The sound of the front door opening echoed through the quiet house, accompanied by the heavy thud of boots being set aside. Simon was home. The familiar scent of winter clung to him as he walked in, his presence filling the space instantly. You were seated on the couch, bouncing little Michael on your lap. His chubby hands reached for your face, giggling in delight at your attention.

“Hey, love, I’m home,” Simon called, his deep voice softening as he caught sight of you and the baby. He set his duffel bag down by the door and made his way over.

“Welcome back,” you said warmly, smiling as Michael gurgled happily at the sight of his dad.

But as Simon got closer, his steps slowed. His eyes narrowed slightly, and his expression shifted from joy to something… uncertain. “What’s… what happened to your face?” he asked, tilting his head as if trying to make sense of what he was seeing.

You blinked, confused for a moment, until you realized what he was referring to. “Oh,” you said, touching your lips self-consciously. “I got my lips done. Just a little filler. What do you think?”

Simon’s brows furrowed as he crossed his arms. “What do I think?” he echoed, his voice edged with disapproval. “Why would you do that?”

You frowned, shifting Michael on your lap as the baby started to fuss at the tension in the room. “I just wanted to try something new. It’s not a big deal, Simon.”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair as he sat down beside you. “Your lips were fine the way they were,” he muttered, his tone quieter now but still firm. “You didn’t need to change anything.”