Blessing in Disguise

Chapter 127: Armor

In the dimly lit bathroom of the railway station, the silence was so deep that the faint clatter of a distant train on the tracks was audible. The echo of Seher's final words haunted Maximilian, replaying incessantly in his mind. His brother's hand on his shoulder snapped him back to reality, his face showing deep concern.

Maximilian turned to Victor, who was talking, but the words seemed to fall on deaf ears. Victor's grip tightened, shaking him with urgency. "Maksym, vieu cham delo? eto Seher ili Meher? Se nimi vse vieu poryadke? My mozhem otmenite vse you otpravitsya vieu india pryamo sejcas. My sami pozabotimsya ob ikh besopasnosti."
(Maxim, what's the matter? Is it Seher or Meher? Are they alright? We can call off everything and head to India right now. We'll ensure their safety ourselves.)

Maximilian's head shook as he staggered backward, barely kept upright by Victor's steady hold. "What's bothering you, brother?" Victor implored, fear creeping into his voice.

Maximilian met his brother's gaze firmly and confessed, "Seher told me something, and I need you to confirm that I haven't misinterpreted her words. Because if I'm right, I don't know what I'll do."

Victor gave a reassuring nod, urging him to go on. Maximilian echoed Seher's cryptic message, "It's not just the two of them I have to bring back, but three."

Victor's expression was one of confusion, but it quickly changed as his eyes grew wide and a small smile crept onto his face. Maximilian's expression softened in response, a sign that he had understood correctly.

Victor's grin broadened as he grasped Maximilian's shoulders. "Well, whatever you've guessed together is fucking correct, brother. Fuck! Dolboyob!!"

"Holy shit," exclaimed Maximilian, laughter spilling from him. He echoed himself, "Blat," his laughter growing louder. Victor laughed along, empathizing with his brother's profound emotions, recalling his own similar revelation just weeks prior.

"Te stanes papoy, bratt ," Victor announced with a smile. (You're going to be a dad, brother)

Maximilian shook his head. "Ya uze papa, Serg." (I'm already a dad, Serg)

Victor agreed with a nod. "Yes, you are. That rounds out the family, doesn't it?"

Maximilian managed a smile and a casual shrug. "I still can't believe it, but I feel like something amazing is happening right now. It's surreal. I'm about to become a father again, Serg. Seher and I talked about it, and the idea thrilled us, but now that it's real, it's overwhelming." His smile waned into a contemplative frown.

Victor's grin disappeared as he picked up on the change. "What's the matter?"

Maximilian's tone was laden with sorrow. "She found out alone. She must've taken the test, felt ill, and now she's alone on a different continent. She's juggling it all, Serg. The pregnancy, her well-being, our little girl—she's managing everything solo, and I should be there. Supporting her, being by her side, ensuring Meher is alright, and she's facing it all by herself. I fucking hate this situation." He paused, gathering his thoughts, then resumed. "I need to wrap up these matters so I can take them home, bring my woman home, marry her, reunite my daughter with her home, in my arms, and witness every step of my next child's growth. Serg, I can't let this go on."

Victor nodded in agreement, "Absolutely, Maxim. This is all for their ultimate safety."

Maximilian's voice was tinged with a mix of shock and worry. "We've pictured this, Seher and me. We've always dreamed of expanding our family, but in the middle of such chaos, how can I ensure their safety? How can I consciously decide to bring a child into this shitshow? And your child, Serg, how can I commit to being the protector they deserve?"