My Love Until the Last Goodbye by Alut

A few months had passed, and Valerie was slowly settling into her new normal-if she could even call this new life "normal."

Having two toddlers just over two years old was pure chaos, especially since they were in that stage where they wanted to explore everything and do it all on their

own.

Her little John and Ethan were supportive, but sometimes, they felt like two more babies themselves.

Marcus had returned to work "as usual," though in reality, every afternoon their toddlers would show up at the office-an office that had once belonged to Serenity, and later to John.

He looked after Bert and Carrie with all the love and patience a father could possibly give to those little angels.

Meanwhile, Valerie would lock herself in her studio, working on designs for her new jewelry collection, which she planned to launch in less than six months.

Life after coming back from Valentia had been a whirlwind of emotions. The first challenge was adjusting to being back home-and with that, the ever-present feeling of absence left by Serenity not being there.

Marcus was the one who felt the loss of his daughter the most. He had to swallow his pride and start accepting Alden again. Once upon a time, he had thought Alden was a good guy, but now, he looked at him with suspicion—for taking his little girl away.

Those first encounters between Marcus and Alden were a bit awkward, but over time, Alden proved he had what it took to handle Marcus as a father-in-law. And Marcus, slowly but surely, started letting his guard down.

Serenity watched those moments between them with joy. It showed that her father had good intentions toward Alden, and that her husband was doing his part to win over her dad-who was also his.

At night, while Valerie and Marcus were enjoying a well-deserved soak in the tub, they finally began to unwind after a long day.

"My love, how's that collection coming along? Are you almost done with the creative phase?" Marcus asked with interest.

still making some final tweaks to a necklace I'll be presenting, but

so caught up in everything that happened before and after our arrival that I just couldn't

get you inspired..." Marcus teased, playing

"Marcus!"

he

course you are! But you always make me

want to kiss these lips that

"Marcus..."

firmly. "You've been everything I've ever needed, and I

you even more. You're an amazing man, father, partner, friend, and lover...

Valerie! I'm sure we'll grow old together, and when the end comes, I'll love you in the next life too... You and our kids are the greatest gift life could've given me...

for over 20 years now, and believe me, with each passing

I forget...

trip and visit the place you always wanted to go with him,

wave of nostalgia

even

its beautiful moments,

with it

she

deep in her heart. Bringing it to the surface onlymade her throat tighten-whether from

get out of the tub. The water's cold now..." Marcus said, kissing

go... Besides, I'm sleepy and want to get