My Billionaire Stepmother and Seven Sisters

The morning sun filtered through the massive windows of the mansion, casting a golden glow over my soft bed. I blinked sleepily, stretching my arms when I felt a warm hand on my forehead.

"Good morning, sweetheart," my mother's gentle voice greeted me. She was sitting beside me, stroking my hair like she always did. "Did you sleep well?"

I nodded slowly, still waking up. My sisters' voices drifted from outside my door, arguing about something again.

"I said it's my turn today!"

"You had your time yesterday! Isabella should go first!"

A deep sigh came from my mother as she rubbed her temples. "They never stop, do they?" she muttered with a smile before looking at me. "Darling, today your third sister, Isabella, will be taking care of you. Be good for her, alright?"

I tilted my head. Isabella? The one who wore a military uniform and always had a serious face? I hadn't spent much time with her, and honestly, she made me a little nervous. But before I could say anything, the door burst open, revealing a tall, imposing figure with sharp eyes and a confident stride.

"Mother," Isabella greeted, standing straight with her hands behind her back. Then she glanced at me, and her expression softened. "Good morning, little brother."

I swallowed, unsure how to respond. She was different from my other sisters—strict and disciplined, unlike Olivia's warmth or Charlotte's playfulness.

Before I could react, Isabella lifted me into her arms effortlessly. "Today, I'm taking you with me," she declared firmly, her voice leaving no room for arguments. "I'll make sure you're safe."

"Safe?" I echoed, blinking up at her.

She nodded. "You're the most precious member of this family. If anyone dares harm you, I'll personally take care of them." There was a dangerous glint in her eyes, but I could feel the sincerity in her words.

I clung to her as she carried me downstairs, passing my other sisters, who pouted at her. "Don't be too strict, Isabella," Olivia warned. "He's still a child."

"I know," Isabella replied, but she didn't loosen her grip. "That's why I need to make sure he grows up strong."

The drive to the military base was unlike anything I'd ever experienced. Soldiers stood in formation as we arrived, snapping salutes at Isabella, who nodded in return. Everyone treated her with absolute respect, their eyes filled with admiration.

I peeked out of her arms, staring at everything in awe. Giant tanks, helicopters, and countless soldiers moving in perfect synchronization—it was nothing like the luxurious places my other sisters had taken me to.

Isabella set me down gently and knelt to my level. "Listen carefully, little brother," she said in a serious tone. "You don't have to be scared here. Everyone here will protect you. You are safe with me."

I hesitated before gripping the edge of her uniform. "Will you protect me too?"

Her eyes softened. "Always."

She led me through the base, showing me everything. Soldiers smiled at me, some even kneeling to greet me properly.

"He's adorable," one of them whispered.

"General Isabella's little brother? He's practically a prince," another chuckled.

I blushed, hiding behind Isabella's leg. She let out a rare chuckle and patted my head. "See? Everyone here cares about you."

As the day went on, Isabella introduced me to basic self-defense, showing me how to punch correctly. Of course, my tiny hands barely made a dent in the training bag, but she still praised me.

"Good job," she said, ruffling my hair. "You're stronger than you think."

For the first time, I saw Isabella smile—really smile. It wasn't the sharp, commanding one she usually wore, but something warm and full of affection.

Maybe… maybe she wasn't as scary as I thought.

As the sun began to set, she lifted me onto her shoulders, carrying me back to the car. "Did you have fun?" she asked.

I hesitated, then nodded. "Yes."

She smirked. "Good. Because next time, I'll teach you how to hold a sword."

I gulped, but deep down, I felt something shift inside me. Maybe… just maybe, Isabella wasn't just my strict sister. Maybe she was my protector, too.