My Love Until the Last Goodbye by Alut

Chapter 0564

Maximus sat with a glass of whiskey, the amber liquid swirling in his hand as he stared into the fire. Drinking had become a habit he turned to whenever frustration overwhelmed him. The revelations from Folder 4 had upended his life: he wasn’t Leonardo’s son, and nothing he had devoted his life to–neither the company nor the legacy- truly belonged to him.

With a bitter smile, he muttered to himself, “I should be used to it by now. Everyone has always found a way to take advantage of me. Why should this be any different?”

“Maximus,” Matthew said gently, placing a hand on his shoulder. “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what to say.”

“It’s not the company or the shares that hurt, Matthew. I don’t need any of that. What stings is that I never saw the kind of life my mother endured. My father always pretended to be a good man. And L…” Maximus paused, his voice heavy with regret. “I did the same to Mary.”

10

“But you’ve changed,” Matthew reassured him. “You recognized the harm you caused and worked to make amends. I know because I was there with you, remember? During the therapy sessions?”

[Nineteen years ago]

to my

Mary? Go ahead, Maximus! Try it! I dare you! I’m not alone like she was–I

than any slap he could have delivered. His jaw tightened as

noise startled their young son, Lucius, who began crying uncontrollably. The nanny tried to soothe him, pacing the room with the infant in her arms, but his cries only grew louder.

to the nursery opened. Alexia entered, her face pale

said curtly,

are you sure you’re alright?” the nanny asked

leave. Was I not clear?” Alexia

hesitantly, placing the baby back in his crib before hurrying out. Her heart ached. for the boy an innocent caught in the middle of his parents‘ chaos. He didn’t need wealth or luxury; he needed love and stability, things neither parent seemed

approached the crib, lifting Lucius into her arms with surprising gentleness.

were up to me, I’d take you and run far away from here Life is so much more complicated than I ever imagined. I’ve made so many mistakes. Your

changed. It crushed me. You’re the greatest love of my life, far more than your father ever was. And it kills me that I can’t protect you the way