Chapter 102: A Mother's Unyielding Love

A soft whimper escaped my lips as I stirred awake, my body aching, my mind clouded with fear. The remnants of my nightmare still clung to me like shadows, making my tiny frame tremble. Warmth enveloped me—Mama's arms, her embrace unwavering. I buried my face into her chest, gripping her nightgown as if letting go would pull me back into the darkness.

"Mama…" My voice was barely above a whisper, fragile like the petals of a flower swaying in the wind.

Emma immediately tightened her hold on me, her heart aching at the vulnerability in my tone. "I'm here, my baby. Mama's here," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion as she ran her fingers through my hair.

Tears welled in my eyes, but I fought them back. "I'm scared…"

Mama's breath hitched. She pressed a kiss to my forehead, her touch soothing, yet I could feel the silent pain radiating from her. "No one will ever take you away again, my love. I swear on my life."

Papa, who had been watching quietly, clenched his fists, his gaze filled with sorrow. He had failed me before, but never again. Never again would he allow harm to reach me.

The door creaked open, and one by one, my sisters entered, their eyes filled with love and concern. Without hesitation, they surrounded the bed, forming an unbreakable shield around me.

Sophia gently stroked my hair. "We're here, little one."

Olivia wiped away a stray tear that had slipped down my cheek. "No one can hurt you anymore."

Isabella, the strongest of them all, knelt by the bed and took my hand, her voice unusually soft. "I swear, if anyone dares to come near you with bad intentions, they will regret it."

Emily adjusted her glasses, her expression serious. "I will personally upgrade our security system to ensure absolute safety."

Charlotte, ever the emotional one, sniffled. "You're our baby, Noah. And we'll protect you, no matter what."

Mia sang a soft lullaby, her voice a soothing melody that made my eyes flutter.

Lily, my gentle professor sister, placed her hand on my forehead. "You need to rest, baby brother."

Warmth. That was what I felt. The love that radiated from them was overwhelming, but in a way that made my heart feel lighter, safer. I wasn't alone. Not anymore.

Morning arrived too soon.

Mama refused to let go of me, carrying me in her arms like I was the most precious thing in the world. She fed me, wiped my lips, and adjusted my bandages with such care that it made my chest tighten. The maids and butlers watched with admiration and awe—no one had ever seen the Queen of Business, the most powerful woman in the world, so devoted to anything like this.

Dr. Bennett, the doctor Mama had hired, arrived at the mansion. He examined me carefully before speaking, his tone professional yet kind. "Noah's condition is improving, but he needs to move a little. If he remains still for too long, his muscles will weaken."

Mama stiffened, her arms tightening around me instinctively. "No. He is in pain. I won't let him suffer."

"Mama…" I whispered, looking up at her with wide eyes.

Papa placed a hand on Mama's shoulder. "Emma, he needs to heal properly."

My sisters nodded in agreement. "If he doesn't move, his body won't recover fully," Olivia added.

Mama hesitated, her lips pressed into a thin line. The fear of seeing me struggle was too much for her heart to bear. But then, I reached up, my tiny fingers grazing her cheek.

"Mama," I said softly. "I will try."

Tears welled in her eyes. "My baby, you don't have to push yourself…"

I shook my head weakly. "I don't want to make you sad."

Silence filled the room. Then, with a shuddering breath, Mama nodded. "Okay, my love. But only if you promise to tell me the moment you feel any pain."

I nodded. "Promise."

With everyone's help, I was carefully lifted to my feet. My legs wobbled, pain shooting through them, but before I could fall, Mama's arms caught me.

"It's okay, sweetheart. Mama's got you."

One step. Another. My legs felt like they would give out at any moment, but every time I stumbled, my family was there to catch me. Mama's hands held mine tightly, her warmth giving me strength.

I looked up at her, my vision blurry with unshed tears. "Mama… as long as you're with me… I'm not afraid."

A sob escaped her lips, and she pulled me into her embrace. "Oh, my baby…" She kissed my forehead, her tears mixing with my own. "I will always be with you. Always."

As my sisters clapped and Papa placed a hand on my back, I knew one thing for certain—

I was loved. I was protected. And no matter what, I would never be alone again.