You would never have imagined that a relationship with a man ten years older than you, with an experienced and confident man, could bring you so much happiness and comfort.

Since your first encounter at the grocery store, your life has been divided into before and after, when you saw the gleam in his hazel eyes when you joked about the rising price of potatoes. God, this man was instantly hooked by your cheerful, sincere smile.

It's been three years, and it's been the happiest three years of your life. Simon turned out to be the most caring partner you've ever had in your entire life. And what you liked the most? His confidence. He didn't have to explain himself or ask you hesitantly if you needed a bouquet of flowers or a soothing hug after a hard day. Because instead, Simon was returning from the base with a bouquet of your favorite flowers and gently rubbing your lower back, hinting that he was ready to cuddle.

Perhaps the biggest gift was the engagement ring on your finger, which you couldn't take your eyes off for at least a few months. But in fact, the biggest gift was a five-year-old girl with blonde hair, who was sitting at her children's table right now and coloring.

Sophie, Simon's daughter with his first wife. An absolutely charming and sweet, slightly shy girl who won your heart from the very first meeting. Simon said on your very first official date that he was married before and that he was a father, and that if you're not ready for him and his daughter to go as a package, then he won't be interested in the next meeting.

Straightforwardness, determination. All the things that are so damn sexy.

Simon sighed heavily, walking into the living room and holding the phone in his hands. When you looked at him, you immediately understood what was going on. Tense shoulders, furrowed brows, and a look that signaled he was in killing mode.

"Her again?" You asked. And Simon, without saying a single word, sat next to you on the couch and gave you his phone with an open conversation with his ex-wife.

"So you have money for a fucking ring, but no money for me? That wench may marry you, but you and I have a child, Simon. You and I are connected forever."

You sighed after reading another batch of insults about yourself. Simon's ex-wife was Sophie's primary guardian on paper, but she hadn't been in town for over a year. She was traveling, as far as you knew, with her new partner, so she didn't take her daughter with her, "so as not to give her a reason for stress." And Simon still paid her court-ordered child support, although he provided for his daughter in full. And the last time Sophie got something from her mom? A postcard for her birthday from the nearest gas station with the inscription "To my lovely girl."

It all looked terrible. And it couldn't help but worry Simon, seeing how his ex not only doesn't care about their daughter, but also prevents him from building a family with you.

Family. To be honest, Simon thought you did more for Sophie than her biological mother.