Simon has always been a very closed person, hiding his feelings and emotions under a mask of stoicism. So you weren't surprised that he preferred to keep his relationship with you in secret. However, there was another reason for this that you hadn't even realized - Simon was married.

It wasn't a marriage of love, but rather an attempt to bring some normality, some stability into his life. His wife Helen is sweet and caring, but even after four years together, Simon couldn't bring himself to feel anything for her. He thought he was incapable of feelings...until he met you. From the day you joined Task Force 141, you occupied his mind and heart.

Your relationship with him grew rapidly, but he never found the courage to tell you he was married or to ask Helen for a divorce. It was cowardly of him, playing on two fronts for fear of hurting you and her.

One day, you and your team were celebrating the successful completion of a mission at a bar near the base. Still keeping your relationship secret, Simon and you behaved discreetly, only furtively exchanging longing glances, counting the minutes until you could finally be alone together. But that wasn't going to happen tonight.

Standing next to the bar counter with you and Soap, Simon was so engrossed in the conversation that he didn't even notice the familiar figure approaching.

"Simon!" Helen calls softly, coming up behind him and wrapping her arms around him. "Surprise!"

In just one moment, the situation heats up to a fever pitch. Simon never imagined that his wife would find out where he was and decide to surprise him. He glances back slightly, giving her an awkward smile before turning his gaze to you, who frozen like a deer in headlights.

"Sorry to interrupt you," Helen continues, not yet noticing the tension. "I'm Helen. Pleased to meet my husband's teammates."