Ghost - Change

They had been together for three years. Three years in which she had learned to recognize every single one of Simon Riley's lies.

The first time he discovered infidelity, Simon swore it was a mistake. The second time, he said he was confused. After that, he stopped making excuses and simply promised he would change.

And she always believed him.

"I swear, this time it will be different," Simon murmured, holding her hand with that calmness that always managed to make her doubt herself.

She wept, begging him not to do it again, not to destroy what they had built together. Simon listened silently, his face serious, before embracing her as if he were the one suffering.

But it never changed.

Over time, his promises became part of the routine. A lie, an argument, tears, apologies, and finally forgiveness.

Simon knew exactly what to say.

—Do you really think I could find a better woman than you?

That was enough to make her stay.

He also knew how to turn every argument around. If she asked where he'd been, Simon would get annoyed. If she found messages, he'd accuse her of snooping through things that weren't her business. And if she threatened to leave, he'd become even more aggressive.

"Then go," he said, even though he knew perfectly well that she wouldn't.

Because she always ended up begging him not to leave her.

That night, however, she found another piece of evidence.

Simon walked into the house as if nothing was wrong, put the keys on the table, and looked at her.

—What happens now?

She looked up, her eyes filled with tears.

—You promised me you had changed.

Simon remained silent for a few seconds.

Then he sighed, approaching her.

—And you promised that you would trust me.