Scarlett's POV
Sam had been in my lap for days now, ever since her punishment. She was so small, so fragile without her leg, and I couldn't bear to let her out of my sight. I cradled her like the most precious thing in the world-because that's what she was to me. My sweet Sammi, my baby, my St. Onge.
I felt her stir against me as the morning light filtered through the curtains. Her head rested on my shoulder, her tiny hands clutching weakly at my dress. She was so dependent on me now, more than ever. It was perfect.
"Good morning, Sam-Sam," I cooed, brushing a strand of hair from her face. She blinked up at me, her eyes puffy and red from days of crying.
"Scarlett," she whispered, her voice cracking, "please... I can't do this anymore."
I kissed her forehead gently, rocking her in my arms. "Shh, Sammi. You don't have to do anything. I'll take care of you. Always."
Her lips quivered, and I could see the tears welling up in her eyes again. "I-I need... something. A wheelchair, a prosthetic-anything."
My smile faltered, and I held her tighter. "No," I said firmly, my tone leaving no room for argument. "You don't need those things, Sammi. You don't need anything but me."
Her face twisted with frustration and fear. "Scarlett, I can't-"
"You can," I interrupted, my voice soft but insistent. "Because I'm here. You don't need to walk, you don't need to stand. I'll carry you everywhere. You're my baby, and I'll always take care of you."
Her tears spilled over, her body trembling in my arms. "I don't want to be your baby," she sobbed. "I don't want this."
I tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet my gaze. "But you are," I whispered, my voice laced with affection and finality. "You're mine, Sammi. My Sam-Sam. My St. Onge. And I'll never let you go." _____________________________________________________________________________
She cried for what felt like hours, her sobs muffled against my shoulder as I held her. Her tiny fists beat weakly against my chest, but I didn't let go. I couldn't. She was scared, yes, but she would come to understand that this was for the best. She didn't need anyone else. Just me.
"I hate you," she whispered through her tears, her words like a dagger to my heart.
I sighed, brushing my lips against her hair. "No, you don't," I said softly. "You just don't understand yet. But you will, Sammi. One day, you'll see how much I love you. How much I've always loved you."
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As the hours passed, her resistance faded. She clung to me, her tears soaking into my dress. I felt her small hands gripping me tighter, her body leaning into mine for comfort.
She hated me, sure, but she needed me too. I was the only one left for her, the only one who cared.
And deep down, she knew it.
"I'll always take care of you," I murmured again, cradling her like a child. "You'll never have to worry about anything, Sammi. Not ever."
She didn't respond, but she didn't pull away either. Instead, she buried her face in my neck, her quiet sobs the only sound in the room. And I smiled.
Because no matter how much she cried, no matter how much she hated me, she was mine.
Forever.
