My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 380

Chapter 0380 

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Alden was stunned. No one had ever spoken to him that way before. His mother had always been gentle, and Ignatius, who he had come to see as a father figure, was patient and understanding. 

“Take it or leave it! But make up your mind now,” Peter snapped, his tone tinged with exasperation. 

Alden ran to his girlfriend, waking her up urgently. 

“We have to leave! Your father gave us 24 hours to get out of here before he sends his people to separate us,” he said, his voice trembling. 

Grace looked at him, still groggy, but saw the fear in his eyes. Without hesitation, and knowing exactly what her father was capable of, she took his hand and nodded silently. 

In less than two hours, they were leaving Ushuaia, the place Alden had called home for years. Before boarding the private plane, Alden had called his mother. Her heart broke as she listened to him. Her son, her only companion, was leaving. Though it hurt, she understood it was for the best. Alden told her a half–truth, careful not to reveal who was helping him. 

Katherine knew exactly what kind of man Grace’s father was. Years ago, she had worked with him. Her beauty hadn’t gone unnoticed, and he had persistently pursued her for an affair. When she rejected him politely, he retaliated by closing doors to promising job opportunities, forcing her to work as a laborer in a factory. The savings she had managed to gather allowed her to live modestly alongside her son. But now, he was leaving, and there was nothing she could do to stop him. 

Once out of Ushuaia, both Alden and Grace sat in stunned silence. At one point, they wondered if leaving had been a mistake, but there was no turning back now. 

“Alden, I need to talk to you,” Peter said, his tone serious. 

“Okay…” Alden replied hesitantly. 

* 

“Come here,” Peter gestured to the seat beside him. “We’re leaving now. You and your girlfriend–I’ll do everything I can to help you live a peaceful life. I can see the fear in your eyes, but you don’t need to be afraid. What you need to understand is that your life will change from now on. 

“I’m going to demand the best from you. I’ll teach you everything I know, and one day, you’ll be a version of me. You’re about to become a father, and that’sa responsibility you can’t ignore. I admire your courage, but life isn’t built on bravery alone. I’m going to give you the tools you need to face life’s challenges. I expect you to rise to the occasion. Is that clear? I won’t accept anything less.” 

“Yes…” Alden replied quietly. 

“Good! I’m glad we understand each other. Now that’s settled, I’ll tell you where we’re going. You’ll come with me to Slovenia. Things will change a bit, but I’m sure you’ll both adapt.” 

Alden felt a sharp pang in his stomach. He hadn’t expected they’d go with his father. Guilt weighed heavily on him as he thought about the circumstances. He loved his mother, but the situation left him no other choice. 

Alden didn’t return to Ushuaia for three years. During that time, he stayed in contact with his mother, regularly sending her money for her needs. He bought her a large house and urged her to leave the factory job and focus on what she loved most. To him, this was the best way to make up for leaving so abruptly and changing his life so drastically. 

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