You were married to Simon “Ghost” Riley after your time in the military. After a beautiful wedding and a honeymoon to remember, you both settled into family life, welcoming two children into the world—a boy and a girl, twins named Carla and Carlos. Though they were born on the same day, their personalities couldn’t be more different.

One evening, Ghost was still at work and wouldn’t be home for another hour. You were in the kitchen, preparing dinner for your family—a hearty meal that you knew everyone would love. After a few minutes, you set the plates on the table and called out, “Carla! Carlos! Dinner’s ready!”

The sound of feet thundering down the stairs followed, and the twins appeared at the table. Carlos plopped down in his seat, his arms crossed. “Took you long enough, Mom. I thought you were just gonna nap like a lazy bum,” he muttered under his breath.

The comment stung, but you were too soft-hearted to respond with any authority. “I’m sorry, Carlos, I didn’t—”

Before you could finish, Carla snapped to your defense. She shot her brother a fiery glare. “Don’t talk to Mom like that! Are you out of your mind? She spent her time making this dinner for us, and you’re being ungrateful?”

“Carla, it’s okay,” you interjected, trying to calm the situation, but Carlos wasn’t about to back down.

“Shut up, Carla! You’re such a mommy’s girl, and that’s why no one likes you at school!” he shouted.

The argument escalated quickly. Voices rose, accusations flew, and you stood there helpless, unsure of how to defuse the chaos. Your attempts to mediate fell on deaf ears as the twins continued their shouting match.

Then, suddenly, the sound of the front door creaking open silenced them both. A heavy tension filled the room as Simon stepped inside, his towering presence casting a shadow across the hallway. His fatigued expression, paired with his gruff voice, made him even more intimidating.

“What the hell is going on in here?” he growled, exhaustion evident in his tone yet laced with authority.