Chapter 40: A Father’s Silent Tears and a Mother’s Protective Heart

The warmth of the morning sun peeked through the grand windows, casting a golden glow over the luxurious bedroom. The protagonist stirred, his tiny body curled comfortably in his father's arms. His small hands clutched the fabric of his father's shirt, his breathing soft and even. His father, who had spent so many sleepless nights longing for this moment, held his breath, not wanting to wake his son too soon.

Lying beside them, Mama (Emma) watched with a conflicted heart. A part of her melted at the sight of her baby clinging to his father so naturally, something she had prayed for. But another part of her—possessive, motherly, and jealous—ached at the absence of his warmth in her own embrace. She had worked so hard to earn his love, yet here he was, holding onto his father instead of her. She swallowed the sting of jealousy, knowing this was what was best for their son.

The peaceful silence was soon broken when the protagonist yawned, stretching slightly before his sleepy eyes fluttered open. He looked up, his gaze meeting his father's for the first time that morning.

"Good morning, Daddy," he mumbled sleepily, his voice laced with warmth and affection.

His father felt his chest tighten with emotion. It was the first time his son had called him 'Daddy' without hesitation, without fear. Tears burned in his eyes, but he quickly blinked them away, offering his son a warm smile.

"Good morning, my little one," he whispered, pressing a kiss to his son's forehead.

Mama (Emma) watched in stunned silence, her heart clenching painfully. For weeks, she had been the one her son ran to, the one he clung to at night, the one he slept on top of like a little koala. But now, it was his father who received those affections, leaving her feeling unexpectedly empty.

She forced a smile and reached out to stroke her son's hair. "Did you sleep well, baby?" she asked gently.

The protagonist turned his head slightly, nodding but not reaching for her like he usually did. Instead, he buried his face against his father's chest.

Mama (Emma) felt a pang of something sharp in her heart.

Breakfast and the Jealous Hearts

At the grand dining table, the sisters sat around their little brother as they always did, but something was different today. Their baby brother, who usually climbed onto their laps or demanded to be fed by hand, was now sitting beside their father, eating obediently.

When Olivia tried to lift him onto her lap, he shook his head. "I want to sit with Daddy," he said simply.

Silence. Seven sisters exchanged glances, their hearts sinking. He always sat on their laps. Always.

Isabella tried next. "Baby, do you want to come with me to the base today? We can see the soldiers and—"

"I want to go with Daddy," he interrupted, smiling up at his father.

The room felt colder. Mama (Emma) tightened her grip on her fork, while the sisters struggled to maintain their smiles. Their little brother was slipping away, and the pain was sharper than they expected.

A Father-Son Outing and a Mother's Hidden Pain

His father decided to take him out alone for the first time. Before, Mama (Emma) and the sisters never allowed it, but today, they reluctantly let it happen.

As the protagonist laughed and played with his father, riding in luxury cars, eating his favorite sweets, and exploring the world outside, Mama (Emma) watched from afar. Her heart twisted painfully every time her son giggled, knowing she wasn't the cause of that happiness today. The sisters, too, felt restless, missing the way he would demand to hold their hands.

That evening, when they returned home, Mama (Emma) reached out her arms expectantly, thinking her baby would run into them as he always did.

But he ran past her—straight into his father's embrace.

Something inside her cracked.

She turned away, biting her lip to stop herself from saying something selfish. The sisters shared the same heartbreak, watching the bond they had nurtured shift toward their father.

Nightfall and a Mother's Breaking Point

That night, as the protagonist lay in bed, he was no longer nestled against Mama (Emma). Instead, his arms were wrapped around his father, his small head resting on his chest. Mama (Emma) lay beside them, feeling an ache unlike anything she had before.

She had fought so hard to earn his love. And now, he was slipping away.

Swallowing her pride, she reached out and stroked his soft hair, her voice barely above a whisper. "Do you love Mama?" she asked, unable to hide her vulnerability.

The protagonist lifted his head slightly. "Of course, Mama. I love you lots."

Her heart skipped a beat, but then he snuggled deeper into his father's embrace, adding, "But I missed Daddy so much. I want to be with him now."

Tears welled in her eyes, but she forced a bright smile. "That's good, my baby. Mama is happy for you."

But as she turned away, silent tears slipped down her face.

And for the first time, the sisters held their mother's hand instead of their little brother's, knowing they all shared the same pain.

A Father's Triumph, A Mother's Fear

As his father held him close that night, he finally felt complete. His son had forgiven him. He had his love. And nothing could take that away.

But Mama (Emma) and the sisters lay awake, wondering—would their baby ever come back to them the way he once had? Or had they lost a piece of him forever?

The battle for his love had begun again, but this time, it was Mama (Emma) and the sisters who felt like they were on the losing side.