Before heading to the city hall, I’d already arranged for a full set of bedding and supplies to be delivered to the mansion—all tailored to Lilith’s picky preferences.

When I got back, Caden was in her room, struggling to stretch a fitted sheet over the mattress.

Lilith sat on the bed, beaming up at him, casually dabbing sweat from his forehead with the back of her hand.

I froze in the hallway, took it all in—then turned and headed for my room.

Caden trailed behind and stepped in front of me, voice sharp. “Brielle, Lilith’s a clean freak. Doesn’t let just anyone touch her stuff. I had to help—don’t get the wrong idea.”

My chest pulled tight.

Since the mate bond locked us together, I handled everything. Meals. Chores. Even laid out his clothes every night.

Now he was making her bed himself.

I gave a small nod, voice soft. “Of course. She’s carrying a pup—she shouldn’t be bending over like that.”

His shoulders relaxed. He leaned in and kissed my forehead. “You’ve changed. When did you get so… thoughtful?”

Then he added, like it just popped into his head, “Oh—Lilith’s birthday’s in a couple days. She’s never had a real party. After her parents died… no one celebrated her.”

He let out a soft sigh.

I told myself not to care. To stop comparing. But yeah—it stung.

My birthday was around the same time. Caden used to book the banquet hall weeks ahead, handpick my gift, make it this huge deal.

This year? He forgot.

Still, I nodded. “Got it. I’ll handle it. I’ll make sure it fits her style.”

Caden paused, something flickering in his eyes.

We used to fight non-stop about Lilith. Now I was planning her birthday? He didn’t know what to make of it.

He opened his mouth, then just nodded. “Handle it how you want. She’s pretty far along—skip the fancy stuff.”

I swallowed the bitterness. “Alright.”

His gaze softened. He moved like he was a