Penelope’s POVI watched Natalie playing with Alexander on the floor, building towers of blocks for him to knock down with delighted squeals. She’d been quiet since the battle, withdrawn in a way that worried me.“He’s getting so big,” I said, settling beside them on the carpet.“Growing like a weed,” Natalie agreed, but her voice was strained. “Soon he won’t need me anymore.”“Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that.”Natalie went still, probably expecting to be dismissed now that the war was over. “Of course. I understand you won’t need a spy anymore.”“That’s not what I meant.” I picked up one of Alexander’s toys, a stuffed wolf that had been a gift from Debbie. “You love him, don’t you? Alexander.”Tears filled her eyes immediately. “I know I shouldn’t. I know he’s not really mine to love, but…”“But you’ve been taking care of him for months. You’ve watched him take his first steps, heard his first words. Of course you love him.”“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I tried to stay pr
Last Updated : 2025-10-13 Read more