My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 725

Chapter 0725 

“Peter, is that why you don’t want to see her?” 

Peter turned to look at Dr. Hill, his expression distant as he tried to organize his thoughts. After a pause, he spoke. 

“I’ve always known she didn’t love me. Every thought, every memory, every glance she gave me was a reminder of what I wanted and could never have. Sometimes, no matter how much you try, you’ll never be the person someone else needs. And that hurts. It hurts a lot. 

“She was grateful for everything I did for her, and… I was happy seeing her happy. I was in a vulnerable place, and fate–along with other people’s ambitions–tore us apart. Looking back now, I think fate knew what it was doing. 

“Lies have short legs, as they say. Sooner or later, Maximus would have learned that Mary’s daughter wasn’t mine. And with everything we know today… what do you think my fate would have been?” 

“I don’t know, Peter. What do you think it would have been?” 

“Maximus would’ve gone after his daughter. He would’ve left his wife and done everything in his power to get Mary back. Knowing she didn’t love me, it would’ve just been a matter of time before she chose to leave me. I’m sure she would have been grateful for everything I did, but gratitude isn’t the same as love. Don’t you think?” 

Dr. Hill nodded thoughtfully. “Given everything you’ve said, how do you explain what you feel for Celeste?” 

Peter went silent again, pondering the question for what felt like an eternity. Then he let out a dry chuckle. 

“Touché.” 

“What do you mean?” 

“I didn’t see that coming. Are you suggesting that what I feel for Celeste is gratitude?” 

“I don’t know, Peter. I only ask questions based on what you tell me.” 

“Celeste is the only woman who has drawn my attention since Mary. I can’t explain it, but her presence calms me. It gives me peace, makes me feel alive, and even gives me a reason to keep living. But it’s also caused me a strange discomfort. 

“Lately, I’ve been afraid of dying. There’s your answer to your first question. For years, I lived without attaching myself to anything because I never knew how long I could survive with pieces of my brain missing. And I’ve lived -believe me, 

I’ve lived a lot. 

“But now, with her in my life, I’ve started doing things I hadn’t done in years. Many of them, I only ever did with Mary. But this time, I don’t have to force a smile out of her. Celeste smiles because she wants to, because she’s happy. Her smile comes from deep within her heart. 

“As for why I don’t want to see Mary… I know she feels something for me now. I see it in the way she looks at me. But I also know it’s not love. It’s gratitude, nostalgia, joy a mix of emotions–but not the love I once felt for her. Even if she insists it’s love, I have to be honest. She never loved me. She was always in love with my brother.” 

Peter’s voice softened as he continued, his tone introspective. “Life gave her a second chance. She met my friend Marcus–her current husband. I’ll admit, at first, I was angry. I felt betrayed and frustrated. I acted out because of 

1. it. 

“When I started remembering the past, something in me knew I shouldn’t reappear in her life. But people pressured me to, so I did. I knew what would happen if I did. For days, I wrestled with the desire to stay and fight for her versus the need to leave and let her live her life. In the end, I looked for her… but I couldn’t stay. 

“Now, I understand that the greatest act of love is letting go. To heal, to move forward. Everyone deserves to be 

1/2 

+25 BONUS 

Chapter 0725