My Love Until the Last Goodbye by Alut

Chapter 0182

Maximus drove Serenity to her home in Chamartin. She had slept through the entire ride, waking up groggy when they arrived. Gathering her things, she hesitated for a moment before leaning over and placing a kiss on his check.

“Thank you, Mr. Palmer. You’re a true gentleman. I had my doubts, but you’ve proven me wrong. If i were you, I’d try leaving the past behind and look forward to what’s ahead,” she said with a knowing smile.

She then stepped out of the car and disappeared into the house. Maximus sat there, stunned by her unexpected gesture. Although the evening had been pleasant, her parting words lingered with him, stirring something deeper.

Back at his hotel, Maximus took a shower, changed into his pajamas, and settled on the balcony. The image of Serenity remained vivid in his mind. There was something about her so unique and yet so familiar–that continued to put him at ease. He couldn’t shake the feeling that she reminded him of someone, which led his thoughts to drift back to his ex–wife, Mary, and their time in Santorini.

[Years ago, Santorini]

After reluctantly agreeing to a truce for the duration of their trip, Maximus and Mary enjoyed a quiet dinner. Later, they strolled through the picturesque streets of Santorini. Maximus noticed that Mary wore an earbud the entire time. It puzzled him, and after a while, curiosity got the better of him.

“Mary?”

“Yes?” she replied, turning to him.

“Why are you wearing an earbud the whole time?”

“Oh, I love listening to music. Being here inspires so many thoughts, and the music just enhances them,” she explained, smiling.

“You’re strange.”

“Maybe, but I like it,” she replied playfully. “Honestly I wasn’t expecting much company on this trip, so I came prepared with my music.”

“Wow, you were ready for everything, weren’t you?”

and being this close, I wasn’t going to miss out,”

removed his coat, draping it over her shoulders. “Let’s head back to the hotel- it’s getting late, and the temperature’s

JJ

he thought he’d buried long

+25 BONUS

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with just a bedroom, a bathroom,

Mary said, grabbing

was more revealing than she’d like, and she

standing on the balcony, was speaking

There’s no need for you to come here. You know I love you. As soon as I return,

a blanket from the closet, she lay down on the sofa and covered herself completely, pretending

he returned to the room and found the bathroom door open but no sign of Mary. Thinking she might have left the room, he moved toward the door but stopped when he saw her small frame curled up on the

approached her, gently picked her up,

sleep wouldn’t come. His mind kept replaying the day, along with memories of their past. Unable to stay still, he moved to the balcony, where he stood for

stretched like a cat and realized she wasn’t on the couch. Strong, warm arms. held her, and she froze for

tried to inch away,

stay like this a little

and the soothing scent of his cologne made her feel strangely safe. For

prickled under his touch, and unfamiliar sensations stirred within her. She was startled when he suddenly

and before she could protest, he leaned in and kissed her deeply. At first, she

and shoulders, liding her nightgown straps down to reveal her

Chapter 0182