My Love Until the Last Goodbye by Alut

Chapter 0223 [Present day] After Marcus’s confrontation with Maximus–and the hard punch he’d landed squarely on his jaw–Maximus spent the rest of the night sleepless. The blow hadn’t left a mark, but the lingering pain in his jaw was a stark reminder of just how strong Marcus had become. The man Maximus had known years ago was gone, replaced by someone far more formidable. As the hours passed, Maximus’s mind raced with questions He now understood why that gray–eyed girl, Serenity, had seemed so familiar, why he’d felt so comfortable around her. The memory of the fleeting, inappropriate thought he’d had of her as something more sent a chill down his spine. But ut what plagued him most was how Mary–now Valerie and Marcus had ended up together. When did they become a couple? How had Marcus found her? Had Serenity always been there, hidden from him? The more he tried to piece things together, the angrier he became. Maximus had spent years searching for Mary, never once considering that she might have fled to Hesperia. His father had never revealed her destination after putting her on that fateful flight. If he could turn back time, he would have kept her far away from Marcus. That man had always given him a bad feeling, and now it made sense: the Bartzs were a mafia family, supposedly wiped out. But Marcus had survived. Why? By morning, Maximus had made up his mind. He would return to Valeria. The business contract was nearly finalized, and Matthew could handle the remaining details. But the questions swirling in his head demanded answers, and the only person who could provide them was Mary. He needed to speak with her. One thought dominated his mind: ‘I have to talk to Mary.” Marcus’s Meanwhile, the morning was serene in Westhaven. Valerie awoke after a restless night, still cocooned in strong embrace. Before she had finally succumbed to sleep, she had silently made a decision: she would tell Serenity the whole truth. As painful as it was, her daughter deserved to know the full story, especially given the dangers associated with the Palmer family. With Serenity now in Valentia, Valerie resolved to take her to her father’s grave. For years, as a child, Serenity had asked why she had no place to visit her father, why it seemed as though he had never existed. Now, at least, she would have somewhere to leave flowers. “My love, are you awake?” Marcus’s deep voice rumbled beside her. “Good morning, sweetheart,” Valerie said, turning to look at her husband’s face. “How did you sleep?” he asked, concern etched into his features. “I tried to calm myself, and I’ve made a decision,” she replied. “What decision? Can I know?” “Yes. I’m going to tell Serenity everything–my whole story. She needs to know that the Palmer family is dangerous, especially because of Alexia Levett. I don’t believe Maximus would ever harm his own niece, but Alexia is a different matter entirely.” “Love, you know you can count on me. If you want me to be there, I will be,” Marcus offered. “No, my love, I need to do this on my own. It has to be a woman–to–woman conversation with my Serenity. Maximus cannot just walk into her life as if nothing happened. I won’t allow it.” +25 BONUS Chapter 1223 “That’s the Valerie I know–the strong woman who isn’t afraid to face the present head–on,” Marcus said, pride. shining in his eyes. “Marcus, darling, much of the woman you see today is because of the faith you’ve always had in me. You’ve always been by my side, and you’ve never left us alone. Since you came into our lives, everything has been easier. It’s not about your money–it’s about the trust you’ve always placed in me and my abilities,” Valerie said, her voice filled with gratitude. Marcus smiled, leaning down to kiss her forehead. “You’re more capable than anyone I know. I’m just lucky to have you and Serenity in my life.” Valerie nestled closer to Marcus, drawing strength from his unwavering support. The storm brewing with Maximus and Alexia was far from over, but with Marcus beside her, she felt ready to face it.