My Love Until the Last Goodbye by Alut

Alden had gone to find a room for Serenity. He knew this wasn't a hotel-it was a hospital-but sometimes, accommodations could be made for certain people. He figured it was worth a try.

Marcus was right. Serenity had endured a six-hour flight without any breaks, and it was already past midnight. She couldn't keep pushing herself like this.

Fortunately, the hospital staff provided a comfortable room for her. The moment Alden mentioned his last name, the staff seemed to understand that this wasn't just any request. With that taken care of, he headed to the cafeteria to find something for Serenity to eat.

What he didn't expect was to run into Valerie and Diana.

Taking a deep breath and silently praying to all the saints his mother had taught him about, he walked confidently toward their table.

Valerie immediately recognized him. The moment she saw him, she felt as if she had been punched in the chest. He was Peter. The only real difference was his pale skin and light-colored eyes. But his posture, his walk-everything about him screamed Peter. A younger, almost reincarnated version of him.

It was suffocating. No matter how hard she tried to keep her distance, it was as if fate kept forcing them closer together.

And what about Marcus? How was he going to handle all of this? Serenity was his everything. Valerie regretted how she had reacted earlier, but if she was honest, even she hadn't expected that kind of reaction from herself.

"Good evening, ladies," Alden greeted politely. "Mrs. Bartz, may I speak with you?"

Diana immediately recognized him as well. She stood up from the table and grabbed the two cups of coffee she had just ordered.

"Valerie, I'm going to check on Maximus and bring him some coffee. I'll see if Celeste needs anything too. Do you want me to take Marcus's coffee to him?"

"Oh, yes, please," Valerie said quickly.

at Alden. The young man barely looked

talked about, okay?" she said before walking

they were alone, Valerie gestured for Alden to

his stomach. He had heard so much about

Serenity earlier had completely erased that image from his

what do you need to talk to me about?" Valerie asked, her voice firm but not unkind. "I assume this is about Serenity,

"I know we started off on the wrong foot. I've heard about you, but I don't believe

And, yes, I'm sure you already know

into a thin

years old. As

QUMS

no, our marriage didn't end because of infidelity or abuse. It ended because we were too young, too inexperienced. We

ex-wife and I needed to separate. Today, she's happy in Spain, and I'm happy

deep breath

we didn't handle things the right way. I know the way you found out wasn't ideal, and I take full responsibility

about it. But the truth is... I got carried

your daughter with

I love her,

a life

I

all of Serenity's parents-aren't