My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 64

Chapter 0064 

He poured himself a glass of cognac and lit a cigarette something he hadn’t done in years. His neck ached, his head throbbed, and the alcohol only seemed to heighten the surreal fog settling over his thoughts. Suddenly, he began to see a familiar silhouette moving through his office. It was faint, but there, like a shadow dancing on the edge of his vision. 

“Maximus? I’m sorry, I didn’t think you were here. I didn’t mean to intrude, but I love reading your books. I want to learn more, and I always hurry with my chores so I can sneak in here before you arrive.” 

“Get out! I never gave you permission to be in here!” his past self bellowed. 

“Maximus, please forgive me! 1… I just…! 

He watched as the image of his younger self slapped Mary, causing her to fall. He roughly yanked her up by her sweater and shoved her out of his study. The scene hurt him in ways he hadn’t anticipated. He had never realized that Mary, deprived of education, had craved knowledge. She had longed to learn, and he had denied her even that. 

It was as though he had traveled back in time, watching it all unfold from a new perspective. Scene after scene flashed before his eyes–his wedding day, the cold expression on his own face as he gazed into the 

mirror. 

“You’re a complete fool! You fell for Grandma’s trap! That conniving brat, Mary, tricked me with her innocent face! That damn girl, giving me her virginity just to ensnare me! But they’ll see. This wedding is for Alexia and me, and my dear wife will know the meaning of hell. No one will save her from it.” 

“Maximus, my dear! It’s time. Mary is about to walk down the aisle. Let me escort you. You need to arrive first, then I’ll fetch Mary,” Catherine said excitedly. 

“Let’s go, Grandma. I’m in a hurry,” Maximus responded coldly. 

“Oh, son, what’s the rush? Don’t tell me it’s for something so private. I know you two can’t wait for the wedding night, but you have to get married first!” Catherine teased playfully. 

“Grandma, let’s go already,” Maximus snapped impatiently. 

Afterward, he saw himself leaving the ceremony. It had been an intimate affair–his close friends Alex, Gen, and Fred, along with Catherine, Emma, and Leopold. Peter and Mary’s friends from Galea had been invited but hadn’t made it. The ceremony, which should have been the event of the year, was a quiet affair. Maximus Palmer, president of Palmer Group, was marrying, and no media outlet had covered it. He had blamed the rushed timing but had secretly been relieved. Mary had deserved a grand celebration, but after the wedding, he had been glad it was small. 

“Mary, welcome to your new life. From now on, it will be hell,” Maximus whispered in her ear, watching her wide smile fade. 

She hadn’t understood his words, but a shiver ran down her spine as she saw the look in his eyes. Her radiant smile vanished as she climbed into the car, clutching her bouquet–never having the chance to toss it, as there had been no one to catch it. 

Maximus watched helplessly as his past self treated Mary with cruelty. Her wide eyes filled with tears as she stood in her wedding dress, confused and heartbroken. He wanted to scream at himself, to stop, to 

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apologize, to make things right. But his past self couldn’t hear him. 

He saw himself again, months later, belittling Mary for daring to attend a company event, calling her unworthy while flaunting his relationship with Alexia Scene after scene of emotional torment played out in front of him, each more painful than the last. 

Suddenly, Maximus awoke in his study, drenched in cold sweat. He checked his phone–hours had passed. He was no longer stuck in that nightmare, but the guilt was all too real. He finally understood Catherine’s words. “Beauty doesn’t grow in hell,” he whispered. That’s why Mary had tried to take her own life. 

With trembling hands, Maximus grabbed his phone. It was time to do what he had been avoiding since his wife left the hospital. He scrolled through his contacts and dialed. 

“Pick up, pick up,” he muttered anxiously. 

“Hello… Who is this?” came Mary’s groggy voice. “Peter, if that’s you, please let me sleep. I’m fine. I ate dinner and took my medicine on time…” 

Hearing her voice made his heart race. His hands shook, and for a brief moment, he considered hanging up. But it was too late–he had called, and now he had to speak. 

“Mary…” 

“Peter, please let me sleep. We can talk tomorrow…” she mumbled, still half–asleep.