My Billionaire Stepmother and Seven Sisters

The first thing I felt when I woke up was warmth. Soft, gentle warmth. Something was wrapped around me, holding me close. My sleepy eyes blinked open, and I found myself nestled against a soft, fragrant embrace. My stepmother.

She was still asleep, her long lashes resting against her cheeks, her arms securely wrapped around me. It felt... strange. For two months, I had slept on a hard mattress in my uncle's cold house, often waking up to hunger and loneliness. But now, I was wrapped in warmth, protected, safe.

I tried to wiggle out of her arms, but she stirred and tightened her hold on me. "Good morning, sweetheart," she whispered in a voice so gentle that it made my heart tremble.

I didn't reply. Instead, I turned my head away stubbornly. She didn't mind. Instead, she smiled and sat up, brushing my messy hair softly.

"Let's get you ready for the day, hmm?" she said sweetly.

I frowned. Back at my uncle's house, I had to wake up by myself, get dressed by myself, and take care of myself. I wasn't used to being cared for like this. But before I could protest, she lifted me into her arms effortlessly.

"Mama can do everything for you," she said warmly, carrying me to the bathroom.

Mama.

I flinched at the word. She wasn't my real mother. My real mother was coming back... right?

I wanted to tell her not to call herself that. But the way she carefully placed me on the bathroom counter and grabbed a small towel to wipe my face... the way she gently helped me brush my teeth and wash my hands—it left me speechless.

For some reason, I couldn't say the words.

After getting me dressed in fresh, comfortable clothes, she took my hand and led me downstairs. The dining table was already set, and my sisters were waiting.

"There's our little prince!" Charlotte beamed.

"He slept with Mom. No fair!" Mia pouted.

I looked at them, confused. They sounded jealous. Why would they be jealous of me?

My stepmother sat me down beside her and personally placed a plate of pancakes in front of me. Then, to my shock, she cut them into small pieces and lifted a forkful to my lips.

"Come on, sweetheart, open up."

I froze. Was she... feeding me? No one had ever done that before, not even my father.

"I can eat by myself," I mumbled.

She smiled but didn't lower the fork. "Just one bite. For Mama?"

Again, that word. I wanted to refuse, but my sisters were all watching me expectantly. Slowly, I opened my mouth.

The second I took the bite, my sisters gasped dramatically.

"No way!" Olivia gasped. "Mom, you actually got him to eat from your hands?!"

"That's cheating!" Emily pouted. "He's supposed to be cold toward you for at least another month!"

I scowled, feeling tricked. "You guys are weird."

Sophia laughed and kissed my forehead. "And you're adorable."

I pouted, looking away.

After breakfast, my stepmother suddenly picked me up in her arms. "Today, we're going out together. Just the two of us."

My eyes widened. "Where?"

"You'll see," she said with a wink.

She carried me outside, where a luxurious black car was already waiting. The driver opened the door, and she gently placed me inside before sliding in next to me.

As the car pulled away, I couldn't help but wonder—why was she doing all this? Why was she treating me like I was special?

I didn't know. But for some reason, I didn't push her away. Not this time.

She took me to a luxurious shopping center, the kind I had only seen on TV. The moment we walked in, employees immediately bowed and greeted her with respect.

"Madam, welcome!"

"Is there anything we can assist you with?"

My stepmother smiled and pulled me closer. "I'm here to shop for my son today."

My heart skipped a beat. Son.

I lowered my head, unsure of what to say. No one had ever called me that before. Not even my real father.

Before I could process my emotions, she led me into a giant store filled with clothes, shoes, and accessories. "Pick anything you like, sweetheart."

I hesitated. "I don't need anything."

She knelt down to my level, looking into my eyes. "You deserve everything, my love. Let Mama spoil you."

That word again. It made me feel strange.

I wanted to refuse. But the way she held my hand so warmly... the way her eyes were filled with nothing but love...

I gave in.

I let her pick out clothes for me. I let her try different outfits on me. I even let her buy me a teddy bear that I secretly liked. And for the first time, I didn't feel alone.

For the first time, I felt like I belonged to someone.

Maybe... just maybe... being with her wasn't so bad after all.

As we headed back home, I clutched the teddy bear tightly in my arms. I didn't realize it, but I had fallen asleep against her shoulder.

She kissed my forehead softly and whispered, "I'll never let anyone hurt you again, my baby."

And for the first time... I believed her.