"I want Daddy to stay with me," Evelyn declared as she wriggled out of Eleanor's arms and burrowed into lan's embrace.

lan gathered her up and sat on the couch. With Evelyn nestled against his chest, looking pale and tired, Eleanor found herself unable to object to his staying.

No matter how strained things were between them, their love for their daughter was unwavering.

"Daddy, have you eaten yet?"

"No," lan replied quietly, glancing down at her.

Evelyn turned hopefully to Eleanor. "Mommy, can Daddy have dinner with us?" Meeting her daughter's pleading eyes, Eleanor finally gave a silent nod.

Joslyn, hearing this from the kitchen, decided to make an extra bowl of pasta since dinner was nearly ready.

Eleanor didn't leave the living room either; she was more anxious than anyone about Evelyn's fever. Ever since her daughter's lung surgery a year and a half ago, even a simple cough was enough to make Eleanor worry.

lan gently brushed Evelyn's hair off her forehead, pressing his own against hers to feel for a fever.

In the soft lamplight, Evelyn's features-so much like his own-seemed even more striking.

The living room fell into a hush. Eleanor sat with her phone, messaging Evelyn's teacher to ask about her day at school.

"At naptime, Evelyn didn't want to take off her sweater," the teacher wrote back. "She woke up sweaty."

Eleanor thought to herself that this might have been what caused Evelyn's cold.

Soon, Evelyn was clamoring for a story. Ian fetched a picture book and began reading to her, while Joslyn set the dishes on the table. Watching the scene on the couch, Joslyn's heart skipped-how familiar this looked: Eleanor nearby, lan gently reading to their little girl. It used to be a regular sight-a warm family, together.

"Achoo!" Evelyn sneezed adorably at lan.

Father and daughter broke into laughter. Joslyn couldn't help noticing how, in this moment, lan was nothing like the decisive, intimidating man he was at work. Here, he was just a patient, loving dad.

"Ma'am, dinner's ready," Joslyn called.

lan carried Evelyn to the table. Taking advantage of being sick, Evelyn pouted, "Daddy, I want you to feed me pasta."

"Evelyn, you should eat by yourself," Eleanor chided, frowning.

But lan picked up a fork and said gently, "Alright, Daddy will feed you a few bites first-then you try on your own, okay?"

Evelyn smiled and nodded. "Then I'll feed you, Daddy!"

The two of them started their old game-Daddy feeds Evelyn, Evelyn feeds Daddy-laughing as they went.

Eleanor kept her head down, picking at her food. She couldn't eat much, too preoccupied with worry for her daughter. She just hoped Evelyn would eat a little

more.

After dinner, Eleanor gave Evelyn some medicine to bring down her fever, still uneasy. By nine o'clock, Evelyn was asleep, curled up in lan's arms. Eleanor approached. "I'll take her to bed now. You should go."

But half-asleep, Evelyn opened her eyes and tugged at lan's sleeve. "Don't go, Daddy."

Eleanor knew that when her daughter was sick, she became clingy—wanting everyone she loved close by.

"Alright, Daddy's not going anywhere," lan reassured her, squeezing her tiny hand. He looked at Eleanor. "I'll bring her upstairs."

Eleanor stepped back as lan carried Evelyn to the master bedroom, Eleanor quietly following. After tucking Evelyn into bed, lan sat at the edge, watching her sleep.

He'd already changed out of his suit downstairs, now in a black turtleneck. His dark brows shadowed his gentle gaze.

Eleanor left the room and sat on the upstairs landing.

A moment later, Joslyn approached, concern etched on her face. "Ma'am, is Evelyn feeling any better?"

"Still a low fever," Eleanor replied.

lan came out from the master bedroom, addressing Eleanor quietly. "You should get some rest."

Eleanor's voice was icy. "You can leave now."

Dropping his voice, lan said, "I'll be in the car. Call me if you need anything."

Joslyn walked lan to the front gate. Halfway there, she blurted out, "Ever since Evelyn was hospitalized, every time she's sick, you get so anxious, ma'am."

lan stopped in his tracks, turning sharply. "When was Evelyn hospitalized?"

Joslyn froze, realizing she'd said too much. She quickly waved her hand. "Oh, it's nothing. I must be remembering wrong."

lan's gaze sharpened. "Joslyn, I want the truth."

Joslyn was rattled, but knowing Evelyn was ill, she decided it was best not to stir

up trouble. Besides, it had been two years-Evelyn was healthy now. There was no need to worry Mrs. Goodwin.

"I must be mistaken, Mr. Goodwin. It's cold out-shall I get you a blanket for the car?"

She swiftly changed the subject.

"No, that's alright." lan gave her a final, searching look and walked out the gate.

Joslyn let out a sigh of relief, covering her mouth. She reminded herself to be more careful next time.

If lan ever found out Evelyn had been hospitalized for lung surgery, he'd surely be furious that Eleanor hadn't told him. As her father, he had a right to know about her health. If he ended up resenting Eleanor for it, Joslyn would never forgive herself.