My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 302

Chapter 0302 

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After a long day, Maximus finally arrived at a house that felt both familiar and distant. The air smelled of dampness, and the furniture was draped in sheets. The place was shrouded in darkness as he made his way to the study–a room that had once been his sanctuary. Feeling his way around, he found the light switch, pulled out a pack of cigarettes, and lit one. He searched for something to drink, relieved to find that the house remained untouched, just as it had been the last day he spent there. 

He opened a window to let some fresh air in, then collapsed into the chair that had once been his companion, his father’s, and likely even his grandmother’s. 

“Grandma, I’m home again,” Maximus said, staring out the open window. “You were right about everything. One day, I’d regret it all. And now, look at me. There’s nothing left of the arrogant Maximus Palmer.” 

He let out a bitter laugh. “Oh, Grandma, if these walls could talk… If I could turn back time, how many things I’d do differently.” 

Today, Maximus had chosen not to go home. Instead, he needed to be in the place that always felt like his true home. The mansion was filled with memories–not just of Mary, but of a time when the Palmer family was happy. 

. There was a time when he and Peter, as children, would run from one end of the house to the other, causing 

mischief. Their nanny, Emma, constantly scolded them for their antics. The gardens that their grandmother loved so much would end up filled with holes as they dug for buried treasure. They wanted a dog, but their father, Leonardo, had always refused. 

Maximus and Peter would lie on the floor, staring at the celling, sharing their dreams. Just a pair of brothers, ten and twelve years old, planning their futures. Peter dreamed of traveling the world, surfing the waves in Brazil, exploring Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. He wanted to climb Mount Everest, become a pilot, and race at incredible speeds. Maybe one day, he’d even get a dog. 

Maximus, inspired by the love between his parents, had different dreams. He imagined meeting a woman someday who would love him as his mother loved his father. He dreamed of working hard, buying a grand house, and owning a car as fast as his father’s–though Leonardo never let them near it. He wanted a house big enough to finally have a dog or maybe two or three–and even a cat. He had already picked out a name. 

“Max, you’ll see when we’re older, everything will be easier. Mom and Dad are always punishing us for everything. Look at now they didn’t let us watch TV just because of those holes in the garden. They don’t get it- we were searching for treasure,” Peter had said, unapologetic. 

“Peter, we really went too far this time. Those were Grandma’s favorite roses. We’ll fix them tomorrow,” Maximus had replied, guilt–ridden. 

The adult Maximus now sat in the same room, lost in memories of those innocent days. The teenage years hadn’t been as kind. After their mother’s death, everything changed. His father had called him in for a serious talk and told him it was time to grow up and take on responsibility. 

“I can’t handle it all on my own,” his father had said. “You need to help me. It’s time for you to step up.” 

At sixteen, Maximus was still grieving his mother, and now his father was stripping away his childhood. Dreams of racing cars and owning pets faded, replaced by the weight of responsibility. 

He matured quickly, learning the skills needed to one day lead Palmer Group. But as Maximus stepped into adulthood, he and Peter drifted apart. Peter began experimenting with smoking, alcohol, and, occasionally, drugs. Maximus often covered for him until it became impossible, forcing their grandmother, Catherine, to intervene. Peter eventually improved, though Maximus never understood why or how. 

Then came the day everything changed again. For reasons Maximus never knew, Peter pushed Alexia down the 

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Chapter 0302 

stairs. The brothers, once close, had grown distant. Maximus preferred to cling to their childhood dreams–their shared desire for a dog and simpler times. 

“Oh, Peter,” Maximus muttered, staring into his drink. “What happened to us? I liked the dreams we had as kids so much more. Sometimes I like to imagine you’re off traveling the world, and one day, you’ll come back with that dog we always wanted.” 

Halfway through a bottle of cognac, Maximus felt a surge of determination. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number he’d hesitated to call all night. 

“Matthew?” 

“Yes! Where are you? Everyone’s been looking for you!” 

“If by ‘everyone‘ you mean Alexia… she’s not my world. Not anymore…” Maximus slurred, his voice heavy with alcohol and pain. 

“Maximus, are you drunk?” 

“A little. Nothing you haven’t seen before…” 

“Where are you? I’m coming to get you. You shouldn’t be driving like this. This isn’t like you.” 

“Matthew, that’s the problem–I never do these things. And you know what? I’ve never felt better!” 

“Maximus… something’s going on. You never drink, and you definitely don’t get drunk without a reason. What’s happening?” 

“Matthew, stop scolding me. I get it, you’re like a father to me, but in case you haven’t noticed, I’m not fifteen anymore. I’m a 53–year–old man, and my life’s a complete mess. But it’s my life… 

“Maximus, don’t be so hard on yourself.”