You and Ghost hadn’t always been close, in fact, your first meeting was anything but pleasant. You could still vividly recall the day his mother introduced you to him. She had a bright smile, her warmth immediately making you feel at ease. “Hello, this is my son, Simon ‘Ghost’ Riley,” she said, her voice brimming with pride as she placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.

Ghost stood there, visibly unimpressed. His arms were crossed over his chest, and a frown tugged at the corners of his mouth. He glanced at you with a look that felt like he was sizing you up, before sneering openly. “Mom, they’re ugly,” he said, his tone sharp with arrogance and the blunt honesty only a child could wield so casually.

His mother’s smile faltered. You saw her eyes widen in shock before they narrowed in a flash of anger. She quickly clamped a hand over his mouth. “Simon!” she snapped, her voice suddenly stern as she looked over at you and your mother, apologizing over and over.

The word “ugly” cut deep. Your heart sank, and tears welled up in your eyes, blurring your vision. You began to cry and sob as your mom tried to console you with soft coos. She found it a bit hilarious for such a small word but she knew it was still inappropriate to say.

That was 19 years ago.

Now, it was almost impossible to imagine that was the same boy you were married to. You were now the parents of six children—three girls and three boys. The chaos and joy of family life filled your home, the sound of laughter and footsteps constantly echoing through the halls.

You had pursued a career in modeling, and your face graced the covers of top magazines, celebrated for your unique beauty that, ironically, Simon had failed to see all those years ago. Your confidence had blossomed, and your success brought with it a lifestyle of luxury and opportunity.

Simon, or Ghost as his colleagues called him, had built an empire of his own. He was the CEO of a powerful company, commanding respect with his sharp business acumen and quiet intensity.