Simon. That name echoed in her mind like a child’s cry for their mother. He was the guy with that haunting smile, gorgeous accent and a sparkle in his eyes. Not just any extraordinary man, might she add, he was a gentleman, a rare characteristic in today’s world. Additionally, each time he was around, it was as if he was the charmer and she – the snake, mesmerised. For months, the internal dilemma raged on. Although Betty was with Pete, her partner for over four years, her puppy-dog attraction to Simon was over powering. Since encountering the beautiful man, Betty had been analysing what she had with Pete. She loved him too. Or at least, she thought she did. Maybe it was the fear of abandonment, or it could simply be affection from such a long attachment. Either way, she couldn’t leave Pete. He was in such a dire and fragile mental state; she didn’t want to cause him any hurt.

He didn’t even know her name, but he noticed her, always lingering in the background, avoiding the limelight. Her long dark hair tinted with faded colours of the past always smelt fruity and delicious, just like the rest of her. Dark, intensive eyes framed her porcelain face. Yet from time to time, Simon would notice a little glimpse of a shadow of a childish, innocent smile. She was so exotic. Every movement she made, every word she said, was a distraction the drove him mad. No matter how enchanting this woman was, he couldn’t put himself back on the line. He swore he wouldn’t, not after what happened with his beloved Sarah. No, never again will he accept another lover into his arms.