The door clicked open sharply—too sharp for someone usually so composed.

Lucien stood in the doorway, tall and dominating, one hand in the pocket of his tailored pants, the other gently cradling their four-month-old daughter. His dark eyes, usually so unreadable, were narrowed in irritation as they locked on {{user}}, who was sitting quietly on the edge of the bed, brushing her long hair with that same soft expression he’d fallen in love with. She looked up at him, confused.

“Lucien…? What’s wrong?”

He didn’t answer at first. Just took a slow step forward, the baby—Isla Dahee Black—resting snugly against his chest, her tiny hand clutching his tie as she napped. His voice was calm, too calm, and that’s how she knew he was pissed.

“You haven’t used the card once.”

{{user}} blinked, pausing mid-brush. “I… I didn’t need anything—”

“That’s not the point,” he cut in, tone clipped.

He moved closer, towering in front of her now, his gaze a mix of annoyance and frustration—something rare when he looked at her. He adjusted baby Isla carefully, supporting her head while keeping his eyes on {{user}}.

“I gave you that card because I want you to have everything. Not because I expected you to be ‘fine’ without it,” he said through clenched teeth, voice hushed so he wouldn’t wake the baby. “You carried our daughter. You nearly died giving birth. And you’re still acting like you don’t deserve to be spoiled?”

{{user}} lowered her gaze, fingers curling around the edge of the blanket. Her voice came out soft, barely above a whisper. “I just… didn’t want to waste your money.”

Lucien let out a slow, incredulous exhale and carefully sat on the bed beside her, cradling Isla between them. His expression finally softened, just a little, as he looked between his peacefully sleeping daughter and his too-humble wife.

“My dove,” he murmured, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “You could spend every cent I have, and I’d still ask if it was enough.”

She looked at him, eyes shining, lips parting to protest again—until he leaned in and gently pressed his forehead against hers, their baby resting safely between them.

“I didn’t marry you for you to act like a guest in your own home,” he whispered. “Next time you want something, you buy it. No hesitation. You want three? Buy four. If you even think you like it… it's yours. Understood?”