My Love Until the Last Goodbye by Alut

Chapter 0619

rooms,

It was late Sunday afternoon. Laura had gone to her room after lunch, and the kids were holed up in their rushing to finish last–minute homework. Maximus had warned them that the punishment would be severe if they didn’t complete their assignments or missed any responsibilities at school, Meanwhile, Serenity was away spending the weekend with her parents after receiving a message from them.

Maximus wandered through the backyard, enjoying the cool evening air, when his phone began to vibrate in his pocket. Pulling it out, he saw an unknown number on the screen. He was about to ignore it but reconsidered–few people had access to his number, so it might be important.

“Hello?”

“Maximus?”

“Yes?”

“Don’t you recognize my voice?”

“Diana…!”

A soft, nervous laugh came from the other end of the line.

“I finally decided to call you. I’ve been in Valentia for a little over a month–almost two–and you haven’t reached out. When I was in Hesperia, I thought it was the distance, your kids, your work… but now I’m starting to wonder.

H

“Diana, I’m sorry. I’ve been busy, and yes, I heard you were here in Valentia. I just didn’t want to drag you into my family mess.”

Maximus, since the day I met you, I’ve known your life is one big drama. I wouldn’t be surprised if you t you got married again–or were widowed, or something.

“Diana, why would you think that?”

So, am

how much

then let’s

“On the phone?”

“However you’d like!”

me

strange fluttering in his stomach. Years

never friends, nor lovers. Just two lonely people who crossed paths

silencing the voices in his

“Okay! When?”

“Tonight!”

we’ll find a place to

talking to

“Oh! I forgot!”

you staying?”

nearby for now while

Is this

one’s for Valentia, but my Hesperia number is

in an hour and a

“Great!”

to work.”

and called a contact who could secure a table for him at The Russet Garden restaurant. He wanted the best spot–it had been years since he’d last

in the mirror. All he saw was a tired man, with wrinkles and gray streaks in his beard. His hair had grown long; he hadn’t had time for a haircut. Though he’d showered, he

their hangers, he inspected himself in

he muttered. “She’s barely older