, helping her calm down and ensuring Aj was left alone. Having witnessed the fight, Joe, Jimmy, and Josh stepped in to ensure security escorted Aj out of the club. The fight had been shocking, but she felt a sense of relief in having stood her ground.
After the chaos settled and Aj was escorted out by security, the VIP area of Club Aqua slowly returned to its lively atmosphere. Still catching her breath from the intense confrontation, Benni
felt re
lief and exhaustion. Her friends gathered around her, their concern evident.
Seeing Benni’s swollen lip and the strain in her eyes, Josh stepped closer. “You aight?” he asked, his voice filled with worry.
Benni managed a tired smile. “Yeah, I’m good. Just took a few hits.”
Josh gently took her hand. “Come on, let’s get you cleaned up.” He helped her stand, his warm hold on her hand guiding her through the crowd to the bathroom, away from the pulsating music and flashing lights. Inside, he helped her sit on the counter and grabbed some damp paper towels. Carefully, he dabbed at her lip, trying to ease the swelling.
“You beat her ass, mamas,” Josh said with a soft chuckle, his eyes full of concern as he tended to her cuts and bruises. “I hate you had to fight, but she did deserve it.”
Benni winced a bit but appreciated his comforting presence. “Yeah, knew what was up the moment she called my name.”
Josh finished up, giving her a warm smile. “I think she got the hint. You did say you had to block her before, right?”
Benni nods, recalling the multiple phone calls she got from Aj after she and Punk got married. The woman battling her insecurities from their wedding and his distance. Aj was afraid, and Benni didn’t give a flying fuck about her feelings and especially not Punks. She was ready to be done with them.
She wraps her arms around Josh’s neck, pulling him in between her legs. He gets the hint and pulls her into his arms, kissing gently against her jaw. They bask in the moment of just them two. Benni felt ready to move past the drama with her lip cleaned up and Josh’s support lifting her spirits. They headed back into the club, where the energy was still high, and the music pulsed through the air. Rejoining her friends, She felt the tension of the earlier confrontation lift. The DJ dropped a new track, and the dance floor beckoned. Josh pulled her close, his arm around her as they joined the crowd.
Feeling a renewed sense of freedom, Benni took out her phone and tweeted something that captured her mood and the night's vibe. Her fingers flew over the screen as she crafted her message.
With a final tap, she hit send.
Benni slipped her phone into her pocket, letting Josh lead her back to the dance floor. Surrounded by friends and wrapped in the positive energy of the night, she embraced the music and the moment, leaving the stress and the fight behind.
"If he ain't gonna love you the way he should, Then let it go"