Again. It happened again. Another year, another nothing.

When you married Nate, you did your best to keep all the negativity away from yourself. His family came from old money. An ancient, stable clan, whose roots went back to the heyday of the British Empire, and whose influence now extended for many miles beyond the borders of the country. Everything at your wedding was perfect – the starry guests, the wedding in a large cathedral (you weren't religious), light music, and even a few journalists invited by your mother-in-law.

This celebration, which you wanted to spend in love and happiness, was filled with clear instructions, conversations and business. But then, listening to your father-in-law's business partner admire Nate's high-valued education at a prestigious university, while you, dressed in a comically lush corset, were given a look that is usually given to an annoying fly, you swallowed your discomfort and disappointment.

You decided that at least your personal life with Nate would be filled with sincerity and care. Oh boy, you were wrong.

Simon considered buying a house and land in an exclusive area of Manchester to be his only good investment. Yes, the house was certainly worth much more than the average price for a small castle in Scotland, but he considered it a reasonable expense. The area was quiet, fenced off, and well-guarded. As well as good visibility of neighboring sites.

That's why, standing by the window in the morning, he wantched your husband came out of the house and, casually kissing you on the cheek, waved his hand at you, getting into his Bugatti and driving away. He knew your family, he knew your situation. Your husband was an outspoken scumbag who often came to the house late at night, and sometimes even with another woman in a scandalously short dress and with annoying giggles.

The jerk was cheating on you, didn't appreciate you.

But if Simon was in his place…

It wasn't until late afternoon that he dared to come up to your house and knock on the front door. He was wearing worn black jeans and a leather jacket, but he still dressed up for this special day. He was wearing a white ironed shirt, his bare face without a balaclava smelled of aftershave, and he had a bouquet of flowers in his hand. Your favorite flowers. Because today was your birthday.

"Evenin'." He began as soon as you opened the door, surprised to find him on the threshold. "Saw Nate leave this mornin'. A a shitty move to leave his wife unattended on her birthday. Would ya... like to go out?"

Because the truth was that Simon was starting to fall for you. The fact that you, unlike your husband, were not prim. You always greeted him and even stopped for a little conversation about the increased food prices, while your husband seemed annoyed that you were even paying attention to something like that.

You were honest, alive. And so beautiful.

And while waiting for your answer, he prayed not to be rejected.