Chapter 103 – A Promise of Forever

The warmth of Mama's embrace never wavered. Even in my sleep, I could feel her arms wrapped around me, shielding me from everything that had ever hurt me. Her heartbeat was steady, a rhythm that lulled me into a sense of safety I had never truly known before. I burrowed closer, my fingers clutching the fabric of her dress as if letting go would mean losing everything.

I wasn't sure when I had fallen asleep, but when I stirred awake, the first thing I saw was Mama's face. She was still holding me, her hand gently stroking my hair, her eyes filled with a love so deep it made my chest ache. Papa was sitting nearby, his usually confident expression softened by worry, and my sisters surrounded the bed, their protective presence forming a barrier between me and the world outside.

For a moment, I just lay there, soaking in the warmth, the love, the safety. But then, a shadow of fear crawled into my mind. The men who had taken me—the dark room, the ropes, the pain—I couldn't forget. My tiny fingers tightened around Mama's dress, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Mama… will they come back?"

The room fell into a heavy silence. I saw Mama's expression change—her soft eyes hardened, her grip on me tightened ever so slightly. She tilted my chin up, forcing me to look at her. "No, my love. No one will ever take you from me again."

I wanted to believe her. I really did. But the fear in my heart was stubborn. I turned my gaze to Papa. "Really?"

He leaned forward, his large hand covering mine. "I swear it, son. I won't let anyone near you."

Before I could speak again, Olivia, my second sister, leaned down, her hands resting on my cheeks. "I will always be your shield, Noah. No one will ever hurt you again. I promise."

Isabella, my third sister, stood with her arms crossed, her expression cold and sharp. "Whoever dared to harm you won't live to see another day." Her voice sent a shiver down my spine, but not out of fear—out of the realization that she meant every word.

Emily adjusted her glasses, her intelligent eyes filled with determination. "I'll enhance the security system to ensure no threat even comes close to you."

Mia sat on the bed, taking my hand in hers. "I'll always be here to sing to you, to make you feel safe."

Charlotte, my fashion-designer sister, wiped a stray tear from her cheek. "And I will design something—anything—that will always keep you protected."

Lily, the youngest of my sisters, gently touched my forehead. "I will stay by your side and teach you everything you need to be strong."

Sophia, my eldest sister, sat beside Mama and ran a gentle hand through my hair. "You don't have to be afraid anymore, Noah. We are your family. We will always be here."

I felt overwhelmed. So much love. So much protection. I had spent so long feeling alone, abandoned, unwanted. And now… now, I had them. All of them. My throat tightened, and fresh tears welled in my eyes.

Mama pulled me even closer, pressing a kiss to my forehead. "You are my world, my baby. No matter how many times you wake up afraid, I will always be here to hold you."

I let out a shaky breath, finally allowing myself to relax. Maybe… maybe I really was safe now. Maybe, for the first time, I could believe in love.

As the night deepened, Mama instructed the maids to bring my favorite plush toys and warm blankets. My sisters stayed beside me, telling me stories, distracting me from the lingering fear. Papa sat by the bedside, never looking away, his presence solid and reassuring.

Slowly, the fear in my heart began to fade. Slowly, I began to trust in the warmth that surrounded me. And as I drifted off to sleep, wrapped in Mama's arms, I knew one thing for sure—

I was home.

And I was never alone again.