Chapter 2: A New Home, A New Family

The quiet hum of the car's engine filled the air as I sat between my father and the woman who had come to my rescue. My small hands were wrapped in soft bandages, and my body still ached from the wounds I had suffered at my uncle's hands. The hospital visit had been filled with hushed whispers between the doctors and my father, and I could see the silent fury burning in his eyes. The woman beside him—my supposed mother—hadn't stopped holding me since we left the hospital, her arms firm and protective.

I still didn't understand what was happening. My father had promised to bring my mother back with him, yet this unfamiliar woman was here instead. My chest tightened at the thought. Had he lied to me? I pushed the thought away. Maybe she had just changed... maybe time had made her different.

The massive mansion came into view, standing tall and imposing under the evening sky. The sleek black gates opened automatically, revealing a beautifully lit driveway leading up to the grand estate. I stared in awe. This wasn't just a house; it was a palace.

"Welcome home, sweetheart," the woman beside me whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. Her touch was warm, almost too warm, and I found myself stiffening against it.

The car rolled to a stop, and before I could even register what was happening, the doors swung open. The next thing I knew, a group of beautiful young women—no, older sisters—surrounded me. Their eyes were wide with excitement, their faces glowing with happiness as they all gazed at me like I was the most precious thing in the world.

"He's finally here!" one of them, with wavy chestnut hair and a gentle smile, squealed.

"He's so small! Look at those cheeks," another said, reaching out to pinch my face before stopping herself, as if afraid I might break.

I instinctively shrank back, overwhelmed by the sudden attention. Their faces fell slightly at my reaction, but none of them backed away.

"Come, darling," the woman beside me—my mother—said, lifting me into her arms with ease. I was too weak to protest.

I was carried inside, and the moment we stepped through the grand entrance, I was left speechless. The mansion's interior was even more breathtaking than the outside—white marble floors, crystal chandeliers, golden railings. Everything sparkled. It looked like something straight out of a fairy tale.

One by one, my new sisters introduced themselves.

"I'm Sophia, your eldest sister," the elegant woman in a business suit said with a warm smile. "I run a company, but from now on, you are my number one priority."

"I'm Olivia, a famous actress," the second sister, with striking green eyes, said. "I'll make sure you live like a prince."

"I'm Isabella, a military leader," another said with a firm but kind expression. "If anyone tries to hurt you again, I'll destroy them."

"I'm Emily, a scientist," the next one said, adjusting her glasses. "I'll take care of all your health concerns."

"I'm Charlotte, a fashion designer," the fifth sister said, holding my hand gently. "You'll always look perfect."

"I'm Mia, a singer," the next one beamed. "I'll sing lullabies for you every night."

"And I'm Lily," the last sister said with a warm smile. "I'm a university professor. I'll teach you everything you want to know."

I didn't know how to respond. They all seemed so kind and welcoming, yet I couldn't shake off the unease in my chest.

After a while, my supposed mother spoke again. "From now on, you'll sleep in my room," she announced. "All your clothes and things are already moved there."

Immediately, my sisters protested. "That's not fair! He should sleep with me!" "No, with me!" "Why does he get to stay with you?"

Their mother gave them a sharp look, and they instantly fell silent. "No more arguments. He is my little baby. He will sleep with me."

The sisters grumbled, crossing their arms, but they didn't argue further. My father chuckled, pulling them into a hug. "Don't worry, girls. He's not going anywhere. You'll all have time with him."

I looked around at their smiling faces, my heart still unsure of what to feel. They all seemed so happy to have me here, but could I really trust them? I lowered my gaze, gripping the blanket wrapped around me. My mind was filled with too many emotions to process.

For now, all I knew was that my life had changed forever.