My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 205

Chapter 0205 

+25 BONUS 

Valerie had no choice but to follow Marcus’s long strides. When he set his mind to something, there was not changing it. ‘If he wants to lose more sleep, that’s on him, she thought. A few minutes later, they reached the building’s parking lot. Marcus opened the passenger door for her to get in, a gentlemanly gesture she wasn’t quite used to. 

Unlike the Palmer family, Marcus didn’t flaunt his wealth. He drove a BMW X6–not exactly modest, but far from the ostentatious luxury cars his Valentian relatives preferred. Marcus had often remarked that such cars didn’t suit him or his life in Hesperia 

It was Valerie’s first time riding in his car. She was curious about his music, having only heard what he played when Serenity was with them–always child–friendly songs, Marcus took his role as the doting uncle very seriously. Weekends with Serenity were strictly reserved for her. He would take her to the park, the aquarium, or the zoo, and together they planned outings to Century Park To anyone watching, Marcus might easily be mistaken for her father. 

As Marcus slid into the driver’s seat and buckled his seatbelt, Valerie caught sight of his sharp profile, his large hands, and long fingers resting casually on the steering wheel. The streetlights illuminated his face, giving him an air of effortless allure. His slightly disheveled clothing only added to his charm. Valerie felt her cheeks heat up, her palms growing damp. Mentally, she scolded herself. Valerie, what the hell are you thinking?” She forced herself to snap out of it. These thoughts had no place in her mind, no matter how much her dormant libido begged to differ. 

They drove in silence for a while, the soft hum of the car engine mixing with a playlist of rock from the ‘70s and 80s with hints of electronic beats. As they reached Grim Street, where Valerie lived, Marcus glanced over to see she had dozed off. Her head rested lightly against the seat, her expression serene. 

He smiled to himself and turned the music down to something softer, not wanting to wake her. The moonlight highlighted her features, and he couldn’t deny how beautiful she looked, even after everything she had endured. There was something timeless about her. Despite her hardships, she had kept that fresh, youthful glow that he remembered from years ago. 

As he drove, Marcus’s thoughts drifted. ‘Peter was a lucky man,‘ he mused. Valerie was kind, resilient, and smart 

-a woman who only needed a little freedom to truly thrive. After being left to fend for herself, she had never faltered, never succumbed to despair. Instead, she had kept her composure, worked tirelessly, and done everything in her power to give Serenity a stable life. 

When they had reconnected, Marcus had quietly ordered a background check on her. The report confirmed what he had already suspected. Valerie’s life was simple and routine mornings spent walking with Serenity, afternoons. shopping for essentials, and evenings working at the bar while Camille looked after the baby. She avoided trouble and, despite Frederick’s observations about the many men interested in her, rejected every suitor. It was clear her heart was firmly closed. 

Taking a deep breath, Marcus sighed heavily. He felt a temptation stir within him, a small but insistent desire to reach out and touch her cheek to wake her. A simple nudge on the shoulder would have sufficed, but something about her delicate skin drew him in. 

Before he could act, Valerie stirred, her eyes fluttering open as she stretched lazily, completely unaware of how captivating she looked. 

“Are we there yet?” she asked sleepily, her voice soft and groggy. 

Yes, we’re here. Come on, Serene must be exhausted,” Marcus replied. 

“Serene’s probably been asleep for hours,” Valerie said with a yawn, stretching again and revealing a graceful