My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 540

Chapter 0540 

Peter understood that since the day Ethan was born, the boy had only ever seen him as a father. Alden might have been his biological father, but Peter was the one who had always been there, raising him. Of all the things Peter had considered, he hadn’t thought Ethan would react so strongly. He assumed the boy, being so young, would accept the situation without protest. Now he realized that than would be his biggest concern. 

“Ethan, my life, let’s make a deal. I have to leave today, and Miss Celeste is coming with me. You’ll stay here and take care of Spike. I’ll come back for him this weekend, and when I do, you’ll come with me. What do you think? That’ll give me time to sort everything out so you can come with me.” 

“Really? You’ll come back this weekend?” 

“Yes, I promise.” 

“Okay… but I really want you to come for me. If you don’t, I won’t love you anymore… 

“Ethan, when have I ever broken my word?” 

Ethan lowered his head. He knew his grandfather well–Peter had never let him down, and this time wouldn’t be an exception. 

After an afternoon filled with treats, Peter took Ethan home. He asked the cook to prepare something healthy for the boy, then helped him settle onto the bench at the kitchen table. He kissed Ethan on the head before heading to his room. 

A few minutes later, Peter emerged with his usual travel bag. Ethan was already at the table, happily eating a bowl of soup. 

“Ethan, I’ll be back this weekend. I need you to behave, do your homework, and take good care of Spike. I’ll see you Saturday.” Peter hugged his grandson and kissed his forehead. 

Ethan walked with him to the car, then sat at the entrance of the house with Chester, their dog, waving goodbye. Peter glanced at his grandson in the rearview mirror, feeling a sharp pang in his heart. But he had to leave— staying would only complicate things further between him and Mary. 

When Peter arrived at the hospital, everything was ready for Celeste’s discharge. She was still in her room, but Beatrice, the nurse assigned to her, had already prepared her to leave. When Peter walked in, he saw a stunning woman seated in a wheelchair. Anyone looking at her would never guess she had been hospitalized. 

Beatrice handed him a long list of recommendations and finally bid farewell to the kind, beautiful woman she had cared for. Once they were alone, Peter crouched down and gave Celeste a warm kiss. For a moment, he felt a wave of guilt–guilt because, just hours earlier, he had held Mary in his arms and forgotten entirely about the woman sitting in front of him now. 

The plan was simple: leave the country. Celeste would be the balm for the pain caused by losing his old love. He knew that putting distance between himself and Mary would make things easier. However, the one thing truly weighing on his mind was returning for Ethan. Once he arrived in Slovenia, he’d have to sort out all the paperwork to bring Ethan back. He just hoped it wouldn’t be too complicated–or require anything drastic. 

“Peter, is something wrong?” Celeste asked, her voice soft but curious. 

“No…” he replied. 

“Then why do you seem so deep in thought?” 

1/2 

Chapter 0540 

+25 BONUS 

“It’s Ethan… My grandson doesn’t want to stay in Valentia. He wants to come back to Slovenia with us.”