Chapter 92

As the gentle hum of the car engine filled the air, I lay nestled in Mama's arms, my tiny body wrapped in the warmth of her embrace. The rhythmic beating of her heart was the only sound that truly mattered to me. Her grip was firm, yet gentle, as if she was afraid I would disappear if she let go.

Papa sat beside us, his hand resting on my bandaged arm as his eyes remained glued to my face. The worry in his expression was impossible to miss. My seven sisters surrounded me, their protective presence forming a barrier that no harm could ever penetrate again. I felt their eyes on me, their love pouring into me, but I was still too weak to speak much.

When we finally reached home, Mama refused to let anyone else carry me. "No one touches my baby," she declared firmly, her voice leaving no room for argument. Carefully, she stepped out of the car, cradling me close to her chest, and made her way inside.

The grand mansion welcomed us with its familiar warmth, but this time, the atmosphere was different. The air was thick with tension, and every single staff member stood in silence, their gazes fixed on me.

The moment we entered our bedroom, Mama gently placed me in the middle of the bed, adjusting the pillows to make sure I was comfortable. "Are you in pain, my love?" she asked softly, brushing my hair from my face.

I shook my head weakly. "No, Mama."

Tears welled in her eyes as she caressed my cheek. "My precious baby…"

Papa knelt beside the bed, his hands trembling as he touched my bandaged fingers. "I'm sorry, son… I'm so sorry…" His voice cracked, and I could feel the guilt in his words.

My sisters surrounded the bed, their faces filled with sadness and anger. Olivia leaned down, her voice barely above a whisper. "We won't let anyone hurt you again, little one. Never again."

Sophia's usually composed face was shadowed with sorrow. "You're home now, Noah. You're safe."

As I looked at all of them, warmth spread through my chest. I was truly loved. I was truly protected.

A soft knock on the door interrupted the moment. It was the head maid, her eyes red from crying. She stepped forward hesitantly and knelt beside the bed. "Young Master… I-I'm so sorry," she whispered, her voice shaking. "I failed to protect you."

Confused, I tilted my head. "Maid sister… why are you crying?"

She sobbed, covering her mouth with her hands. "Because… because I wasn't there for you…"

I blinked at her, my weak voice barely audible. "But I had fun playing with you in the garden…"

A strangled cry escaped her lips, and she bowed her head even lower. "You're too kind, Young Master…"

Mama reached out and touched the maid's shoulder. "It wasn't your fault. But from now on, I will personally ensure that nothing like this ever happens again."

Papa nodded, his voice firm. "We will tighten security. I will not take chances with my son's safety anymore."

My sisters, standing around me like my own personal army, shared a single determined look.

Emily adjusted her glasses. "I'll improve the security systems."

Isabella crossed her arms. "I'll increase the number of bodyguards."

Charlotte wiped her tears. "And I'll design something that will always keep him safe."

I listened to all of them, my heart feeling lighter despite my exhaustion. For the first time in my life, I wasn't just surviving—I was living. I was cherished. I was theirs.

As the night fell, Mama and Papa climbed into bed beside me. I curled up against Mama, feeling the warmth of her arms around me. My sisters stayed in the room for a long time, watching over me as if they were afraid I'd disappear.

I wasn't afraid anymore. I was home. And no matter what happened, I knew one thing for sure: I was never alone.

Later that night, I jolted awake with a sharp gasp, my tiny body trembling uncontrollably. The darkness of the room pressed down on me, and suddenly, I was back in that cold, terrifying place—the ropes cutting into my wrists, the muffled voices, the paralyzing fear that no one would come for me. Tears streamed down my cheeks before I could even understand what was happening. My breath hitched, coming out in desperate, broken sobs.

"Mama… don't let them take me again…" I whimpered, my voice barely more than a breath.

Instantly, Mama's arms wrapped around me, pulling me into her warmth. "Shhh, my love. You're safe. No one will ever take you away from me," she whispered, rocking me gently. I buried my face in her chest, clutching her nightgown as if letting go would make me disappear.

The bed dipped as my sisters rushed to my side, their worried voices blending into a chorus of comfort. Olivia stroked my hair, whispering, "We're here, sweetheart. We're right here."

Sophia kissed my forehead, her hands trembling as she wiped my tears. "No one will ever hurt you again, Noah. We won't allow it."

Papa stood in the doorway, his eyes filled with a pain so deep it made my heart ache. He clenched his fists, his jaw tight with restrained emotion. "I failed you… but never again. Never again." His voice cracked, and he turned away, unable to meet my eyes.

I wanted to tell him it wasn't his fault. I wanted to tell him that I still loved him. But the words wouldn't come. I just held onto Mama tighter, afraid that if I let go, the nightmares would return.

Emily adjusted the blanket around me. "Maybe he should sleep now. He needs rest."

"He's not sleeping alone," Isabella said firmly, crossing her arms. "We're staying. All of us."

Charlotte sniffled, wiping her tears. "I just want him to feel safe."

Mama nodded, tightening her embrace around me. "Then stay. He needs us."

As my sobs quieted, Mama began humming softly, her voice filled with love and warmth. I felt the gentle rise and fall of her chest, the steady rhythm of her heart against my ear. The melody lulled me, wrapping around me like a soft cocoon of safety.

My eyes fluttered closed, exhaustion pulling me under. Even as sleep took over, I could still feel their hands holding me, their love surrounding me. And for the first time in what felt like forever, I believed it.

I was safe. I was home. And no matter what haunted my dreams, I knew I would never be alone again.