Chapter 14 I Have No Regrets

On the baby's full month, Noah named him Axel, meaning peace and safety. Although he never mentioned the child's parentage, and even though the outside world was full of gossip—saying the Commandant was raising his rival's child—he never gave a damn. Noah spoiled Axel like his very own. When he cried at night, Noah was always faster than I was at waking up, expertly changing diapers and mixing baby formula like a certified nanny. Once, I even saw him sneakily showing Maverick's photo to Axel. My heart clenched, thinking it bothered him, but then I heard him talking to our bubble-blowing son. "Remember this, Axel. Don't be like this man when you grow up. He's ugly, unfaithful, and completely unreliable. Be like your daddy and listen to your mommy, okay?" I stood at the door, laughing so hard my stomach hurt. … Days passed quietly like this. Although Noah had reclaimed his identity, he still didn't enjoy attending those elite parties. His greatest joy remained riding that repaire