My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

On the way to the church, Valerie got lost in thought, replaying the conversation

she had with Maximus the day before. It was incredible to see how time had finally managed to calm the unease in both of their hearts.

[One day earlier]

"Mr. Maximus, there are visitors at the door," the butler said politely.

"Who is it?" Maximus asked, intrigued.

"Mr. and Mrs. Bartz."

As soon as Maximus heard the surname, he rolled his eyes. He imagined the worst-a long, exhausting argument.

"Alright, let them in. And please, bring us some coffee in the garden."

"Yes, sir."noveldrama

Maximus got up from his seat and headed outside, not feeling particularly enthusiastic. Serenity's wedding was just hours away, and the last thing he wanted was to say or do something that would set things off.

"Good morning," Maximus greeted when he saw the couple.

"Hi, Maximus..." Valerie said, standing up to greet him.

"Hello, Ma-Valerie..."

"Maximus," Marcus acknowledged him with a nod.

"Alright... What brings you here?" Maximus asked cautiously.

"I think yesterday-"

"We were a bit harsh and got carried away by the situation," Valerie interrupted her husband.

"Ah, I see..." Maximus said, a little surprised.

"Don't worry about it. I completely understand. I mean, I have kids too, and if one of them-let's say Laura-disappeared, especially while pregnant, I'd probably lose my mind just like you did... Honestly, I'm sorry for making you worry."

"No, Maximus, I know you're trying to ease things, but we really want you to accept our apology."

"There's nothing to apologize for."

"Well... Aside from that... Val, you wanted to tell Maximus something," Marcus encouraged his wife.

"Yes, well... Thank you!" Valerie said, a little shyly.

"For what?" Maximus asked, intrigued.

"Serenity gave me my grandfather's ashes. She said you were the one who gave them to her." Valerie's voice carried a deep nostalgia.

"Yeah, I figured it was time for them to go back to their real family," Maximus said with a small smile.

"Thank you for that... You have no idea how much it means to have my grandfather back." Valerie's eyes sparkled with emotion.

"I do know. If life has taught me anything, it's that family is what truly matters. I knew how important it was for you to have him back, so I didn't see the point in keeping them

here any longer."

"Thank you, Maximus. This really brought Valerie a sense of peace," Marcus said sincerely.

"You don't have to thank me... I genuinely understand how much he meant to her."

"Thanks again, Maximus," Valerie said, still a little embarrassed.

"So, is Serenity ready for tomorrow?"

"Almost. Just a few final touches on the dress, and that's it."

"That's great!"

"By the way, Maximus, is Laura home?" Valerie asked curiously.

"I think so. Why?"

"I wanted to talk to her."

"Oh, I'll text her now and ask her to come over if you'd like."

"Yes, please."

After a few minutes, Laura came downstairs, carrying little Adele in her arms.

"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Bartz! It's so nice to see you! Is everything okay?"

"Yes, Laura, everything is fine. It's

just that with all the wedding preparations, we hadn't had the chance to tell you... We'd love for you to accompany Serenity tomorrow. I know she already asked you but she feels a little shy about it," Valerie said in a gentle tone.

"Mrs. Bartz... I..."

"Come on, it's such an important day for Serenity, and who better to

trying to reassure her. Caday

her side than you?" Marcus add by

"W-Well, if that's the case, then of course I'll do it! But... Adele..."

"Don't worry, sweetheart, leave her with me. Plus, Diana is arriving today, so we can both take care of little Adele."

"Thank you, Dad!" Laura said, her eyes lighting up.

"So, what do you say, Laura?" Marcus asked, watching her reaction.

"I accept! Yes, I'd love to go and help Serenity. It would make me so happy!"

Laura replied cheerfully.