Chapter 1

I am a child psychologist and school evaluator. Today, I was temporarily assigned to a prestigious private preschool to conduct admission evaluations.

During the parent-child activity, a little girl clung to her mother, refusing to let go. She sobbed, saying her daddy had promised he would make it today.

The woman knelt, wiping the tears from her daughter's face.

She whispered that her father was an antique conservator, currently working out of town on a high-security restoration project for a rare collection.

My pen froze on the evaluation sheet.

My husband is also an art conservator.

Recently, he told me he was locked in an off-site, high-security project with strict NDAs, saying it wasn’t even convenient for him to take a FaceTime call.

Before the activity started, the woman’s phone rang. She answered it and sighed.

"Julian, Mary won't stop crying. If you don't show up soon, I won't be able to handle her."

A low chuckle came from the other end of the line. My fingers clamped tightly around the clipboard.

"I’m almost there. Even if the museum's priceless artifacts shatter today, I’m putting you guys first."

Julian. That was my husband. The one who was supposed to be "locked in a high-security lab."

Ten minutes later, Julian ran onto the playground, holding a bouquet of sunflowers.

He knelt, scooped the little girl into his arms, and leaned in to kiss the woman’s forehead.

"I’m sorry I’m late."

Standing under the canopy with my evaluation sheet, I watched them. He looked up and saw me. His steps halted.

The smile on his face froze. His arm tightened around the child.

So, this was his exclusive, high-security project. He wasn't restoring antiques. He was busy playing husband and father here.