My Billionaire Stepmother and Seven Sisters

The golden rays of morning sunlight streamed into the lavish bedroom, casting a gentle glow over the soft silk sheets. The warmth wrapped around the small body nestled securely in the embrace of his father. The five-year-old protagonist stirred slightly, his tiny fingers unconsciously gripping the fabric of his father's nightshirt.

His breathing was soft and rhythmic, his cheeks slightly flushed from sleep. His father, who had remained awake for hours just watching him, felt a deep ache in his heart. It had been so long since he had held his son like this—since before he had made the grave mistake of leaving him in his brother's care. Now, feeling the fragile warmth of his son against him, he made a silent vow. I will never let go again.

1. Morning Surprise – Waking Up in Papa's Arms

As the protagonist's eyelids fluttered open, the first thing he felt was warmth. He blinked sleepily, his mind still caught between dreams and reality. His head was resting against something firm, strong, yet comforting. He shifted slightly, his small hands pressing against the fabric beneath him. That's when realization struck.

He was sleeping in his father's arms.

His entire body stiffened. His first instinct was to move away, to put distance between them, but… he didn't. A strange feeling settled in his chest, something unfamiliar yet not entirely unpleasant. He stayed frozen, torn between pushing away and staying just a little longer.

Across the room, Mama (Emma) and his sisters were just waking up. Mama (Emma) stirred first, turning her head toward her son. Her lips curled into a soft smile when she saw him still tucked in his father's embrace. The sisters, who had been sleeping nearby, also noticed the scene and exchanged knowing glances. However, none of them moved. They wanted to see what their little brother would do.

His father, feeling the small movements, chose to pretend he was still asleep. He didn't want to rush his son or scare him away. He wanted to give him the choice to stay or leave.

After a long moment, the protagonist hesitantly relaxed. Just for a little while. Just until Papa wakes up.

2. Papa's Soft Efforts – A Breakfast Filled with Love

By the time breakfast was ready, the protagonist sat at the grand dining table, his feet swinging slightly above the ground. Unlike usual, today was different. Instead of the maids serving the food, his father was the one placing the dishes in front of him.

The protagonist watched in confusion as his father carefully cut his food into small, bite-sized pieces. His sisters were grinning, obviously enjoying the rare sight of their father acting so doting.

"Papa, what are you doing?" the protagonist finally asked, his voice small and hesitant.

His father looked up and smiled. "Taking care of my son."

The protagonist blinked, processing the words. He glanced at his plate, then back at his father. Slowly, he picked up his fork and took a bite. His father's expression softened, relief washing over him.

His sisters giggled. "Papa, you're acting like a mama."

His father chuckled, shaking his head. "I just want to make sure he eats well."

The protagonist didn't say anything, but deep inside, something in his heart stirred.

3. A Special Gift – Papa's Treasure Box

After breakfast, his father took his hand gently and led him to his private study. The room smelled of aged books and polished wood. In the center of the large mahogany desk sat a small, old wooden box.

"I've been keeping this for you," his father said softly, pushing the box toward him.

Curious, the protagonist opened the lid. Inside, he found old photographs, tiny toys, and letters—all carefully preserved. His fingers trembled as he picked up a photograph of himself as a baby, cradled in his father's arms. He looked up at his father with wide eyes, silent questions swimming in them.

"Even when we were apart, I never stopped loving you," his father said, his voice thick with emotion.

The protagonist stared at the contents of the box, his small hands clutching one of the letters. He didn't know what to say. His heart felt full, yet unfamiliar emotions swirled inside him. Papa kept all of these? The warmth in his chest grew, but his mind was still hesitant.

Outside the study, Mama (Emma) and his sisters watched, their eyes glistening. They had never seen their father so vulnerable before, and they could only hope that their little brother would slowly, in his own time, accept him.

4. A Step Closer – Holding Papa's Hand Again

Later that day, they took a walk in the garden. The protagonist was walking between his father and Mama (Emma), his tiny hands tucked inside the pockets of his coat. The sun was bright, the wind gentle.

His father walked beside him, hands in his pockets, glancing at him every few moments. He didn't force anything, didn't say anything. He simply walked.

Then, after what felt like forever, the protagonist hesitated before reaching out and holding his father's hand.

His father froze, his breath catching in his throat. His fingers curled around the small, warm hand that had just willingly sought his.

He didn't say anything. He simply gave a small squeeze, as if making a silent promise. I will never let you go again.

From a distance, Mama (Emma) and the sisters pretended not to notice, giving them their moment. But deep inside, their hearts were bursting with joy.