My Billionaire Stepmother and Seven Sisters

The morning sun peeked through the grand windows of the mansion, casting a golden glow over the luxurious estate. Unlike most mornings, where the father would leave early for work, today was different. Today, he had a purpose—a longing to spend time with his son, to create even the smallest of memories, to win back the love he had once held so dearly.

A Father's Effort

For the first time in years, the father entered the grand kitchen, surprising the chefs and staff. He rolled up his sleeves, determined to prepare something for his son. Though he was not a cook, he carefully selected the freshest fruits, warm milk, and soft pancakes, arranging them into a beautiful plate. He wanted his son to smile at something he made.

When the boy finally stirred awake, rubbing his sleepy eyes, he instinctively reached for Mama (Emma), who was already stroking his hair, whispering soft morning greetings. The father felt his heart tighten, but he swallowed his pain and approached gently.

"I made you breakfast," he said softly, setting the plate down in front of him.

The boy blinked at the plate but didn't move. Instead, his small hands reached for Mama (Emma), clinging to her arm. The father's heart clenched, but before the silence could grow heavy, Mama (Emma) smiled warmly.

"Our baby, why don't you try the food Papa made for you?" she cooed, stroking his back.

The boy hesitated before finally taking a small bite. The father's breath hitched, watching intently. When his son quietly chewed and swallowed, he felt an overwhelming wave of relief.

A Day of Bonding with Struggles

Deciding to take full leave from work, the father planned to spend the entire day with his son. He took him outside to the vast garden, holding his small hand in his large one. The boy didn't pull away this time, but he also didn't hold on too tightly.

The father carefully picked him up, carrying him like he used to when he was younger. He told him gentle stories, about how he used to rock him to sleep, about the lullabies he used to hum. But despite all his efforts, the boy's responses were short, his mind always seeking Mama (Emma) or his sisters.

When he got tired, instead of resting in his father's arms, he reached out for Mama (Emma), making his father's chest ache. He stood aside, watching as Mama (Emma) effortlessly cradled him, whispering soothing words.

The jealousy returned. It burned inside him—how easily his wife and daughters could make their little one laugh, how they could hold him without hesitation. And yet, when it was his turn, the hesitation remained.

A Family's Support

That evening, as the father sat silently, Mama (Emma) approached, placing a gentle hand on his.

"He still loves you," she whispered, seeing the sadness in his eyes. "He's just scared. But we will help him remember."

The sisters joined in, nodding.

"We'll make a game!" Olivia suggested. "Something fun where he won't feel nervous being with you."

And so, a game was planned, where the little one would run from one family member to another, laughing as they caught him. When it was finally his father's turn, there was a brief moment of hesitation—but then, he ran into his arms.

The father lifted him up high, spinning him in the air as his son let out a small giggle. His heart soared.

A Nighttime Moment

As night fell, Mama (Emma) prepared their son for bed. As always, the boy reached for her, curling up beside her warmth. The father stood near the doorway, feeling like an outsider once again.

But Mama (Emma) noticed. She lifted their son gently, guiding him between them.

"Tonight, let's sleep together," she whispered softly.

The boy hesitated before slowly moving closer to his father. A tiny, hesitant hand reached out, grasping his father's larger one. The father's breath caught in his throat as he felt the small fingers curl around his own.

Tears welled up in his eyes as he gently squeezed his son's hand, feeling, for the first time in a long time, like a father again.

And as their son drifted to sleep between them, the father silently promised—he would never let go again.