Chapter 98:

The morning light seeped through the luxurious curtains, casting a soft golden glow over the room. I stirred slightly, feeling the warmth surrounding me. My body ached, and the bandages wrapped around me felt tight, but none of it compared to the comfort of being held in Mama's arms. Her scent, a mix of jasmine and warmth, was the safest place in the world.

She hadn't let go of me all night. Even now, her arms remained wrapped around me protectively, her gentle breaths tickling the top of my head. I knew she hadn't truly slept; I could feel the tension in her embrace, the silent fear that refused to leave her heart. Every now and then, she would stroke my hair, whispering soft reassurances even though I was asleep.

I blinked, my vision hazy as I glanced around. My father was seated at the edge of the bed, his hands clasped together, eyes red and tired as if he had been watching over me the entire time. My seven sisters were nearby, sprawled across couches and chairs, their usual elegance replaced by exhaustion. They had stayed with me, unwilling to leave my side even for a moment.

"Mama…" My voice came out weak, barely more than a whisper.

Immediately, she stirred, tightening her hold on me as she pulled back to look into my eyes. The moment our gazes met, her lips trembled, and fresh tears welled up in her eyes. "My baby… you're awake."

Her voice cracked, filled with so much emotion that it made my chest ache. She cupped my cheeks gently, her thumbs brushing away the sleep from my face. "Are you in pain, sweetheart?"

I shook my head weakly. "No, Mama… I feel safe."

Her breath hitched, and she pulled me back into her embrace, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. "That's all that matters," she murmured. "You are safe. You are home."

A sniffle caught my attention, and I turned my head slightly to see Olivia wiping her tears, while Sophia reached out to gently touch my hand. "You scared us, little one," Sophia whispered. "We thought we might lose you."

I hated seeing them cry. I reached out with my small fingers, though I barely had the strength to lift them. Sophia immediately took my hand in hers, holding it close to her chest as if afraid I'd vanish. "I'm still here," I whispered. "I won't go anywhere."

Papa let out a shaky breath, running a hand through his already disheveled hair. "Noah…" His voice was thick with guilt. "I failed you… again."

I frowned slightly. "Papa, don't say that…"

He shook his head. "I was supposed to protect you, and yet… I couldn't stop this from happening. I promised I would be better."

Mama placed a hand over his, her gaze firm yet filled with understanding. "We will all do better. No one will ever get close enough to hurt him again."

There was a moment of silence before Emily adjusted her glasses, her voice steady but determined. "I have already improved our security systems. There won't be a second chance for anyone to take him away from us."

Isabella crossed her arms, her expression dark. "The ones responsible are already being dealt with. We'll find out who dared to target our baby brother."

Charlotte sighed, wiping her eyes. "But for now… we just want to be with you, Noah. We just want to love you."

I looked at all of them—my mother, my father, my sisters. They had always been strong, untouchable, unshakable in everything they did. But now, they were vulnerable, their emotions laid bare. Because of me. Because they loved me that much.

Tears filled my own eyes as I whispered, "I love you all."

Mama's breath hitched, and she kissed my forehead again. "We love you more, baby."

For the rest of the morning, my sisters took turns pampering me. Olivia read me my favorite stories, while Mia hummed soft lullabies. Charlotte insisted on dressing me in the softest silk pajamas, ensuring nothing irritated my wounds. Emily kept fussing over my medicine, while Isabella and Sophia made sure no unnecessary visitors disturbed me.

Papa never left my side, though he remained quiet for most of the time, simply holding my hand as if grounding himself with my presence.

By noon, news of my kidnapping and rescue had spread throughout the world. The ones who had been captured were being interrogated, and my family was determined to uncover the mastermind behind the attack. But none of that mattered to me at this moment.

All I cared about was that I was home, safe in my mother's arms, surrounded by my family's love.

As Mama held me close, humming a lullaby, I let my eyes flutter shut, allowing myself to finally rest.

Because no matter what, I knew I was never alone.