My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 619

Chapter 0619 

rooms, 

It was late Sunday afternoon. Laura had gone to her room after lunch, and the kids were holed up in their rushing to finish last–minute homework. Maximus had warned them that the punishment would be severe if they didn’t complete their assignments or missed any responsibilities at school, Meanwhile, Serenity was away spending the weekend with her parents after receiving a message from them. 

Maximus wandered through the backyard, enjoying the cool evening air, when his phone began to vibrate in his pocket. Pulling it out, he saw an unknown number on the screen. He was about to ignore it but reconsidered–few people had access to his number, so it might be important. 

“Hello?” 

“Maximus?” 

“Yes?” 

“Don’t you recognize my voice?” 

“Diana…!” 

A soft, nervous laugh came from the other end of the line. 

“I finally decided to call you. I’ve been in Valentia for a little over a month–almost two–and you haven’t reached out. When I was in Hesperia, I thought it was the distance, your kids, your work… but now I’m starting to wonder. 

H 

“Diana, I’m sorry. I’ve been busy, and yes, I heard you were here in Valentia. I just didn’t want to drag you into my family mess.” 

Maximus, since the day I met you, I’ve known your life is one big drama. I wouldn’t be surprised if you t you got married again–or were widowed, or something. 

“Diana, why would you think that?” 

“Just a guess… So, am I wrong?” 

“You have no idea how much I’ve missed talking to you!” 

“Well, then let’s talk.” 

“On the phone?” 

“However you’d like!” 

me 

Maximus couldn’t ignore the strange fluttering in his stomach. Years had passed since this woman had left his 

life. They were never friends, nor lovers. Just two lonely people who crossed paths at the wrong time. 

“Let’s have dinner!” he blurted out, silencing the voices in his head warning him against it. 

“Okay! When?” 

“Tonight!” 

“It’s already 5:00 p.m. I doubt we’ll find a place to make a reservation…” 

“You’re talking to Maximus Palmer.” 

“Oh! I forgot!” 

“Where are you staying?” 

“Let’s meet at the central plaza. I’m living nearby for now while I find a place clos 

‘Perfect. Is this your number?” 

“This one’s for Valentia, but my Hesperia number is still the same.” 

See you in an hour and a half.” 

“Great!” 

to work.” 

Maximus went back into the house and called a contact who could secure a table for him at The Russet Garden restaurant. He wanted the best spot–it had been years since he’d last seen Diana. He felt a strange tingling in his hands and a nervous energy he hadn’t felt in years. 

He stared at his reflection in the mirror. All he saw was a tired man, with wrinkles and gray streaks in his beard. His hair had grown long; he hadn’t had time for a haircut. Though he’d showered, he hadn’t chosen what to wear. Nothing seemed to feel right. For a moment, he wished he could forget everything–his problems, his past, the weight of his responsibilities. 

Trying on clothes still hanging on their hangers, he inspected himself in the full–length mirror. 

“Maximus, you look ancient,” he muttered. “She’s barely older than your daughter.” 

Doubts and fears consumed him. Maybe he should cancel. He had more important things to focus on: his children, his future grandchild, and the mountain of information he didn’t know how to handle. He was about to dial Diana to cancel when Serenity’s voice called from outside his door 

“Maximus? Can I come in? Are you there?”