Chapter 6: A Day on Set with Olivia

I woke up feeling warm and safe. Mama was still asleep, her arms wrapped tightly around me like she was afraid I'd disappear. I could hear the soft breathing of Father beside us. The room was big, with golden chandeliers and huge windows letting in the morning light. Everything felt too fancy, too new. It still didn't feel like home, but it was better than my uncle's house. No one was yelling here. No one was hitting me.

I moved a little, and Mama stirred. Her eyes fluttered open, and when she saw me awake, she smiled. It was a soft, gentle smile, different from the one she gave to the bodyguards or the doctors.

"My baby is awake," she whispered, stroking my cheek.

I still wasn't used to this. To her warmth, to her kindness. But it felt nice, even if I didn't understand it yet.

"Good morning, sweetheart," Father said from the other side, his voice deep and full of warmth. He ruffled my hair, making me pout a little.

Just then, the door burst open, and my sisters rushed in.

"Good morning, baby brother!" Charlotte cheered, running to my side and lifting me up before I could react. "Did you sleep well?"

"I was sleeping," I mumbled, making them giggle.

Sophia, standing near the door, sighed. "Charlotte, put him down before you squeeze him too hard."

Charlotte huffed but obeyed, setting me back down. Mia clapped her hands excitedly. "Guess what? Today, you're coming with me to my recording studio! It's going to be so much fun!"

"No way!" Olivia stepped forward, flipping her silky hair. "He's coming with me to my movie set today. He'll get to see all the lights and cameras!"

The room filled with arguments as my sisters all tried to claim me for the day. Mama sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Enough. You're scaring him."

They all quieted, but I could tell they weren't happy. I just watched them, confused. No one had ever fought over me before. It was weird.

Mama looked at me gently. "Sweetheart, do you want to go with Olivia today? You'll get to see how movies are made."

I hesitated, glancing at Olivia. She was smiling brightly, her eyes filled with excitement. "Will it be fun?" I asked quietly.

"The best," she promised. "And you'll get to meet my co-stars."

I wasn't sure what that meant, but I nodded. Olivia squealed in excitement, scooping me up. "Then let's go!"

The movie set was huge. There were so many people running around, setting up big cameras and bright lights. I clung to Olivia's hand, feeling a little overwhelmed.

"Don't worry, little one," Olivia said softly, squeezing my hand. "You're safe with me."

Everyone on set greeted Olivia warmly, but the moment they saw me, their eyes widened.

"Is this… your little brother?" one of the directors asked.

Olivia beamed. "Yes! This is my precious baby brother."

To my surprise, everyone started treating me like I was some kind of prince. People brought me snacks, adjusted the lights so they wouldn't be too bright for me, and even gave me a special chair to sit in next to Olivia.

I watched as Olivia got ready for a scene. She changed into a fancy dress, and her makeup artist made her look even prettier. "Are you a princess?" I asked, tilting my head.

Olivia laughed. "No, silly. But I do play one in this movie."

She acted in front of the cameras, pretending to cry and laugh on command. It was amazing. I didn't understand how she could do that. When the director yelled "cut," she immediately turned back to me, all smiles.

"How was that, baby brother?"

I blinked. "You were crying just now."

She grinned. "It's called acting. Want to try?"

I hesitated. "I don't know how."

"I'll teach you!" she said excitedly, pulling me onto the set. Everyone watched with amused smiles as Olivia showed me how to pretend to be sad, then happy, then scared. It was a little fun, even if I wasn't very good.

The entire day passed with Olivia doting on me, introducing me to everyone, and making sure I was comfortable. By the time we got home, I was exhausted. Mama was waiting for me, smiling as she took me from Olivia's arms.

"Did you have fun?" she asked, brushing my hair back.

I nodded sleepily. "Olivia is really good at pretending."

Mama chuckled. "Yes, she is."

My sisters surrounded me, eager to hear about my day. They all looked at me like I was the most important thing in the world. My heart felt warm, but I still wasn't sure why.

Maybe… just maybe, this new family wasn't so bad after all.