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Valentine Sharp adjusted the worn-out apron she had tied around her waist, the strings frayed from years of use. The early morning light filtered through the windows of the daycare center, casting long shadows across the room, where a few children played, their laughter echoing through the small space. Valentine's eyes followed the playful chaos with a practiced calm, making sure no one was left behind or feeling neglected.

She had been working here for three years, and although the pay was barely enough to cover her living expenses, the children's joy was enough to make every grueling hour worth it.

Valentine had always been a natural when it came to children. Her gentle demeanor, combined with her ability to listen and understand their needs, made her the favorite caregiver at the center. It wasn't just the kids who adored her, though. Her warmth had a way of drawing people in, making them feel safe, even in the face of difficult circumstances. But that warmth she so freely gave to others was often something she kept guarded for herself. After all, life hadn't exactly been kind to her, and Valentine learned early on that trust and love were luxuries she couldn't always afford.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket, and Valentine pulled it out, her heart sinking when she saw the name on the screen: her mother.

"Hello, Mom," she answered, trying to keep the tiredness from her voice.

"Valentine, I need to talk to you," her mother said, her voice a mix of worry and frustration. "Your brother's tuition payment is due next week. I don't know how we're going to manage."

Valentine closed her eyes for a brief moment, the weight of her family's financial struggles bearing down on her once again. Her mother worked long hours as a waitress, barely making ends meet, and Valentine worked overtime just to keep up with her own expenses. Between her job, paying off student loans, and helping her brother, Mason, with his education, the pressure felt relentless.

"I'll figure it out, Mom," Valentine said, trying to sound more confident than she felt. "Maybe I can pick up extra shifts or... I don't know. We'll make it work."

"Valentine," her mother sighed. "You're always working so hard. I don't want you to burn yourself out."

Valentine forced a small smile, her heart aching at the thought of disappointing her mother. "Don't worry, Mom. I'll find a way."

After hanging up, Valentine took a deep breath, trying to push away the familiar knot of worry that always seemed to settle in her stomach. She glanced at the clock-just a few more hours until her shift would end. She loved the children she cared for, but sometimes it felt like the weight of the world was on her shoulders. Between her family's financial struggles and the unrelenting demands of daily life, Valentine often felt as though she were carrying a burden too heavy for one person to bear.

As she walked over to the play area to check on Mason, her thoughts wandered to the growing responsibilities she had in her life. Mason had always been her favorite child. She'd watched him grow from a shy, uncertain boy into a bright young student with so much potential. Valentine had sacrificed a lot for his future, and she would continue to do so, even if it meant working herself into exhaustion.

"Mason," she called softly, smiling as the young boy looked up at her, his big brown eyes lighting up with joy.

"Valentine!" he squealed, running over to her with his arms wide. He threw himself into her arms, his small hands wrapping around her neck as he hugged her tightly.

Valentine chuckled, lifting him up and giving him a gentle kiss on the cheek. "How's my favorite boy doing today?"

Mason beamed, his face full of excitement. "I made a drawing for you! Wanna see?"

"Of course I do," Valentine said, bending down to look at the colorful drawing he handed her. It was a simple picture-Mason had drawn a house, a tree, and a little stick figure that was meant to be Valentine. "It's beautiful, Mason. Thank you for sharing it with me."

Mason's grin stretched wide, his happiness contagious. Valentine felt a pang of love for him, the kind of love that kept her going through the toughest times. But at the same time, she couldn't ignore the gnawing feeling that her own dreams had been put on hold. Valentine had always been a dreamer, but those dreams had been pushed aside as she took on the role of caretaker for her family.

The bell rang, signaling the end of the day's activities, and the children began gathering their things. Valentine's shift was nearly over, but as she watched the parents arrive to pick up their children, she felt a pang of envy. The mothers and fathers seemed so confident, so sure of their place in the world. They had the freedom to come and go as they pleased, to make choices that weren't dictated by financial strain or the weight of familial responsibility.

As she walked Mason to the door, she heard a car pull up outside, the sound of the engine humming softly. A tall, imposing figure stepped out of the sleek black vehicle. Valentine couldn't help but glance over at him.

Jang Woo.

He was the kind of man who demanded attention the moment he entered a room. With his sharp jawline, broad shoulders, and impeccable sense of style, Jang Woo had an aura of power that was impossible to ignore. His dark eyes, intense and unreadable, often left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Valentine had seen him around the daycare a few times before, picking up his nephew, Mason. But today, something felt different.

As she walked Mason toward the door, Valentine's heart skipped a beat when Jang Woo's gaze fell on her. There was something magnetic about the way he looked at her, as though he could see through the surface and understand her in a way no one else did. For a moment, she felt an unsettling mix of attraction and uncertainty.

"Valentine," Jang Woo's voice was low and smooth as he approached. "Mason's been telling me all about you. He really enjoys spending time here."

Valentine forced a smile, her nervousness palpable. "He's a great kid. I'm happy to have him here."

Jang Woo studied her for a moment, his eyes flicking over her face with quiet intensity. There was something about him that made her feel both intimidated and intrigued at the same time. "I can see that. You have a way with him," he said, his voice softening.

Before Valentine could respond, Jang Woo glanced at Mason. "How's my favorite nephew today?"

Mason beamed. "I'm great! Valentine helped me make a drawing!"

Jang Woo smiled at his nephew, his demeanor softening as he ruffled Mason's hair. "I'm glad to hear that. Let's get you home, alright?"

Valentine stood back, watching them leave, a strange feeling settling in her chest. She couldn't quite place it, but there was something about Jang Woo that made her heart race. It wasn't just his looks-it was the way he carried himself, the confidence that surrounded him like a cloak.

As she turned to head back inside, she couldn't shake the feeling that her life was about to change.