My Billionaire Stepmother and Seven Sisters

The warmth of the morning sun filtered through the grand windows of the mansion, casting golden hues across the luxurious bedroom. The protagonist lay nestled between Mama (Emma) and one of his sisters, his small body rising and falling gently with his breaths.

His father stood by the doorway, watching. His heart clenched. Every morning, he woke up hopeful—hopeful that today would be the day his son would willingly reach for him. But every morning, he was greeted by the same sight. His son curled up in his wife's embrace, a peaceful expression on his tiny face.

He swallowed hard. Would there ever be a morning where his son would wake up in his arms instead?

But he wouldn't rush. Not anymore. He had made mistakes before. Mistakes that cost him the trust of the most precious person in his life. But now, he would be patient. He would earn his son's love the right way.

A Day of Quiet Efforts

His father made sure to clear his schedule. Today, he wasn't a businessman. He wasn't the CEO. He was simply a father.

Throughout the day, he made small but gentle efforts to be present.

When his son finished his breakfast, he was the one who wiped the little crumbs from his cheeks, making sure to do it gently so his son wouldn't pull away.When his son was about to jump off the couch, he quickly stepped forward, offering his arms instead. The boy hesitated… but after a moment, he allowed his father to carry him down.During the afternoon, while his son played outside, he subtly followed behind, making sure he didn't trip or hurt himself.When his son's tiny hands struggled to button up his jacket, he knelt down and helped him, speaking in the softest voice possible.

He never forced. He never asked for more.

And that was enough.

A Small Yet Meaningful Breakthrough

It happened when the protagonist was walking through the hallway after playing outside. He was a little tired, his small legs struggling to keep up with Mama (Emma) and his sisters.

His father walked beside him, his presence quiet and patient.

Then, without thinking, the little boy reached out and held his father's hand.

It was small, barely a moment. But it was everything.

His father's breath hitched. His body froze. He felt the warmth of those tiny fingers wrapped around his.

But he didn't squeeze. He didn't react too strongly. He simply… held on.

Even when his son realized what he had done, he didn't pull away. He just looked up at his father with those big, innocent eyes.

And for the first time, his father saw something new in them.

Trust.

The Nightmare That Changed Everything

That night, after a long and tiring day, the protagonist slept soundly. His tiny form was curled up under the silk covers, surrounded by the familiar warmth of his family.

But as the night deepened, a whimper escaped his lips. His small body trembled. His breaths became uneven.

His sisters stirred, about to comfort him—

But then, his little hands reached out blindly… toward his father.

His father, who had been standing by the bedside as always, watching over him.

His heart clenched. Did his son just… choose him?

He immediately sat down and pulled his son into his arms, cradling him as if he was the most delicate thing in the world.

"Shh… Papa's here," he whispered, pressing a gentle kiss on his son's forehead. "I've got you, my son."

The little boy didn't pull away. Instead, he buried his face in his father's chest, his tiny fingers clutching onto his shirt.

His father felt something wet roll down his cheeks.

He was crying.

But this time, they weren't tears of sadness.

They were tears of hope.

Because for the first time… his son finally found comfort in his arms.

The Silent Promise

As the moonlight bathed the room in silver light, the father held his son close, his heart swelling with emotions he had buried for too long.

His wife and daughters watched from the doorway, their hearts aching at the sight. They said nothing. This was his moment.

A silent promise formed in his heart.

No matter how long it took, he would never give up on his son again.

He had his chance now.

And this time…

He would never let go.