lan stared at his phone for a few seconds before replying, "Henry, stay with her for now. I'll come by tomorrow."

Henry quickly responded, "Alright.”

Early the next morning, Joslyn was brushing Evelyn's hair when Princess, who had been dozing nearby, suddenly pricked up her ears. Tail wagging excitedly, the dog let out a series of soft whimpers as she looked toward the door.

Evelyn jumped up, her face lighting up. "Is Daddy here?"

Noticing Princess's reaction, Joslyn guessed who it might be. "Your mom's still sleeping. Maybe we should-”

But Evelyn was already dashing out of the room, determined. "It's definitely Daddy!"

"Wait, Evelyn-"

Before Joslyn could stop her, Evelyn had flung open the door. Sure enough, lan stood outside in a sharp black suit. He smiled warmly. "Evelyn, do you remember where Daddy's taking you today?"

"The aquarium!" Evelyn squealed in delight. "Daddy, did you come to pick me up?" lan knelt down and scooped her into his arms. "That's right. Daddy's here for you." He gently ruffled her silky hair. "Where's Mommy?"

"Mommy's still sleeping!" Evelyn whispered, putting a finger to her lips. "Let's not wake her up. She worked late last night and needs more sleep."

lan nodded. "Alright. Let's head downstairs for breakfast, and then we'll set off for the aquarium."

"Yes! Okay!" Evelyn wrapped her arms around his neck, her face shining with anticipation.

Joslyn hovered nearby, hesitating before speaking up. "Mr. Goodwin, would you like me to let Mrs. Goodwin know?"

"No need to wake her," lan replied. "I'll bring Evelyn back by two-thirty this afternoon."

With that, he lifted his daughter and headed for the door.

Joslyn quickly grabbed Evelyn's water bottle and little backpack. "Here's her bottle; please don't forget it!"

lan nodded, taking both the bottle and the backpack before leaving with Evelyn.

In the master bedroom, Eleanor was drifting in and out of sleep when she thought she heard lan's voice. The next moment, as if jolted from a bad dream she sat up abruptly, pushed off the covers, stipped on her slippers, and hurried toward the door.

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Joslyn heard her and came right over. "Ma'am, you're awake. Mr. Goodwin just stopped by and took Evelyn to the aquarium."

Eleanor remembered that lan had

promised their daughter a trip to the aquarium that weekend. "Let him take her she said, rubbing her forehead. Im going to get some more sleep."

Joslyn breathed a sigh of relief. She knew lan was a devoted father; Eleanor could always trust him with their little girl.

At the aquarium, lan held Evelyn's hand as they walked in. The moment they entered, Evelyn's eyes widened and she pointed at the enormous glass wall. "Daddy, what's that?"

“That's a whale shark,” lan replied.

"Daddy, lift me up!" Evelyn hugged his waist, and lan bent down, picking her up so she could get a better view.

Evelyn pressed her small hands to the glass, her eyes sparkling. "It's so big!"

lan strolled with her through the exhibits, taking their time. Eventually, they made their way to the dolphin show. The place was packed and buzzing with excitement, but lan found a spot and settled Evelyn his lap, where she watched the performance in delight.

Trailing behind them, Gavin's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, then stepped forward and spoke quietly, "Mr. Goodwin, Miss Goodwin is calling."

"No need to answer," lan said coolly.

"Understood." Gavin nodded and silenced his phone.

lan's gaze lingered on his daughter's radiant face. He reached out to smooth her

tousled bangs and offered her water from her bottle.

Nearby, a group of young women watched the father and daughter with envy.

What a beautiful pair, they thought. Whoever that little girl's mother was, she must be one lucky woman.