My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

The next morning, after hanging up with Diana and explaining his plans for the day, Maximus left home. Two hours of driving later, he arrived in Everstone. From the little research he had done the night before, he knew he had to leave his car behind and cross the pedestrian bridge that led into the town.

It was a small place, with few residents. Finding Aria Fairchild wouldn't be difficult.

As soon as he stepped into the town, it felt like he had traveled back in time. He couldn't deny that the place was charming, even with its old, worn structures. But one question kept nagging at him-why had Aria, Peter's mother, chosen to live here?

He couldn't imagine what had gone through her mind, but one thing was clear- she wanted to disappear.

Maximus made his way to the municipal office, which, according to his research, handled the town's affairs and important decisions.

"Good morning," he greeted as he walked into the office.

"Good morning! How can we help you?" a friendly woman replied.

"I'm looking for someone. I know she lives in this town, but I don't know where to find her."

The woman hesitated slightly. "Hmm... Who are you looking for?"

"Her name is Aria Fairchild," Maximus said, pulling out the locket and showing her the photograph inside.

The woman recognized the image instantly. She hesitated, though no one ever came looking for an older woman in this town, especially not a younger man.

"I don't mean to pry, but... why are you looking for her?" she asked gently. "It's a personal matter," Maximus replied, unwilling to give too much away.

She opened her mouth to respond but stopped herself. Then, after a pause, she said, "She does live here, but as you can see, this is a small town. We all look out for each other. If you don't tell me why you're looking for her, I'm afraid I can't give you her address."

Maximus understood. This wasn't the city, where you could just ask for someone's location without raising suspicion. Here, people didn't seem to know who he was. As uncomfortable as it was, he had no choice but to explain.

"My name is Maximus Evans. I'm here looking for Aria Fairchild because a family member has been searching for her-my brother. He's never met his mother, and I know she would be happy to hear about him." He spoke with complete honesty.

The woman's eyes widened in shock. "Aria Fairchild has a son?"

"Yes." Maximus didn't hesitate.

"Wow... That's a surprise. I'm speechless," she admitted. "In that case, I won't beat around the bush. She doesn't live far from here. Go straight ahead, pass three streets, then turn left. Walk two or three houses down, and you'll see a place with a small sign that says 'hotel.' There will be two flower pots with geraniums by the door. You can't miss it. Ask for the owner-her name is Danielle Everstone."

"Thank you," Maximus said before hurrying out.

Maximus strode quickly through the cobbled streets, his heart pounding.

This wasn't his mother.

But still, the idea of finally meeting

his

r's mother filled him with

Anxiety? Maybe both.

unfamiliar Ment?

Ten minutes later, he arrived, slightly out of breath. Almost running had taken a toll on him.

"Maximus, you really need to start running again. You're getting out of shape," he muttered to himself.

After catching his breath, he stepped through the small door.

The place was warm and

felt more like a home than a hotel. But in a town like this, nothing should surprise him.

"Hello! Are you looking for a room?" a tiny voice asked.

"Huh?" Maximus looked around, trying to find the source of the voice. "Hey! Over here!"

A little girl popped up behind the reception desk. She had to climb onto a chair just to be seen.

Maximus blinked. Was this a joke? Had he come to the wrong place?

"Hello, sweetheart. I'm actually looking for someone," he said, still trying to spot an adult nearby.

"Who are you looking for?" the girl asked, her curiosity piqued.

"A woman named Danielle Everstone," he said confidently.

"That's my mom!" the little girl chirped. "She's in the garden right now, but I can check you in if you'd like."

Maximus raised an eyebrow. "How old are you? You shouldn't be here alone."

"I'm seven and it's my turn to watch the front desk. My mom and grandma are having tea, so charge," she said p

cine?

"Grandma?" The word made his stomach drop. Could it be...?noveldrama

And then, without thinking, he said it out loud—"Aria!"

A voice, slightly hoarse but steady, responded from behind him.

"Yes? That's me."