Chapter 37: The First Steps Toward Healing

The soft glow of the morning sun filtered through the grand windows of the mansion, casting a golden hue over the elegant furnishings. The protagonist stirred in his bed, his tiny form curled up beneath the silk sheets. His long lashes fluttered as he stretched, only to feel the comforting presence of Mama (Emma) beside him. She had slept next to him, as always, ensuring he never woke up alone.

His small hands clung to her dress instinctively, a sign that despite his slow acceptance of her love, he still found warmth and safety in her presence. Emma smiled, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead before gently stroking his hair.

"Good morning, my little prince," she whispered softly, her voice filled with endless affection.

The boy rubbed his sleepy eyes and looked up at her. He hesitated before mumbling, "Morning… Mama."

Emma's heart soared at the way he addressed her so naturally now. She pulled him into a warm embrace, cherishing the moment as if it were the most precious thing in the world. She knew how fragile his emotions still were, and she vowed to continue showering him with love until he fully healed.

A Father's Determination

Downstairs, his father paced back and forth in the lavish living room, his nerves getting the best of him. Today, he had decided he would personally take care of his son's morning routine. Though Emma and the sisters had guided him on how to get closer to his little boy, he still felt a barrier between them. He feared that if he did not act now, he would lose his chance to mend their broken bond.

As Emma carried their son down the grand staircase, the father straightened up and approached them. He extended his hands toward his son hesitantly, silently asking to carry him. The boy instinctively tightened his grip on Mama (Emma), his small face burying into her shoulder.

The father's heart clenched, but he forced a warm smile. "Let's go have breakfast together today. Just the two of us?" he asked, trying not to let the pain of rejection show on his face.

Emma gently stroked her son's back, whispering softly, "Why don't you go with Daddy? Mama will be right behind you."

The boy hesitated, his little hands still gripping Emma's dress. But after a long moment, he slowly loosened his grip. Emma carefully passed him to his father, watching as her husband held their son close to his chest. The father's arms trembled slightly, not because the boy was heavy, but because he had waited so long for this moment.

As he held his son, he felt the warmth of his small body against him—a warmth he had missed for too long. It reminded him of the past, when his son used to cling to him every night before everything fell apart.

A Slow Acceptance

Breakfast was a quiet affair. The boy sat beside his father, still wary but no longer completely rejecting his presence. His father carefully cut up his food, placing small portions on his plate. When the boy hesitated to eat, his father took a spoonful and gently brought it to his lips.

"Just one bite?" he asked softly.

The boy looked at the spoon, then at his father. There was a long pause before he slowly opened his mouth, allowing his father to feed him. A rush of emotion overwhelmed the father, and he struggled to keep his hands from shaking.

Emma and the sisters, watching from a distance, exchanged soft smiles. This was progress—small, but precious.

A Silent Promise

Later that evening, after another day filled with subtle but meaningful interactions, the father found himself standing by his son's bed. The boy had fallen asleep in Mama (Emma)'s arms, his little face peaceful and relaxed.

The father knelt beside them, his fingers hesitantly brushing against his son's tiny hand. A lump formed in his throat as he whispered, "I won't leave you again. I promise… I'll be the father you deserve."

Emma, hearing his words, reached out and placed a reassuring hand over his. "You're already taking the first steps, my love. Just be patient. He'll come to you… just like he came to us."

The father looked at his sleeping son and nodded. He knew the road ahead would be long, but for the first time in years, he felt hope.

And hope was enough to keep him going.