Blessing in Disguise

Chapter 120: Meher's Dad

As they lay in silence, wrapped in each other's embrace, Maximilian shattered the quiet. "There's something on my mind," he revealed. Seher, nestled against his chest, responded with a soft murmur of acknowledgment.

"Meher is set to begin school this fall," he went on. "We've had discussions about marriage, and I respect your wish to wait. But, there's the matter of Meher's official documents and potential name change. Once she's enrolled and attending school, changing her name could become complicated. I promise you, sweetheart, my intention isn't to pressure you or because I want her bearing my name— even though I would be honored— but I don't want that to cause you any discomfort. If our plans include you and Meher adopting my surname, it might be smart to address her name change now, before school starts, you know, to prevent any confusion for her down the line."

Taken aback, Seher paused to reflect on his words. Understanding Ian's insightfulness, she collected her thoughts and responded, "Ian, our marriage is inevitable. If there are any doubts in your mind, now is the moment to throw them away, because our future together is assured. Regarding taking your surname, I do value my independence, but I adore a few traditions. Ever since I was a girl, I'd always imagined adopting my husband's name."

"I respect the women who keep their maiden names; it's a powerful statement. But for me, I've always wanted a unified family name for myself, my husband, and our future children. I missed having a family growing up—no father, no mother. The simple acts of listing their names on school forms, having their signatures, or seeing them at parent-teacher conferences were experiences I really missed. So yes, after we marry, I will gladly take your name."

Seher sat up, wrapping the quilt around her naked self, and faced Maximilian, while sitting cross-legged. "You're right about Meher," she said. "We need to manage these issues. The documents I have—our passports and Aadhaar cards from India—are not genuine. I need your help to make them valid because we must be clear moving forward. There can be no confusion."

A small frown marred her forehead as she continued, "Speaking of which, Meher's adoption has been a concern for years. Rajdeep managed the paperwork, declaring Meher as my daughter with a falsified birth certificate, but I doubt their validity. I want to share her custody with you, legally. These are problems I don't know how to resolve. You're right because we have to act. I want Meher to start school as Meher Romanov."

Seher then took Maximilian's hand in hers and gave him a heart-stopping smile, "The choice to give her a middle name is yours. Considering your place in her life and her view of you as her father, I want to avoid any issues with her name. I'll tell her about her good-for-nothing sperm donor eventually, but for now, I want her and everyone else to see and know you as her father. Let's move forward with this. If you need any details or help from me, just ask. Though I'm a bit lost here, as to how I can help. Asking officials might raise suspicion, and telling others could expose everything, which I want to prevent."

He shook his head, attempting to articulate his thoughts, "Just... I never thought that... I mean, I....," he paused, struggling to find the right words. "Baby, I should stop saying that I never thought this would happen to me because lately, all the wonderful things that have been happening, I never thought they would happen. So I think I should just stop being surprised. But when you said Meher Romanov, it struck something in me."

"The way you are sharing her with me, the way you have given her to me, Seher, it's.... I don't have words," he continued, his voice filled with emotion. "It's like you made me a father, and I cannot thank you enough for it. Even though we did not create her, even though it's technically not true, it's that feeling that fathers get in the delivery rooms with their wives when their child first comes into their arms. They realize that this woman has somehow given them the best thing they can have in their life, a legacy, a future, just something to be better towards, an inspiration, a life to look forward to, a responsibility so beautiful."