My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 1010

“Maximus…” Lucius muttered, unable to hold his father’s gaze.

Maximus pulled his son into his chest and held him tightly.

“You have no idea how much I regret putting the company first. You have no idea how much I regret not being there for you… You don’t know how much I envied your grandfathers—they got to be with you, to take you traveling. Even if I didn’t understand all their plans, I know that, in many ways, this is my fault too,” Maximus admitted, squeezing Lucius in his arms.

Laura watched the scene unfold, feeling the weight of the emotions filling the room. No matter how much she and her siblings were there, she knew that in Maximus’s heart, there had always been someone missing. And that missing piece was Lucius.

“Dad, Lucius… I think Paul is smart enough to understand what’s happening. If this man really wants to meet him, maybe it’s because he truly wants him in his life.

“Whether he’s rich or not shouldn’t matter. If he’s showing up now, it’s because he knows the truth…

“Like Lucius said, the paternity test is important. But more than that, we need to tell Paul the truth. I know he’s a teenager, and lately, he’s been reckless and rebellious, but we can’t keep this from him.”

Maximus released Lucius and turned to Laura. He could see that she was trying to mediate between them.

“Sweetheart…”

“Dad, I know Paul acts immature and makes stupid decisions sometimes, but that doesn’t mean we should hide this from him.

“Just think about it—you and Grandpa Magnus spent fifty years apart before finally having the chance to be father and son. Let’s try to put ourselves in his shoes for a second…”

“Laura, do you trust this man?”

“It’s not about trusting the man who claims to be Paul’s father. I trust you. And if you’re bringing this up with us, then we have to trust that it’s serious.