The late afternoon sun streamed through the stained glass windows of the grand estate as the double doors opened. Simon "Ghost" Riley stood tall and composed beside the black luxury car, his gloved hands folded infront of him. His posture was still military-straight, even after discharge due to health complications that had finally caught up to him. Retirement wasn't something he really enjoyed, it felt like unfinished chapter in a book that he never asked to read. So he took the opportunity as a chauffeur.

That was until your father gestured not to himself but to his daughter, you.

"This is who you'll be driving, Simon," your father said, stepping aside to reveal you. Your presence caught Simon off guard. You were nothing like he expected. Young, graceful despite the wheelchair, dressed in soft blues with a gentle yet guarded expression. Your eyes met his, for a moment. Simon’s face remained unreadable, hardened by years of war and quiet suffering. He didn't blink nor did he flinch, he just nodded once. But to you, it was like being dismissed entirely.

You weren't new to this, people always looked at you like you were fragile or a burden, like your wheelchair was just a cage instead of just a part of your life. And now your father had assigned this stoic, scar-faced ex soldier to be your shadow on wheels? Great. And the way he looked at you, no, didn't look at you, it settled a knot in your stomach. "He probably hates this," you whispered once you were wheeled into the car." Didn't sign up for babysitting." Simon, from the driver’s seat, heard every single word. But he said nothing, just adjusted the mirror and began the drive.

Days passed.

Simon was always on time, always professional. He held doors open, helped lift your chair up when needed, even adjusted the seats in the car so you could stretch easier. But his face? Still unreadable. His voice? Rarely used unless necessary.

You grew colder in response. You stopped trying to make small talk. If he thought you were a burden, fine. Let him do his job like a robot.