Blessing in Disguise

Chapter 112: Uncertainties of the Heart

February remained bitterly cold in Chicago, for a full two months after Christmas. However, it wasn't Valentine's Day that had Seher brimming with excitement. It was Maximilian's birthday - his first birthday celebrated with her.

Seher had been consumed with thoughts of how to surprise Maximilian on his birthday in the past few days. Finally, she devised a plan - she would host a splendid get-together for him and invite all his friends. The Sokolovs, his grandfather, and Victor had assured her they would also invite Vincenzo and Alessio, Beatrice's brothers, who were among Maximilian's closest friends.

Victor had generously granted her unlimited access to the penthouse floor of one of the Labyrinth hotels in the city, providing Seher with the canvas for her meticulously crafted plan. Understanding her man's aversion to the typical club scene- preferring something more tailored to his tastes- she orchestrated an event to his liking.

While Victor lent considerable assistance to her vision, they often sparred over the financial aspect. Seher, now earning a substantial income from her cafe's profits, desired to host the party for her boyfriend independently. Conversely, Victor advocated for saving the hard-earned money for a significant purpose, emphasizing its value. Despite their debates, they eventually acquiesced to Beatrice's suggestion of splitting the expenses halfway. Thus, Seher eagerly anticipated the impending celebration.

The past two months had elapsed swiftly, marked by the bustling reopening of her cafe after the holidays. Lunch and dinner services were met with prolonged queues, demanding Seher's presence for nearly 16 hours each day. This demanding schedule didn't include her devoted care for Meher. Maximilian's assistance proved invaluable during these periods, often taking Meher under his wing during breaks or lighter workdays. While Seher had yet to visit the man's office or the beautiful Labyrinth headquarters herself, her daughter's anecdotes revealed a delightful surprise - a dedicated play area for her within the boss cabin, a testament to his fondness for her.

Despite finding fulfillment in her work and appreciating Maximilian's substantial role in caring for her daughter while she focused on her career, Seher couldn't shake the longing for more time with her daughter. Meher's enjoyment of spending days at her papa's office only intensified Seher's desire to be with her little girl.

Playfully accusing Maximilian of "stealing" Meher, Seher often lamented her absence from the cafe. The man only laughed at her remarks, equally surprised by the toddler's ease in the office environment.

He never anticipated Meher would be so comfortable there, never once throwing a tantrum during their time together. Instead, she quietly observed, listening to Maximilian interact with his employees and attending to his work. Engaged with her coloring books or blocks, she only sought Maximilian's attention when necessary, prompting his frequent check-ins to ensure her needs were met. Surprisingly content in his presence, Meher showed little interest in leaving his cabin, even to visit Victor or Beatrice, preferring their uninterrupted time together, which the man had zero complaints with. Her unwavering contentment both intrigued and amused Maximilian, occasionally unsettling him with her silent observation.

It was a typical evening at the café, with the dinner service winding down around 8:30 PM. Seher, assisted by Miles and Jean, was closing up the kitchen. The pair had initially hit it off after a promising date, exchanging flirtatious glances during the first month. However, their interactions have cooled off considerably since then. While their professional demeanor remained unaffected, their rapport had noticeably dwindled. Seher couldn't help but wonder what had transpired between them, though she chose not to pry into her employees' personal lives as long as it didn't impact their work.

Maximilian had cautioned her about workplace romances, emphasizing the potential complications that could arise, especially if things soured between the parties involved. He advised her to maintain a hands-off approach, which she diligently adhered to. After completing the cleanup and discussing the schedules for the following days, Jean departed, leaving Miles to lock up as usual. Meanwhile, their boss headed upstairs to her apartment to retrieve her bag. Tonight, her little one had accompanied her Papa to his penthouse in the city, where Seher planned to join them.