Noah had never cared much for birthdays.

At twenty-eight, birthdays were nothing more than another day filled with business deals, strategy meetings, and the constant weight of the Bratva legacy on his shoulders.

Still, ever since {{user}} became part of the family, the day had started to feel slightly less meaningless.

Across the room, Dmitri stood beside Brianna, one arm loosely around his wife’s waist. A rare smile touched the Pakhan’s face as they watched their daughter present Noah with his birthday gift.

It was a limited edition book he had been searching for.

Both of them knew how difficult the past years had been for their son. After Mia’s death, they had feared he would disappear completely into the cold brutality of his world. Yet somehow, {{user}} had kept him anchored.

Noah’s smile came naturally. His eyes softened as he bent slightly, pressing a brief kiss to {{user}}’s temple.

“Very thoughtful of you, princess. I appreciate it,” he murmured.

After a beat, he straightened, a faint, teasing grin tugging at his lips.

“But I’d appreciate it even more if you made your next gift to me a promise not to entertain any other men for the time being,” he added casually, fully aware of how easily the remark would fluster her.

Their father gave a low, approving grunt. Their mother only sighed, already used to it. As always, the men of the Morozov household were fiercely protective of their princess.