My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

Celeste took Maximus's hand, looked at him, and said,

"Maximus, I love your brother. At first, I didn't understand him. When we met, he was so direct-he told me he liked me and that he wanted a relationship.noveldrama

"Honestly, I thought he was crazy. I assumed he just wanted a fling with his grandson's teacher. But then he started courting me, surprising me with little details, always looking out for me.

"I won't lie-sometimes, he scared me. But he tried to help me.

"It's no secret that I don't come from money. I'm an orphan. My parents died when I was very young. Peter knew that, and he never cared.

"Even now, I still can't get used to the lifestyle you Palmers have. You're a wealthy family. I remember when Peter first saw my apartment-he didn't react at all. He moved around like it was nothing, like it was just another place."

Maximus sighed, rubbing his temples.

"Celeste, my brother has always been that way. The difference between us is huge. He's always been a good man. I, on the other hand, was a complete bastard.

"No one knows the pain I went through when I thought he was gone.

"Most of what Peter is suffering now? It's my fault.

"If I hadn't been so blind when I was younger, I could've prevented so much. But realistically... I know I can't change the past.

"When I found out he was alive, I thanked God. It felt like I was being given a chance to make things right.

"And I'm trying. But I need your help.

"I know you love him."

Celeste blinked. "Well... I just told you that.'

11

"No, Celeste," Maximus shook his head. "I knew before you said it.

"If you didn't love him, you wouldn't have continued this pregnancy. You wouldn't have been there for him today.

"If you didn't love him, you would've left his house, gotten an abortion, and forgotten about Peter entirely. "But you didn't.

"I know the fact that he didn't tell you about his illness hurt you. It caused misunderstandings. But I want you to know-while he was gone, he never betrayed you.

"He was healing. He was in a psychiatric hospital.

"Yes, he cut his treatment short, but that was just delaying the inevitable. Now, he needs to understand the severity of his condition. He can't take his health lightly anymore. Not when he has you. Not when you're both about to bring two beautiful children into this world."

Celeste looked down, her heart heavy. "Maximus, why does it have to be me who convinces him?" "Because, Celeste, I know he loves you.

"If you ask him to do it, he will.

"We've all tried to convince him, but something keeps holding him back. And I know exactly what that is." Celeste frowned. "What?"

"You.

"You, his babies, his son, his grandson.

"He doesn't want to forget you.

"But clinging to his memories could cost him everything.

"You saw it yourself-he has incredible self-control. But in this case, it's hurting him, not helping him. His brain is under constant strain. And that's the last thing he needs.

Celeste exhaled sharply. "Maximus, I'll talk to him. But I think you're asking the wrong person. He's waiting for someone and it's not me."

Maximus raised an eyebrow. "Who do you think he's waiting for? I already told you-he doesn't have anyone else.

11

"He's waiting for Ethan," Celeste said with certainty. "You need to bring him back. His son and grandson are his

life.

"If anyone can convince him, it's them-especially Ethan.

"That boy means everything to him. Whatever Ethan asks of him, Peter will do it.

"It's like Peter has taken on the role of his father. And Ethan? He is his son, in every way that matters. If anyone can get through to him, it's him."

Maximus ran a hand through his hair. "Celeste... I've actually been considering calling them. I just wanted to talk to you first. But I'll bring them back tonight."

"Do it," Celeste said firmly. "I'll do my best to talk to him. But he needs to see his son and grandson. That could be what finally pushes him to say yes."

Diana had given them space to talk, but when she returned, she could see the exhaustion on Celeste's face.

And yet she was still there.

Still waiting.

Still hoping.

Still fighting for the man she swore she didn't love.

"Celeste," Diana said, placing a tray in front of her. "I got you some soup and juice. Eat. You can't skip meals in your condition. Those babies need to grow strong and healthy."