When I woke up, the room was still dark, but I could feel the warmth around me. My small hands clutched the soft blanket that smelled like roses and something comforting. I blinked a few times, adjusting to the dim lighting, and then realized I was curled up against her—Mama.
She held me gently, her arms wrapped around me as if protecting me from the entire world. Her breathing was slow and steady, and every time she exhaled, I felt a sense of peace. For a moment, I simply lay there, unsure of how to react. This kind of warmth was foreign to me. It felt nice… but also scary. Was it okay to enjoy this?
Suddenly, the bedroom door burst open, and a flood of giggles and whispers filled the room.
"Shh! You'll wake him up!" a voice scolded playfully.
"But I want to see him first!" another whined.
I turned my head and saw them—my sisters. Seven of them, all dressed in different styles, yet somehow they matched in the way they carried themselves. Elegant, poised, and full of energy. They all rushed to the bed, crowding around, their eyes shining with excitement.
Mama slowly opened her eyes and smiled. "Good morning, my little prince," she whispered, brushing my messy hair away from my forehead. "Did you sleep well?"
I hesitated before nodding slightly. I still wasn't sure how to respond to all of this love and attention.
"It's not fair!" Olivia pouted. "He slept with you! We wanted to sleep with him too!"
"Exactly!" Charlotte huffed. "Why does Mama get all the cuddles?"
Mama chuckled, tightening her hold on me. "Because he is my baby." Her voice was playful but firm. "And I wanted to make sure he felt safe on his first night here."
I looked at them, their faces filled with a mixture of amusement and slight jealousy. They were fighting over me? No one had ever fought for me before.
Isabella crossed her arms. "Fine. But today, he's spending time with us!"
"Yes!" Mia cheered. "We have so much planned!"
Before I could react, I was gently pulled out of the bed and carried away by Olivia, who twirled me in the air. "We're going to make this the best day ever for you!" she announced.
Mama sighed but smiled as she watched them swarm around me. "Be gentle with him," she reminded.
"Of course!" Emily adjusted her glasses. "We have everything planned perfectly."
As I was carried down the grand staircase, I saw the sheer magnificence of the mansion in daylight. Marble floors, golden chandeliers, and walls lined with paintings that looked more expensive than anything I had ever seen. Everything felt unreal, like I had stepped into a different world.
Breakfast was extravagant. A long table filled with every kind of food imaginable. Pancakes, fresh fruits, pastries, eggs, and more.
Sophia, the eldest, patted the seat next to her. "Come sit here, sweetheart."
I hesitated before climbing up onto the large chair. Immediately, a servant poured me a glass of fresh orange juice, and I stared at it, unused to being treated like this.
Charlotte smiled as she placed a napkin on my lap. "Eat as much as you want, darling. We'll make sure you always have the best meals."
I stared at my plate. Back at my uncle's house, I was used to eating whatever scraps were left after everyone else had their fill. But here… everything was mine to take. My hands trembled slightly as I reached for a fork.
As I took my first bite, the sisters watched me eagerly. "Do you like it?" Lily asked.
I nodded slowly. It was delicious. The best food I had ever tasted.
Mia clapped her hands. "Yay! We're going to spoil you so much!"
After breakfast, the day unfolded in a blur of new experiences.
Olivia took me to her massive movie set, where people treated me like a prince, offering me snacks and even a director's chair to sit in. She held my hand the entire time, proudly introducing me to everyone as "my precious little brother."
Isabella took me to a military base, where I got to see soldiers training. She lifted me onto her shoulders, pointing out different equipment and explaining things in a way that made me feel important.
Emily brought me to her laboratory, showing me fascinating inventions and letting me press buttons on machines that beeped and whirred.
Charlotte, of course, insisted on a fashion session, dressing me up in cute outfits while showering me with compliments.
Mia took me to her recording studio, where she sang a song just for me.
Lily sat me down with books, her voice soft as she read to me, making even complicated things sound magical.
And Sophia… she simply held my hand all day, making sure I felt safe, whispering comforting words whenever I seemed overwhelmed.
By the time the day ended, I was exhausted.
Mama scooped me into her arms and kissed my forehead. "Did you have fun, my love?"
I yawned and nodded. My heart felt… warm. This was different. This was new. And even though a part of me was still scared to accept it, another part—deep inside—was beginning to feel something I had never truly felt before.
Loved.