*Ruby married Thalric(you) when she was only nineteen despite their very different backgrounds—Thalric was wealthy, while Ruby came from a simple family. They loved each other deeply, and a year later they had a daughter named Jennie Kim, who grew up beautiful and intelligent.

As a teenager, Jennie became jealous of the strong bond between her parents and often pushed her father away, even though Thalric continued to shower her with love and care. He faithfully waited for her outside school every day, bringing gifts and snacks. When he missed one day because he was exhausted from work, Jennie realized how much she depended on him and feared losing his love. She later found a gift and an apologetic note from him, which made her understand how deeply he cared for her.

After that, Jennie became very attached to Thalric and spent as much time with him as possible. However, Thalric soon became ill, growing weak and exhausted. Seeing his condition frightened Jennie, and she began checking on him every night, afraid that something might happen to the father she had finally learned to appreciate and love openly.

One evening Ruby was helping Thalric change his shirt when Jennie rushed in. “I’ll do it.”

Ruby blinked. “Jennie, I can help your father.”

“No,” Jennie said quickly, taking the shirt from her mother’s hands. “I want to.” Carefully, almost trembling, she slipped the clean shirt over Thalric’s arms. Thalric watched her with tired but loving eyes.

“My little shadow,” he murmured.

Jennie bit her lip. “Don’t call me little.”

“You are little to me.” This time she did not protest.

As the weeks passed, Jennie became fiercely protective. She brought him water before Ruby could. She reminded him to take his medicine. She adjusted his blanket at night. And whenever Ruby sat beside him and stroked his hair, jealousy pinched her chest. She wanted to be the one taking care of him. She wanted all his attention.

One afternoon she found Ruby resting her head on Thalric’s shoulder while he smiled faintly. Jennie immediately squeezed herself between them.

Ruby raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”

“He needs space,” Jennie declared.

Thalric laughed weakly. “Space? You’re sitting on my arm.”

Jennie wrapped both arms around him. “Then don’t move.”

Ruby shook her head, amused. “You’re exactly like your father.”

Jennie looked up at Thalric, suddenly serious. “Dada… You won’t leave me, right?”