My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 601

Chapter 0601 

+25 BONUS 

For a brief moment, Serenity allowed herself to imagine her parents were still together, and the three of them were simply out for lunch as a family. It was a comforting ought, but it quickly dissolved when Valerie broke the 

silence. 

“Okay, we’ve eaten. Now, Serenity, Marcus–what do you want to talk to me about?” 

Serenity glanced between her mother’s sharp tone and her father’s passive demeanor and decided to speak up 

first. 

“Mom, I’ve made a decision. I’m going to take a year off. I need time to think things through.” 

“What? Serenity, what are you talking about? That wasn’t the deal! You’re supposed to be studying!” 

“Mom, I’m not saying I won’t go back to studying. But with everything going on, I’ve been falling behind. I want to withdraw from school for the year. 

ה 

“Serenity!” Valerie snapped, her voice rising with anger. “You can’t just drop out of school! You need to keep going. I don’t care what it takes–you’re going to improve your grades!” 

“Mom! I already told you what I’m going to do, and I’m not asking for permission. If you haven’t noticed, I’m not a child anymore!” 

erenity!” Marcus’s voice boomed, cutting through the tension. “Don’t raise your voice at your mother. Never, and I mean never, disrespect her like that!” 

“Oh, Dad! Don’t act like you’re here to scold me. I explained this calmly to you earlier, just like I’m trying to do now with her. But as usual, she doesn’t take my opinion seriously–just like when the two of you decided to get divorced without considering anyone else.” 

“Serenity, sweetheart…” Marcus began, his voice softening, clearly regretting raising his voice. 

“What, Dad? Why don’t you tell her everything I told you? You asked me to keep it simple and only mention the break from school. But you’re not saying why I’m doing this.” 

Serenity, sweetheart, that’s something your mom and I need to discuss privately. As for what you’ve decided–if you’ve made up your mind, I can’t say whether it’s right or wrong. But if things don’t go as planned, we’ll face the consequences together.” Marcus sighed, resigned. 

Serenity’s frustration boiled over. Their separation was clearly affecting her more than either of them realized. Despite trying to act like an adult, she felt the weight of responsibilities that weren’t hers–responsibilities her mother sometimes forgot, distracted as she was by her own issues. 

“That’s not all, Mom…” 

“What now, Serenity? Your father’s already given you permission for this nonsense. 

“Valerie, please,” Marcus interjected, trying to keep the peace. 

“I’m leaving the house,” Serenity announced firmly. 

“What? What the hell did you just say?” Valerie shouted, clutching her belly protectively. 

“Mom, you need to take charge of the house again. Remember, you have two kids. Remember that John is your son, not mine. You’ve been consumed with your divorce, with Peter, with who–knows–what fantasies. But in that house, there are other people who exist too. It’s not my responsibility to take care of John, but I do it–because I love him. Meanwhile, I don’t even know what world you’re living in.” 

+26 BONUS 

Chapter 0601 

Valerie felt tears welling up, but before they could fall, Marcus reached out and took her hand. She tried to pull it away, but he held on tighter. 

“Serenity,” Marcus said calmly, “please, give me a mome alone with your mother.” 

Serenity grabbed her things and stormed out of the restaurant. She had said her piece, and there was no turning back. She felt bad for John, but her mother needed a wake–up call. Valerie was stuck in her grief–not over Marcus or the divorce, but over Peter, the man she had once called fer father. That was the real source of her mother’s turmoil, and Serenity couldn’t bear it anymore. 

Once they were alone, Marcus broke the silence.