Narrator POV — Morning After
Morning came quietly, unlike the night before. The Mansion was unusually still, All servants being careful not to make much noise as they cleaned and cook.
Natasha, surprisingly, was the first to wake up. She slipped into Leo's room before the sun had fully risen, her hair tied back, and her robe cinched tightly as though she needed something to anchor herself.
Leo blinked up at her, rubbing his eyes.
"Mom?" he called softly, confused. Natasha rarely woke before his nanny did.
"Yes, sweetheart. It's me." She forced a warm smile and brushed his hair back. "Come on, up. You need to bathe and get ready for school."
Leo sat up slowly. "But where's Mila?"
"She's resting today," Natasha said quickly. "I want to get you ready myself."
That made him pause suddenly—then he smiled wider than she expected.
"Really? You wanna do it?"
Natasha felt a pang of anxiety"Yes. I do."
