My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 871

Marcus had tried to keep Valerie somewhat distanced from all the chaos surrounding Peter’s condition. He couldn’t deny that he was happy for his friend—relieved, even, that he had woken up. But despite that relief, Marcus had made the decision to shield Valerie from the situation as much as possible.

It wasn’t out of jealousy—far from it. It was out of respect. Respect for Valerie’s treatment. He had asked everyone to keep the topic away from her.

It was strange, but he needed her to stay calm. Especially after that unfortunate incident where, because of him, Valerie and Peter had been kicked out of the psychiatrist’s office. After they returned, Marcus had sought out the best psychiatrist for his wife. If there was one thing the previous doctor had been right about, it was that Valerie needed to continue therapy.

And the progress was undeniable—far greater than when she had been hospitalized. She was working through wounds from her childhood, her teenage years, and her youth. And, of course, everything she had endured this past year.

At some point during all this, Valerie had finally opened up to Marcus. She had bared her heart to him, and while he had heard things he didn’t necessarily like, they were things he needed to hear.

Yes, Maximus was Serenity’s biological father. And yes, Valerie had to admit that her feelings for him were never truly about love. It had been the thrill of meeting him, the way he treated her, the charm of his looks, the time they spent together, and yes—the fact that he was her first. That, combined with the fact that he fathered her first child, had made it impossible for her to forget him.

But that didn’t mean she was still in love with him, nor that she would throw herself into his arms after twenty years. That idea was absurd. And Marcus, after truly analyzing how ridiculous it was to be jealous of that man, felt like a complete idiot.

Then there was Peter—his biggest concern. The man who had clearly stirred feelings in Valerie, feelings that would always be there.

And honestly, who wouldn’t? Marcus had seen Peter now—this man who remembered nothing beyond the age of twenty-five.

For now, there was no need to stir up emotions by bringing up Peter’s current situation.

Valerie was focused on her twins and on little John. Though he hadn’t returned to school, he now had a tutor at home. Alden had even agreed to have the same tutor teach Ethan, so the two friends studied together. They loved that arrangement—after all, they had been inseparable since kindergarten.

Their bond had only grown stronger when they were sent away. They were practically brothers, already making plans for what their lives would be like when they were twenty or twenty-five.

And then there was Serenity. Though she lived with Alden, she often visited her mother. Valerie had turned into the most doting mom. She knew firsthand how hard pregnancy was, and every time she saw her daughter, she couldn’t help but remember how difficult it had been for her—especially after Peter was no longer there.