**Chapter 17: Unexpected Visitors
The morning had passed in an uneasy yet calm silence. The atmosphere around the breakfast table had lightened, though some members of the family still couldn't shake the unease left from the night before. Simon had gone from a man of intimidating power to a loving husband, but that commanding presence still lingered in the room.
As the family gathered around the table, they heard the front doorbell ring. It was a sharp, unanticipated sound that broke the fragile tranquility of the morning. Everyone froze for a moment.
"Who could that be?" Gigi asked softly, her eyes meeting Simon's.
Simon's gaze hardened just for a moment before he stood up, walking toward the front door with the same quiet resolve he always carried. He opened it to reveal a group of soldiers, standing in formation in front of him. These were the members of his battalion—the men who had fought beside him in countless battles and had been with him through thick and thin.
They were imposing figures, clad in their military gear, with the unmistakable presence of those who had seen things that most couldn't even fathom. As they stood at attention, Simon took a deep breath and motioned for them to relax.
"Relax, men. You're off-duty here," Simon said with a rare, almost affectionate tone.
They relaxed slightly but still maintained a high level of discipline. Their leader—Major Ivan—stepped forward, a hardened but respectful look on his face.
"Sir," Ivan greeted, his voice steady and respectful, "we've come to check on you and ensure everything is in order. It's been a while since we've seen you outside the battlefield, and the unit misses you."
Simon gave a small nod, acknowledging his battalion's loyalty. His eyes flickered to Gigi briefly, ensuring she was okay with the unexpected visitors. Gigi's expression was a mixture of surprise and curiosity. She hadn't expected Simon's battalion to show up at their home, but she knew this was his world, a part of him that she couldn't change.
"I'll be right there," Simon said, turning to his family and then back to his battalion. "Give me a minute to talk to my family. We'll catch up later."
The soldiers nodded, standing aside as Simon re-entered the house and shut the door behind him. Gigi and the others watched him, still processing what had just happened.
Inside, Simon approached his family, his face hardening slightly as he explained.
"They've been with me through everything," Simon said, his voice quiet but full of command. "The battalion wants to see how I'm doing. They look out for me, just as I look out for them."
Kris was the first to speak up. "You're really a part of something much bigger than all this, huh?" she asked softly. "I've never seen this side of you before."
Simon nodded, his eyes distant as he thought about the bonds he shared with his men. "They're like family. The only family I've had besides you and Gigi."
Gigi, still processing, stood up and walked over to him. "You've been through so much, Simon. It's not easy to be the person you are, and I don't expect to fully understand it... but I will support you, always."
Simon smiled at her, a faint softness in his eyes as he reached out to touch her arm. "Thank you, Gigi. You mean everything to me." He turned to the rest of the family. "If you're okay with it, I'd like you to meet them. These men have been my brothers in arms. They deserve respect."
The family exchanged glances. Despite the tension that had been running through the house in recent days, they all knew Simon's request wasn't something to take lightly. Kris, always the practical one, nodded first.
"Alright, Simon," she said. "If this is what you want, we'll meet them." She looked at Gigi and added, "You sure about this?"
Gigi nodded, her gaze unwavering as she spoke, "They're a part of his life, just like all of us."
The battalion was soon invited inside, and the room shifted as the men—Major Ivan included—entered the house. Each man's eyes scanned the space with a military precision, but there was a respect in their gaze as they all saw Simon's family, their faces full of curiosity.
Kanye, Travis, and the others froze as they noticed the men's presence. For them, it was like the calm before the storm. They were used to dealing with powerful celebrities and public figures, but this was something different. These were soldiers who could strike fear into anyone.
Ivan, recognizing the tension in the room, stepped forward with a warm smile, offering a handshake to Simon's family. "It's an honor to meet the family of our esteemed leader," Ivan said, his voice carrying the weight of someone who had seen battle, but also held immense respect for the people who were a part of Simon's life.
Gigi gave a polite smile, shaking Ivan's hand. "It's nice to meet you. Simon speaks highly of you all."
The rest of the battalion followed suit, introducing themselves and offering handshakes or nods to the others. The room was a mix of surprise and awe, as Simon's family had never been in the presence of such a formidable group of men.
As the introductions continued, Kanye and Travis couldn't help but feel the tension again, this time not just from Simon but from the presence of the battalion itself. They'd seen Simon's raw power, but they were now witnessing the magnitude of the team that stood by him. Their admiration, though tentative, was growing as they realized how deep Simon's loyalty and protection ran.
Kris leaned in, whispering to Gigi, "He's not just a family man. He's a force."
Gigi gave a soft laugh, but her eyes were full of understanding. "I know. But he's my force."
As the battalion stayed for a short visit, talking about old times, Simon's family began to grasp the kind of bond Simon shared with them. For Simon, this was more than just a group of soldiers—it was family. And no matter how tense things got, he would always protect both.
Simon's presence had shifted the dynamics of the room, and though not everyone fully understood it, they knew one thing for certain: they were dealing with a man who would do anything for the ones he loved.
To be continued...