Chapter 96:

The night was quiet, yet the weight of everything that had happened still lingered in the air. Mama held me close, her arms wrapped protectively around me, as if she could shield me from the nightmares that still lurked in the back of my mind. My sisters were spread across the room, refusing to leave, their faces etched with worry and exhaustion. Papa stood near the window, his hands clenched into fists as he stared out into the darkness, lost in his thoughts.

I buried my face into Mama's chest, her scent calming me, but deep down, the fear hadn't left me. Every time I closed my eyes, I could see the masked men reaching for me, hear their cold voices whispering threats. My tiny fingers clung to Mama's dress, afraid that if I let go, I would wake up back in that horrible place.

"My baby," Mama whispered, running her fingers through my hair. "I won't let anyone take you away from me ever again. No matter what happens, you are safe here."

I looked up at her, my voice barely above a whisper. "Promise?"

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she smiled as she kissed my forehead. "I promise."

My sisters, who had been silent all this time, slowly gathered closer. Olivia reached out and brushed a tear from my cheek. "You never have to be afraid again, Noah. We're always here."

Sophia knelt beside the bed, taking my small hand in hers. "And we'll make sure whoever did this pays for what they did to you."

I saw Papa turn around, his eyes dark with something I couldn't understand. He sat at the edge of the bed, his fingers gently stroking my bandaged arm. "Noah, I swear on my life, I will never let anyone hurt you again. I should have protected you… and I failed." His voice broke, and I could see the guilt written all over his face.

I didn't know what to say. I wanted to tell him it was okay, but was it? I had been so scared. I still was.

The night passed slowly, but I finally drifted off to sleep, comforted by the warmth surrounding me.

When I woke up, the soft morning light streamed into the room. Mama was still beside me, her arms wrapped around me like a shield. The moment my eyes fluttered open, she stirred, immediately cupping my cheek. "Good morning, my love. Are you feeling okay?"

I nodded sleepily, but my body ached terribly. Even moving my fingers felt difficult. Seeing the wince on my face, Mama's brows furrowed. "You're still in pain. I'll call the doctor immediately."

Before she could move, Papa stepped forward with a tray. "Let him eat first." His voice was gentle, but there was a desperation in his eyes. "I'll feed him."

I blinked up at him in surprise. Papa rarely did things like this, but today, his hands shook as he picked up the spoon, carefully bringing it to my lips. I hesitated, but when I saw the sadness in his eyes, I parted my lips, allowing him to feed me.

He let out a shaky breath as if relieved, and I heard Olivia sniffle in the background. "Look at that… Papa is finally being useful."

"Hey!" Papa protested, though his lips twitched slightly. The tension in the room lifted just a little.

After breakfast, my sisters took turns entertaining me. Mia hummed a sweet lullaby, her voice soft and soothing. Charlotte excitedly showed me new clothes she designed, making me giggle when she dramatically explained how cute I would look in them. Emily presented a tiny security bracelet, fastening it around my wrist. "If anything ever happens, just press this, and all of us will know. We'll come running."

I looked down at the bracelet, feeling overwhelmed. "All of you love me so much…"

Mama tightened her hold on me. "More than anything."

I smiled weakly, but the moment Mama shifted away to speak with the doctor, a wave of panic washed over me. My heart pounded, and my breath quickened. "Mama…!"

She immediately turned, her hands back on my cheeks. "I'm here, baby. I'm not going anywhere."

Tears burned in my eyes. "Don't leave…"

She hugged me tightly. "Never."

My sisters exchanged worried glances, their anger rising. "Whoever did this," Isabella growled, "they're going to regret it."

At that moment, Papa's phone rang. He answered, listening intently. His expression darkened, his jaw tightening. When he hung up, he turned to Mama and my sisters. "They found the person responsible."

Silence fell over the room. Mama's hold on me tightened, and my sisters' faces hardened with fury.

I didn't understand everything, but I knew one thing—whoever had tried to take me away from my family was going to pay.

And this time, my family wouldn't show mercy.