My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 280

Chapter 0280 

After realizing that she and Maximus wouldn’t be spending the day alone, Laura’s expression turned serious. Though her shyness remained evident in her eyes, she was clearly upset. A single tear slipped down her cheek. In her mind, there was no doubt her father must be introducing her to a mistress he planned to formalize things with. A whirlwind of thoughts overwhelmed her, making her feel like she couldn’t breathe. Finally, she spoke up: “Dad, stop! Please, stop the car…” 

Maximus glanced at her, startled, and quickly pulled over. Cura unbuckled her seatbelt, threw open the car door, and leaned out, retching. She gagged but brought up nothing but bile. The very thought that her father might be forcing her to meet a mistress made her nauseous. It all made sense now–why he had suddenly been so kind to her. Her brothers would never fall for his tricks, but she, who had craved his attention for so long, had been easy 

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“Laura… Please, talk to me. Are you feeling sick? What’s wrong, my dear?” Maximus asked, his voice filled with 

concern. 

‘I don’t want to go!” Laura cried, her tone desperate and pained. “Please don’t make me. I don’t want to get involved in your life. Just leave me here. I don’t want to meet your…” 

Maximus immediately understood what she was implying and what she was about to say. Before she could finish, he pulled her into a tight hug. 

“It’s not what you think, Laura. Never–never–would I make you meet someone you didn’t want to. I can’t deny what you’re thinking, and it’s my burden to bear. But this person… this person is different. You need to meet her. I wanted it to be a surprise, but given the situation, I’ll tell you now.” 

Laura’s tear–streaked face turned toward him, her cheeks flushed red. 

“Do you remember how your mother sometimes mentioned that your uncle Peter had a child?” Maximus asked gently. 

“Yes…” Laura answered cautiously. 

“Well, it’s true. He had a daughter. She’s as beautiful as you are. She’s here in Valentia, and we’re going to meet her. Both of us barely know anything about her, but I think this is a good opportunity for you to connect. I believe you’ll get along well. She seems like a wonderful girl, and she’s the same age as your brother Lucius.” Laura’s eyes widened in shock. A cousin? A girl? She had always struggled to relate to other girls, but this one was family. “Could we really get along?‘ she wondered. As her thoughts raced, Maximus gently touched her cheek, wiping away her tears with his sweater sleeve. He helped her back into her seat, fastening her seatbelt before continuing the drive to the university. 

Maximus hadn’t said it out loud, but he had no doubt about one thing: Marcus treated Serenity like his own daughter. The university she attended was one of the best in the country, and not cheap by any means. Though Marcus was wealthy enough to afford it, the school fees were still significant. Knowing his niece studied there convinced Maximus that her adoptive father must care for her deeply. 

Meanwhile, back at Marcus and Valerie’s home, Serenity was having a hurried breakfast of French toast and coffee. Marcus stood nearby, watching her devour her food