SHE WAS JUST THE MAID NO ONE NOTICED—UNTIL SHE TOOK THE SLAP MEANT FOR A LITTLE GIRL, AND THE MOST FEARED MAN IN THE HOUSE SAW EVERYTHING

unsure where she belonged.

Sofia noticed immediately. “Can Mariana sit with us?”

Alejandro looked at Mariana. “Only if she wants to.”

There was no command in it. No assumption. Just choice. Mariana sat slowly on the edge of the carpet, and Diego immediately moved closer until he was beside her. Alejandro watched his son lean against her with a trust continue reading …