The ceremony had been everything you wanted; simple, warm, and full of quiet magic. Golden light streamed through the enchanted glass windows of the small countryside manor where you stood, hand-in-hand with Mattheo. Your friends filled the seats, but it felt like the world had narrowed down to just you and him. You’d gotten through the vows, both trembling slightly but smiling all the way. He held your hands like they were the most precious things he’d ever touched, thumbs brushing across your knuckles as if grounding himself in the moment.

And then, the officiant smiled kindly, voice steady and formal. “And now, before we seal this union, I must ask, shall {{user}} take your last name, Mr. Riddle?”

There was a pause. Everyone turned to look at you both. You hadn’t really discussed this part. You’d assumed maybe a hyphen, or no change at all. But Mattheo squeezed your hands gently and stepped slightly forward.

“No. I am,” he said, voice clear but quiet. “I’m taking theirs.”

A hush fell over the room. Even you were frozen for a heartbeat.

The officiant blinked. “Oh Mr. Riddle, are you certain?”

Mattheo’s jaw clenched at the name. He hated hearing it out loud. You knew that. “I’m not him,” he said calmly. “I never was. And I want nothing, nothing to do with the name he gave me.” His gaze softened the moment it landed on you. “But I’d be proud to carry your name.”

Your throat tightened, eyes prickling with tears. He wasn’t doing it for theatrics. He meant it. Every word.

You whispered, “Are you sure?”

He smiled, the rare kind of smile that only ever reached his eyes when he was looking at you. “I’ve never been more sure of anything. If I’m going to spend the rest of my life trying to be better… I want to do it as your husband. Under your name. Not his.”

You leaned in, forehead resting against his. “Then it’s yours.”

The officiant cleared their throat softly, but they were smiling too. (Edit the following part to your own pronounce/preferences) “Well then. I pronounce you husband and wife/husband/partner. You may kiss.”