**Chapter 15: The Morning After
The morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the house. Simon, already awake and eager to start the day, quietly moved through the hallway and into the kitchen. The faint smell of the crisp morning air filled his lungs as he prepared to make breakfast. There was a sense of peace that had settled over him after last night's confrontation, and he took solace in the familiar rhythm of cooking.
As he stepped into the kitchen, he moved with confidence, his body radiating strength, his broad shoulders and well-defined muscles visible as his shirtless torso caught the morning light. His movements were purposeful, his muscles flexing with each step, as he prepared to cook for Gigi and the rest of the family. But his mind wasn't entirely on the food—it was on what had transpired the night before, and what it meant for everyone in the house.
In the living room, Kanye and Travis were still asleep on the couch. The events of the previous night had shaken them to their core, and they hadn't been able to sleep much afterward. Their minds raced with fear and uncertainty, and the few hours of rest they had gotten barely gave them time to process everything.
They lay there, unaware of Simon's movements in the kitchen, still grappling with the reality of what had been said. Simon's presence—his sheer power—had left an indelible mark on them, and it was clear they were still recovering from the shock.
Gigi had already woken up, the sounds of Simon moving around in the kitchen gently pulling her from her sleep. She stretched, letting the warmth of the morning sink in. As she made her way downstairs to join him, she smiled to herself, feeling a deep sense of peace knowing her husband was home, safe and with her.
When she entered the kitchen, she froze for a moment. There he was, Simon, standing at the counter with his back to her, preparing breakfast. The way the morning light hit his form, casting shadows along his powerful, shredded muscles, made him appear almost like a warrior, a man carved from stone. But it wasn't just his muscles that caught her attention—it was the scars.
She knew about Simon's past, about his service and the battles he'd fought. But seeing the scars on his back, the marks of his war-torn past, was something else entirely. They were reminders of the horrors he had faced, the battles he had survived, and the sacrifices he had made. His skin was a roadmap of his history, each scar telling a story of strength, survival, and resolve.
At that moment, the rest of the family began to wake up. They slowly filtered into the kitchen, groggy from sleep but immediately taken aback by what they saw. Simon, shirtless and standing confidently, was an intimidating sight—especially with the scars that marked his skin.
Kim, Kylie, and the others stood frozen for a moment, processing the image before them. They had seen Simon in various settings, but this was different. His physique was undeniable—muscular, defined, and hard-earned. It wasn't just the muscle that struck them, though. It was the scars. The deep, jagged marks on his chest, arms, and back—each one a reminder of his dangerous past, of the battles and missions he had faced and survived.
Kris, who had seen Simon grow into the man he was today, felt a twinge of pride mixed with sorrow. She knew what he had gone through to become the man who stood before them. He had always been willing to do whatever it took to protect the ones he loved. But seeing the physical toll it had taken on him—seeing the scars on his body—reminded her of the price of that dedication.
Gigi, standing in the doorway, felt a deep love and admiration for Simon in that moment. She knew his past had shaped him, that the man she loved had been through so much. But what struck her most was the contrast between the fierce, scarred warrior he was and the loving, devoted husband he was to her.
The family stood there in stunned silence for a few moments. The room was heavy with the realization of who Simon truly was, not just as the man who protected them but as the man who had fought and sacrificed so much for the greater good. It was clear to everyone in the room that Simon was not a man who was easily broken, a fact proven by the scars that marked his body like badges of honor.
Kim was the first to speak, her voice shaky but genuine. "I always knew you were strong, Simon. But this…" She gestured to his body. "This is something else."
Kylie, her eyes wide with awe, nodded in agreement. "I never realized how much you've been through. You're not just strong—you're a survivor."
Simon glanced over at them, his expression stoic. "It's not about strength. It's about survival. Every scar tells a story, but it's the ones that keep you alive that matter most."
Kris, though still processing, gave Simon a small smile, a touch of pride in her eyes. "You've always been more than what people see on the surface. You're a man of honor, and your scars prove it."
Gigi walked over to Simon, her heart swelling with love and admiration. She stood beside him, taking a moment to look at the family around them. "We all have our scars, in one way or another," she said quietly, her voice full of warmth. "But it's not the scars that define us—it's how we move forward with them."
Simon gave her a soft smile, grateful for her understanding. He knew that the scars he carried weren't just physical. They were emotional, mental, and spiritual as well. But with Gigi by his side, he had learned to carry them with pride, knowing they were a part of who he was.
As Simon finished preparing breakfast, the atmosphere in the room lightened slightly, though the weight of last night's confrontation still lingered in the background. The family sat down at the table together, the conversation flowing more freely now. But every so often, their eyes would drift back to Simon, who sat at the head of the table, the quiet strength in his presence unmistakable.
The family understood now—Simon was more than just a powerful man. He was a man with a history, with a past that had shaped him into who he was. And though they may never fully understand the depth of that past, they knew one thing for sure: Simon would always be there to protect them.
And that was all that mattered.
To be continued...