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?”

swim in the sea before, and being this close, I wasn’t going to miss out,” she said, hugging herself as the evening chill set

draping it over her shoulders. “Let’s head back to

JJ

admit. Being around Mary stirred emotions in him that he thought he’d buried long ago. In Valeria, when these feelings arose, he could retreat

+25 BONUS

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comfortable, with just a bedroom, a bathroom, and a tiny

Mary said, grabbing her bag and heading

she’d like,

standing on the balcony, was

I love you. As soon as I return, we’ll take some time to relax

someone else. Grabbing a blanket from the closet, she lay down on the sofa and covered

Thinking she might have left the

him. He realized she must have overheard. everything. Quietly, he approached her, gently picked her up, and laid her on the bed. Afterward, he showered, dressed for bed, and settled on

exhausted, sleep wouldn’t come. His mind kept replaying the day, along with memories of their past. Unable to

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

to inch away, his grip tightened.

want to stay like this a little longer,” Maximus murmured

his cologne made her feel strangely safe. For a moment, she allowed herself to forget the previous night’s

loosened his hold but began tracing the curves of her waist, moving his hand down to her hip. Her skin prickled under his touch, and

kissed her deeply. At first, she resisted,

down to reveal her delicate frame. His kisses continued lower, igniting sensations she hadn’t felt

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