My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 293

Chapter 0293 

Valerie had started her morning as she always did since their arrival–following the same routine. Despite having staff for the daily chores, she loved preparing breakfast for her husband. Marcus, for his part, cherished her homemade breakfast, especially her signature latte. It was his preference at home, though he opted for something stronger to get through his day at the office. 

Marcus adored watching Valerie cook. She worked with such grace and care that no matter how busy he was, he always made time to sit and savor her delicious dishes. His devotion extended to his children’s lives, especially their education. Marcus rarely missed any school event, no matter the occasion–except for a few unavoidable exceptions. Valerie knew, without a doubt, that Marcus was Serenity’s father in every sense of the word. Even during the two years they had lost touch, Marcus had been there for Serenity long before they were married. 

After seeing Marcus off to work, Valerie turned her attention to little John, who was already awake. John was an early riser, though he often got lost in cartoons and needed coaxing to snap out of his dreamy state and get ready for preschool. Marcus and Valerie were in the process of choosing a permanent school for him, allowing John to try a few before making a decision. This week’s trial school was conveniently close to home. Camille was tasked with dropping him off and picking him up, as Valerie had to attend an important meeting at the Palmer Group’s Marketing and Advertising Agency–something she’d postponed multiple times. 

“Camille, where’s Emma?” Valerie asked as she got ready. 

“Emma’s outside soaking up some sun. She says it’s good for her. I’ll do the same later, but right now, I wanted to help you get ready. You need to make a good impression.” 

“Camille… but shouldn’t they be the ones impressing me?“Valerie said, smiling. 

“Come on, Valerie! Put on something nice! You never know who you might run into,” Camille teased, determined to persuade her. If left to Valerie, she’d likely show up in a simple dress and ballet flats. 

Camille was right, of course. Valerie didn’t know what to expect from today. Once she dressed in something more formal, Camille stopped pestering her. Gathering all the information she needed, Valerie headed to the agency. Though she had studied fashion design, her expertise was in creating exquisite jewelry–a talent Marcus deeply admired. 

After driving for a while, Valerie arrived at the agency. Her bodyguards were stopped at the entrance, as security rules prohibited them from entering the building. The receptionist explained this was a confidentiality measure- though it was clearly an excuse she’d quickly come up with 

Valerie reluctantly agreed. It wasn’t entirely unreasonable in an advertising agency, where leaks were a serious concern. Once inside, the receptionist made a call, and someone came to escort her. Valerie couldn’t explain why, but she had been feeling a heavy pressure in her chest all morning. As the elevator ascended, the sensation only grew stronger, almost to the point of panic. Finally, the elevator dinged, signaling their arrival at the correct floor. 

“Right this way, Mrs. Bartz,” her guide said. 

“Thank you.” 

“The person attending to you is in an emergency meeting but asked that I make you comfortable in the boardroom. Can I get you anything? 

“Yes, could I have a glass of water?” 

“There’s a selection of refreshments in the boardroom, including water. Please help yourself.” 

“Oh, thank you.” 

Π 

+25 BONUS 

Chapter 0293 

Inside the spacious boardroom, Valerie placed her bag on the large table and went straight to pour herself a glass of water. The pressure in her chest still lingered, an unsettling weight she couldn’t shake. It had been years- many years since she’d felt like this. Her thoughts drifted to that fateful day when Peter had died, and a shiver ran down her spine. 

Needing reassurance, she called Camille to check on John. Camille assured her that John was fine, happily finishing his day at preschool. Valerie then called Serenity, who was safe and in class. Lastly, she dialed Marcus. His voice, warm and soothing as always, answered almost immediately.