My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 1054

“Excuse me, miss, have you seen my wife by any chance? She’s a short girl…” Maximus asked at the front desk.

“The woman who went up to your room? The blonde?” the receptionist asked, looking confused.

“No, my wife is the short girl I arrived with.”

“I’m sorry, sir, but the woman who came in earlier said she was your wife.”

“Oh, I see… Well, did you see the short girl I arrived with?”

“Yes, she left the hotel, but we didn’t see where she went… I’m sorry.”

“What? She didn’t check in?”

“No, sir… I only saw her pass by with a bag and a backpack.”

A chill ran down Maximus’s spine. He rushed outside and looked in every direction. The streets were still lively, but as the night wore on, the crowds were thinning.

Before panic could take over, he dialed his wife’s number.

-

Meanwhile, Mary was lost in a different world—surrounded by a group of people her age, or at least close to it. She laughed, drinking beer, the gathering reminding her of the ones she used to go to back in Galea.

As the night wore on, the girls decided to turn in. Mary followed suit, though a small part of her hesitated. She barely knew these people, and the thought made her uneasy.

Once inside her room, she locked the door securely and kept her clothes and shoes on—just in case she needed to leave in a hurry.

-

By morning, most of the house was still asleep, but Mary had barely gotten any rest. She had a roof over her head, but she didn’t know anyone here, so she stayed alert, making sure not to lose sight of her belongings.

Suddenly, there were two soft knocks on her door, followed by a voice asking for permission to enter.

“Can I come in?” James’ voice came from the other side.

“Oh, uh… Give me a minute!”

She quickly grabbed a thin sweatshirt and pulled it on before going to open the door.

As soon as Mary opened the door, James stepped inside.

“How did you sleep?” he asked.

“Well, thanks. Pretty well,” she replied.

“That’s what I like to hear! You sound more relaxed. Want to go for a walk?” James asked enthusiastically.

“No hangover?”

“Exactly! That’s why I need a walk… What do you say?”

“Alright,” Mary agreed, figuring that being outside was better than staying inside the house.

“We’ll just walk along the shore, stick close by while the others wake up,” James said casually.

“Sounds good.”

For some strange reason, Mary felt at ease with him.

He was only three years older than her and a complete gentleman. Still, she didn’t let go of her belongings. James ended up carrying her bag, while she held onto her backpack, which contained her documents and money.

Somehow, James had managed to capture her attention. The events of the previous day still fresh in her mind, she let herself go and, before she realized it, allowed him to take her hand.

“You’re a beautiful woman,” James murmured. “I don’t understand how your husband doesn’t appreciate you. If you were my girlfriend, damn, I’d show you off everywhere. I’d love for people to see me with you. You’re gorgeous, fun, and young! Who would want to keep you a secret?”

He leaned in dangerously close to her lips, and instead of pulling away, she did the same.

Their lips met for the first time. James didn’t waste the opportunity, gently guiding her to sit on the sand.

What had started as an innocent kiss quickly grew more intense. His hands explored the outline of her body, even with her clothes still on.

James had done it—he had seduced her. He wanted a summer fling, and she was the perfect candidate.

She was alone. Her husband didn’t understand her. That made her an ideal conquest. And yes, it was working.

Mary didn’t notice Maximus approaching.

She was lost in the wave of emotions James was stirring in her.