My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 442

Chapter 0442 

Tlearned the eventually married my best friend. I know she spent some years alone after I was presumed dead, but it wasn’t enough time for me to reconnect with her. So, the healthiest option was to remain “dead” to her and him. After looking into their lives, I found my daughter was in good hands. And now I knew that child wasn’t even mine. I didn’t know how it happened, but that was the way it was 

I was only human—a man with needs. While I had been discreet about these matters, no woman had drawn me in like the one I was about to see tonight. Celeste. Her name was synonymous with beauty and serenity, though she stirred anything but peace within me 

I didn’t want to admit it, but Theodore was right–she had captivated me from the moment I saw her. I have to take a risk. It was strange, considering Theodore would always say I was a womanizer in my youth. Today, I found it difficult to spend much time around women. I had done so before, but it was always clear why and for what purpose. Engaging in conversation or going on a date felt almost impossible. I hated it when someone tried to dig into who I was. I was aware that I was a blank book with only the last chapters written–no past, just the present. 

[Westhaven, Art Gallery] 

“All right, we’ve packed everything that needs to be sent to the buyers. Whatever’s left can wait for tomorrow’s display,” the event organizer announced to the artists, including Celeste. “Let’s give ourselves a round of applause. You’ve raised a significant amount, and the proceeds will be in your accounts as soon as we finalize things. Keep working hard–it’s not easy, but tonight’s efforts have been well rewarded.” 

After his remarks, the artists began to leave. Celeste was one of the last to exit. Her professor had apologized for having to leave early. By the time she descended the steps of the grand venue, the parked cars had vanished. She pulled out her phone, preparing to request a ride–share, when the headlights of an approaching car caught her 

attention. 

#Miss Johnson, may I give you a ride?” Peter asked, stepping out of the car and circling it to stand before her. 

Celeste was genuinely surprised. First, because she thought he had already left. Second, because he looked so different now than he had inside the gallery. There, he had seemed serious and composed. But outside, his presence was magnetic, his demeanor more relaxed. His dark eyes, shining like obsidian, held a mysterious intensity that exuded both passion and control. 

And then he smiled. A warm, genuine smile that could disarm any excuse she might have conjured. 

The subtle trace of his cologne mixed with the cool night air, reaching her senses. For a moment, Celeste found herself unable to maintain her composure. Her heart quickened–a feeling she hadn’t experienced since her husband’s death. 

“Miss Johnson, what do you think? Shall I take you home? There’s no one else here, and it’s getting late,” Peter said, extending his hand to help her down the final steps. 

Instinctively, Celeste reached out and nodded. But as she came out of her brief daze, she hesitated. “Mr. Palmer, I don’t want to trouble you. I live far away, and it’s already quite late. Besides, your car doesn’t seem suited for such a long journey.” 

“Miss Johnson,” Peter said, his voice calm yet firm, “I didn’t ask if my car could make the journey. I asked if 1 could take you. And who could possibly leave such an exquisite woman dressed like this without giving her a chance to shine? Come on, get in. I doubt you’ve eaten anything. Let’s go have dinner, and then I’ll take you home.” 

Even Peter was surprised by how easily the words left his mouth. Only hours earlier, he had felt reserved around. 

1/2 

J 

+25 BONUS 

Chapter 0442