My Billionaire Stepmother and Seven Sisters

The morning sun cast a golden glow over the mansion as I rubbed my sleepy eyes. Like every morning, I expected Mama (Emma) to be the first person I saw. But today, it was different. A warm, large hand gently stroked my head, and when I blinked up, I saw Papa looking at me with soft eyes filled with emotions I couldn't quite understand.

"Good morning, my little one," he whispered, his voice filled with warmth and something else... longing?

I stared at him, still groggy, unsure of how to respond. Normally, it was Mama (Emma) who would lift me up, fix my hair, and shower me with kisses, but today, it was Papa.

"Mama (Emma) and your sisters told me you love warm milk in the morning," he said, holding out a cup to me.

I hesitated, glancing around. Mama (Emma) was always the one to feed me, to make sure everything was just right. But Papa's expression was gentle, hopeful. I slowly reached for the cup.

Papa's eyes shone with joy as he helped me take small sips, carefully wiping away a drop of milk from my lips. It was... different. Not bad, just different.

"Today, it's just the two of us," he announced suddenly, his voice filled with excitement yet nervousness. "We're going to spend the whole day together. Just you and me, okay?"

I blinked at him, my small hands gripping my blanket. Just me and Papa? Without Mama (Emma) and my sisters? It felt strange, unfamiliar. But he looked so happy, so eager. Slowly, I nodded.

The mansion's private lake was calm, reflecting the clear blue sky. Papa held my hand as we walked toward the dock where a small, luxurious boat awaited us. He was careful, making sure I wasn't scared as we stepped in. I clutched his shirt tightly, unsure, but he gently lifted me onto his lap.

"We're not going too far," he assured me. "Just a slow, peaceful ride. If you don't like it, we can stop anytime."

The boat rocked slightly, but soon, the gentle waves became soothing. I peeked up at him, and he smiled down at me, his arms wrapped securely around my small body.

"Look, there are swans," he pointed, handing me tiny pieces of bread. "Let's feed them together."

Hesitantly, I tossed a small piece, watching as a swan gracefully glided closer and took it. I turned to Papa, eyes wide.

"You did great," he chuckled, rubbing my back. "See? They like you."

For the first time, I found myself smiling. Just a little.

As the day went on, Papa told me stories from when he was little, how he used to play in the same garden I now played in. He even told me how he used to get into trouble.

"Mama (Emma) and your sisters would scold me if they knew some of the silly things I did," he laughed, making a funny face. I giggled despite myself, covering my mouth quickly.

He froze for a second, then broke into the biggest smile I had ever seen. "Did you just laugh?" he asked dramatically, making me giggle again.

His arms suddenly wrapped around me in a tight embrace. I tensed for a moment but then, something in his warmth reminded me of Mama (Emma). Slowly, carefully, I leaned into him. Just for a second.

I didn't see the way his eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

As we returned to the mansion, a sudden loud bang echoed through the air. My small body stiffened instantly, memories of something dark flashing in my mind. I didn't even realize when I clutched onto Papa's shirt, my tiny fingers curling into the fabric.

Papa reacted immediately, lifting me into his arms.

"It's okay, little one," he whispered, rubbing my back in slow circles. "It's just a car door. Nothing bad. I promise."

I buried my face into his chest, my heartbeat pounding. He held me tighter, whispering soft reassurances, just like Mama (Emma) always did.

For the first time, I felt safe in his arms. Maybe… just maybe… Papa wasn't so bad after all.

Unbeknownst to me, Mama (Emma) and my sisters stood at the balcony, watching the entire scene unfold. Their eyes were misty, their hearts full.

"He's getting there," Mama (Emma) whispered, wiping away a tear. "He's finally getting close to our baby."

Sophia smiled softly. "I guess he needed this. He needed to feel needed."

And as Papa carried me inside, his grip protective, his heart finally at ease, he knew one thing for sure—he would never let anything take me away from him again.