My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 256

Chapter 0256 

+25 BONUS 

Marcus arrived at his office, took one look at the mountain of paperwork waiting for him, and felt an overwhelming need for a good cup of coffee. He had to admit, his office in Italy was far better equipped than the one in Mexico, but that was the kind of luxury people were used to there. All he had to do was let himself be pampered. 

Greta divided her time between the CEO and the Finance Director. Despite the demanding nature of the former, she still managed to attend to some of Marcus’s needs. He sighed, a wave of nostalgia washing over him. His Valerie. He truly needed her by his side–she had a way of making his work life so much easier. 

As he sipped his coffee and stared out the massive window, he couldn’t help but reminisce about how his beautiful, stunning, and sexy assistant stopped being just his assistant and became his wife. 

[Hesperia, 

15 years ago] 

Marcus was drowning in work, and as usual, Valerie was by his side, helping him review the endless minutes and reports flooding into his office. Fortunately, the most recent contracts they had signed were bringing in massive profits, but with big gains came equally big responsibilities 

It had been a long week. It was Friday, and Frederick was traveling to New York on Marcus’s behalf. The idea of leaving work at a reasonable hour was out of the question from the start. Marcus was annoyed. He’d been planning something for days, but this cursed stack of papers to sign and review was about to ruin it. 

He kept glancing at his watch, and finally, he made a drastic decision. Turning to Valerie, he said, 

“Love, I need to step out for a bit. Can you keep going through this pile of documents for me?” 

“Of course! Where are you going?” she asked, watching him hurriedly grab his jacket and adjust his glasses. 

Marcus was already out the door without answering. It was 4:00 PM, and he was determined not to let this day go to waste. It was July 17th, and Valerie was completely unaware of its significance. She kept working as if it were just another day. But for Marcus, it wasn’t. He had reserved a table at Ashbourne Manor Bistro. Staying true to Valerie’s style, he avoided extravagant places but made sure it was somewhere special. It had to be–today was her birthday, and after over two years together, it was time to take the next step. 

Camille had helped Marcus pick the location and organize a few details. She even suggested Valerie celebrate her birthday at home over the weekend. That morning, they’d only shared hugs and small gestures. Marcus brought a tiny strawberry cake so she could blow out a candle while they had some simple coffee. 

For Valerie, that little celebration was enough. With Serenity, Marcus, Camille, and her two daughters, she didn’t need anything more. Camille insisted they’d make stuffed bell peppers with walnut cream sauce on the weekend as part of the festivities, but for now, the morning had been a quick, improvised breakfast. 

Marcus went to the florist, where a bouquet of white flowers was ready for him. For some reason, white was Valerie’s favorite color. The bouquet was stunning, with English roses, freesias, gerberas, daisies, lilies, and baby’s breath. It was practically a work of art, and Marcus had been involved in every detail, even requesting photos throughout the day to ensure it was perfect. 

After picking it up, he returned to the office. His dinner reservation was at 6:00 PM, and there was no time to waste. He stopped by one of his favorite jewelers to retrieve a gorgeous diamond ring, elegantly understated–just the way Valerie liked it. 

Back at the office, Marcus rushed in, slightly out of breath but triumphant. He could’ve sent his driver for these things, but today, it was important to him that he handled everything personally. The little details mattered. 

12 

+25 BONUS 

Chapter 0256 

“Valerie, my love!” Marcus called, trying to catch his breath 

Valerie was gazing out at the city through the large office window. “Marcus? Where did you go? One second you were here, and the next you were gone. I came to stretch my legs–I’m wiped out,” she said, turning to him. Marcus walked up, slipped his arms around her waist, and kissed her cheek, his heart still racing from all the running around. “Hey, let’s get out of here. I’m exhausted! Plus, it’s your birthday we need to take a break.” “Marcus… but we still have work to finish!” Valerie protested. 

“That’ll all be here on Monday. Come on, grab your stuff. Let’s go for a walk to celebrate your birthday.” 

Valerie looked at the man holding her in his arms, smiled, and said, “You’re right! Let’s take a break for a bit.” 

Chapter 0257 

Chapter 0257 

+25 BONUS 

They left the office together. Marcus opened the passenger door for her, and Valerie froze in surprise. Sitting on the seat was an exquisite bouquet of white flowers, filling the car with the sweet aroma of freesias. She felt a flutter in her stomach, a sensation that spread through her whole body. Without thinking, she turned and threw her arms around the handsome man holding the door. 

“Marcus, is this why you left?” 

“Do you like it?” Marcus asked, a bit unsure. 

“I love it! It’s beautiful! It smells amazing! You shouldn’t have gone to so much trouble!” Valerie said, her eyes filling with tears. 

“Come on, don’t cry!” Marcus said, trying to stop her tears 

“It’s just that…” Valerie began, trying to hold herself together. “I’ve never seen a bouquet like this, for me.” Marcus squinted at her, feigning disbelief. “Never? And what about all the flowers I’ve given you before?” he asked, still holding her in his arms. 

“But… It’s different. Look at this bouquet. You gathered all these flowers today, and it’s just so beautiful. You thought of every detail. I love it!” Valerie said, hugging him tightly. 

“Let’s go! Get in, I’ve got more planned…” Marcus said, helping her into the car. 

Valerie carefully cradled the bouquet in her arms, breathing in the scent over and over. She couldn’t believe he’d taken the time to personally choose something so special just for her.