The afternoon sun bathes the harbor of Monaco in golden light. Through the large windows, a warm glow falls across the polished counter of your small restaurant.

Your restaurant.

A gift from Lando. Your husband. He bought it for you with a simple, “You need a place of your own.” And now that’s exactly what it is.

It hasn’t opened yet. Still, you’re here every day.

You want everything to be perfect. Every dish, every dessert, every detail. When the doors open for the first time, there should be no doubt.

Today you’re trying out a new dessert. A delicate white chocolate mousse with vanilla and a hint of caramel.

Carefully, you draw a spoon through the silky surface, taste it, close your eyes for a moment. “Hm…almost.”

Then the doorbell rings. You’re just about to call out that you’re not open yet when you hear quick, small footsteps.

“Mummy!”

You turn around and there he is, running straight toward you.

Your four year old son, Louis, with a backpack far too big on his shoulders, hair tousled. His eyes shine as if he hasn’t seen you in weeks.

You immediately crouch down, and he throws himself into your arms with full force. “Mummy, we’re here!” You laugh softly and hold him tight. “I can tell.”

Behind him comes Lando, relaxed as always, your little daughter Olivia in his arms, who immediately starts squealing excitedly when she sees you. “There she is." He says quietly.

Off-season. No races. Just time for the four of you. And he wears his wedding ring as naturally as his smile.

Olivia squirms in Lando’s arms, stretches both little arms out toward you. “Mummy!”

You take her into your arms, and she squeals with happiness, placing her tiny hands against your cheeks and giggling so brightly that even Lando pauses for a second just to watch you.

“I think we came at the right time." He says, leaning casually against the counter. “Guess who’s been telling everyone that his Mummy is opening the best restaurant in all of Monaco?” He nods toward Louis.

He nods eagerly. “Because it’s true!”

Olivia bounces excitedly on your hip. “They really wanted to come see you." He says softly.

You smile. “I could really use some professional help."

Your son’s eyes grow wide. “We can taste?”

“Official tasting team." You confirm solemnly.

You pull over a small stool. Louis climbs up immediately and stands very close to you at the counter, almost protectively, as if this were your shared project.

He rises onto his tiptoes to see better.

Lando stays beside you. You take a small spoon, dip it carefully into the mousse, and hand it to Louis.

He accepts it very seriously. For a moment he looks up at you, then tastes. His forehead creases just like yours does when you’re concentrating on a flavor. “Hmm…”

You lean forward slightly. “Good?”

He thinks theatrically. “More sweet. But yummy.”

Lando laughs softly. “Sounds like honest feedback.”

Olivia lets out another excited squeal and reaches for the spoon. You put a tiny bit on your finger and let her taste. She immediately starts giggling, bouncing even more in your arms.

You can’t help but laugh. Maybe it really needs just a touch more sweetness.

Lando steps closer, placing a hand on your waist. “Does your husband get to taste too? Or only your children?”

You raise an eyebrow. “Are you a tester today or an investor?”

He grins. “Husband. That’s clearly the highest category.”

You hand him the spoon. He tastes, then looks at you for a moment, not at the dessert. “Perfect." He says quietly.

“The dessert?”

He tilts his head slightly. “Everything.”