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?”

the sea before, and being this close, I wasn’t

coat, draping it over her shoulders. “Let’s head back to the hotel-

JJ

stirred emotions in him that he thought he’d buried long ago. In Valeria, when these feelings arose, he could retreat to his study or distract himself with

+25 BONUS

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a bedroom, a bathroom, and a tiny

going to sleep,” Mary said, grabbing

of how to process his emotions. Meanwhile, in the bathroom, Mary eyed the nightgown she’d brought along. It was more revealing than she’d like, and she silently cursed herself for assuming she’d be alone on this trip. With no alternative, she showered, dressed, and emerged, clutching her bag to her chest.

balcony, was speaking on the

worry, my love. Everything’s fine. There’s no need for you to come here. You know I love you. As soon as I return, we’ll take some time to relax together

felt foolish for being so self–conscious about her nightgown. He was clearly preoccupied with someone else. Grabbing a blanket from the closet, she lay down on the sofa and covered herself completely, pretending to sleep. Yet her chest ached

Maximus hung up, he returned to the room and found the bathroom door open but no sign of Mary. Thinking she might have left the room,

everything. Quietly, he approached her, gently picked her up, and laid her on the bed. Afterward,

kept replaying the day, along with memories of their past. Unable to stay still, he

next morning, Mary stretched like a cat and realized she wasn’t on the couch. Strong, warm arms. held her, and she froze for a moment, piecing together what had happened. Clearly, Maximus had moved her during the night, and now they

inch away, his

to stay like this a little longer,” Maximus murmured groggily, burying his

scent of his cologne made her feel strangely safe. For a moment, she allowed herself to forget the

of her waist, moving his hand down to her hip. Her skin prickled under his touch, and unfamiliar sensations stirred

in and kissed her deeply. At first, she resisted, but as the kiss grew more

to her neck and shoulders, liding her nightgown straps down to reveal

Chapter 0182