My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 182

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Maximus drove Serenity to her home in Chamartin. She had slept through the entire ride, waking up groggy when they arrived. Gathering her things, she hesitated for a moment before leaning over and placing a kiss on his check. 

“Thank you, Mr. Palmer. You’re a true gentleman. I had my doubts, but you’ve proven me wrong. If i were you, I’d try leaving the past behind and look forward to what’s ahead,” she said with a knowing smile. 

She then stepped out of the car and disappeared into the house. Maximus sat there, stunned by her unexpected gesture. Although the evening had been pleasant, her parting words lingered with him, stirring something deeper. 

Back at his hotel, Maximus took a shower, changed into his pajamas, and settled on the balcony. The image of Serenity remained vivid in his mind. There was something about her so unique and yet so familiar–that continued to put him at ease. He couldn’t shake the feeling that she reminded him of someone, which led his thoughts to drift back to his ex–wife, Mary, and their time in Santorini. 

[Years ago, Santorini] 

After reluctantly agreeing to a truce for the duration of their trip, Maximus and Mary enjoyed a quiet dinner. Later, they strolled through the picturesque streets of Santorini. Maximus noticed that Mary wore an earbud the entire time. It puzzled him, and after a while, curiosity got the better of him. 

“Mary?” 

“Yes?” she replied, turning to him. 

“Why are you wearing an earbud the whole time?” 

“Oh, I love listening to music. Being here inspires so many thoughts, and the music just enhances them,” she explained, smiling. 

“You’re strange.” 

“Maybe, but I like it,” she replied playfully. “Honestly I wasn’t expecting much company on this trip, so I came prepared with my music.” 

“Wow, you were ready for everything, weren’t you?” 

“Of course! I’ve never had the chance to swim in the sea before, and being this close, I wasn’t going to miss out,” she said, hugging herself as the evening chill set in. 

Maximus noticed and removed his coat, draping it over her shoulders. “Let’s head back to the hotel- it’s getting late, and the temperature’s dropping.” 

JJ 

Back in their room, Maximus found himself more nervous than he cared to admit. Being around Mary stirred emotions in him that he thought he’d buried long ago. In Valeria, when these feelings arose, he could retreat to his study or distract himself with work Here, however, there was no escape. The room 

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was small yet comfortable, with just a bedroom, a bathroom, and a tiny sitting area. 

“I’m exhausted. I’m going to sleep,” Mary said, grabbing her bag and heading to the bathroom. 

Maximus watched her go, unsure of how to process his emotions. Meanwhile, in the bathroom, Mary eyed the nightgown she’d brought along. It was more revealing than she’d like, and she silently cursed herself for assuming she’d be alone on this trip. With no alternative, she showered, dressed, and emerged, clutching her bag to her chest. 

Maximus, now standing on the balcony, was speaking on the phone. 

“Don’t worry, my love. Everything’s fine. There’s no need for you to come here. You know I love you. As soon as I return, we’ll take some time to relax together This is just a business trip.‘ 

Hearing his words, Mary felt foolish for being so self–conscious about her nightgown. He was clearly preoccupied with someone else. Grabbing a blanket from the closet, she lay down on the sofa and covered herself completely, pretending to sleep. Yet her chest ached at the realization of where she stood in his life. 

When Maximus hung up, he returned to the room and found the bathroom door open but no sign of Mary. Thinking she might have left the room, he moved toward the door but stopped when he saw her small frame curled up on the couch. 

The phone call had lasted two hours, and guilt swept over him. He realized she must have overheard. everything. Quietly, he approached her, gently picked her up, and laid her on the bed. Afterward, he showered, dressed for bed, and settled on the sofa. 

Though he was exhausted, sleep wouldn’t come. His mind kept replaying the day, along with memories of their past. Unable to stay still, he moved to the balcony, where he stood for a long time, watching Mary sleep. 

The next morning, Mary stretched like a cat and realized she wasn’t on the couch. Strong, warm arms. held her, and she froze for a moment, piecing together what had happened. Clearly, Maximus had moved her during the night, and now they were sharing the bed. 

As she tried to inch away, his grip tightened. 

“Relax, I’m not going to do anything. I just want to stay like this a little longer,” Maximus murmured groggily, burying his face in her hair. 

Mary stopped resisting. The warmth of his embrace and the soothing scent of his cologne made her feel strangely safe. For a moment, she allowed herself to forget the previous night’s conversation. 

Maximus loosened his hold but began tracing the curves of her waist, moving his hand down to her hip. Her skin prickled under his touch, and unfamiliar sensations stirred within her. She was startled when he suddenly shifted, pulling her closer so they were face–to–face. 

His hazel eyes locked onto hers, and before she could protest, he leaned in and kissed her deeply. At first, she resisted, but as the kiss grew more passionate, she found herself responding, albeit awkwardly. 

Maximus let his lips travel to her neck and shoulders, liding her nightgown straps down to reveal her delicate frame. His kisses continued lower, igniting sensations she hadn’t felt since their first time 

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together. 

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