My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

Once Alden ended the call, he leaned down and kissed Serenity's cheek. Slowly, she stirred, her eyes fluttering

open.

"Sweetheart, wake up... Hey..." he whispered, his voice tinged with concern.

Serenity rubbed her eyes. "Alden? What's wrong?"

"I just got off the phone with Maximus. We need to return to Valentia immediately."

Her drowsiness faded instantly. "Why? What happened?"

"It's my father... He's in the hospital. Maximus asked me to come back as soon as possible."

Serenity sat up, alarmed. "But... what about us?"

"We're all going back," Alden said firmly. "It's time."

"Alden! But... what are we going to do?"

"We'll face whatever comes, together," he reassured her. "Remember-you're my wife now. Whatever affects. you, affects me. We're a family, and nothing will tear us apart.

And before we ever let anything come between us, before we let anyone get in our way, you, me, and Ethan will leave this country and never look back."

Serenity swallowed hard, nodding. "Yes..."

"Then let's start packing. In less than an hour, a security team will be here to take us to the airport. Serenity, I don't know exactly what's happening in Valentia, but no matter what, no one is going to separate us. Understand? "Álden held her face between his hands, his eyes burning with determination. Serenity exhaled shakily. "I know we have to go back... but honestly, I'm scared. I can't imagine how my father and mother will react. Or Maximus. Or... or even your father..."

"My love, my life," Alden said, pulling her into his arms. "Calm down. First of all, you and I are adults. No one can force us apart-that kind of thing is in the past.

I know this won't be easy. But we knew this day would come. So I need you to be strong, okay?" Serenity nodded against his chest, inhaling his scent, grounding herself in him.

After a brief moment of comfort, they got up and left their room.

Emma and Laura, as always, were tending to Adele. The little ones were playing in their room. And Paul? He was lounging on the couch, texting his girlfriend-who was currently vacationing in the Maldives.

Alden took a deep breath and called out, "Family, I need your attention. Maurice, Ethan, John-I know you're in your room. Get out here now."

"What's with the shouting, Alden?" Emma asked, adjusting Adele in her arms.

"Yeah, what's going on?" Laura chimed in.

Alden took a step forward, his face serious. "We're going back to Valentia. Tonight."

"What?! But why?!" Laura gasped.

"Laura," Alden said, addressing his cousin directly, "my father is in the hospital. And your father has asked us to

come home immediately.

"I don't know exactly what's going on yet, but we have to leave. Today."

"Today?!"

"Yes. In less than an hour, security will be here to pick us up. Whatever you need to pack, you have less than sixty minutes to do it."

Despite Alden's calm exterior, a storm raged inside him.

On one hand, there was his father's health. From what little Maximus had told him, Peter needed to see him and

Ethan.

On the other hand, there was the reality of their return.

It wouldn't be easy.

Serenity's pregnancy was no longer a secret-it was obvious.

And when Marcus found out?

When Maximus found out?

Alden could already feel the weight of their judgment.

But no matter what, he would never let anyone say a word against Serenity.

Just as Maximus had promised, exactly one hour later, the security team arrived at the penthouse.

Everyone had grabbed what little they needed, and soon, they were on their way to the Dubai airport.

As they left, Serenity took one last look at the city skyline.

She let out a deep sigh.

She hadn't said anything, but she was terrified to go back.

She knew her father-Marcus was always gentle with her. But this? This was different.

She was pregnant with Alden's child.

And to make things worse?

She had secretly married Alden.

Marcus wouldn't take it well.

Neither would Maximus.

This was not going to be an easy return.

"Serenity, dearie," Emma said, squeezing her hand. "No matter what happens, don't be afraid. Do it for your baby.noveldrama

You're an adult now. You make your own choices. Your parents need to understand that."

"Got it, Emma! I don't know why, but I'm terrified! My dad. I know he loves me, but I have no idea how he'll react to Alden."

"Alden is a grown man," Emma pointed out. "And from what little I've seen of him? He's more than ready to face this.

"Try to calm down. And honestly-what's the worst they could do?

"Kick you out? You don't even live with your parents anymore.

"You and I live at Maximus's house now.

"And let's be real-Maximus is the last person who can judge anyone for making reckless decisions."

Serenity laughed softly, but her nerves remained. "I just... I wish things were different..."

"I know, my girl. I know," Emma sighed, pulling her into a hug. "But come on, we have to go. The plane is leaving

soon.

Take it one step at a time, okay? Just focus on getting there first."

Serenity inhaled deeply and nodded.

With careful steps, she climbed onto the private jet.

She checked on the children, making sure they were seated and buckled in.

Then she sat down herself, her heart racing so fast it felt like it might burst out of her chest.

A few minutes later, Alden did a quick headcount, scanning the cabin to make sure everyone was onboard.

Once satisfied, he took the seat next to Serenity.

"I can feel how nervous you are from here," he murmured, reaching for her hand.

Serenity sighed. "Alden, I-"

"Shhh," he interrupted gently. "Listen to me, love.

"Let me handle this.

"If anyone needs to explain things, it's me. Not you.

"It's my responsibility to talk to your parents.

"I don't know how it's going to go.

"But one thing is certain, Serenity-no matter what happens, you and I are in this together.

"Good or bad, we'll make the best of it.

"Now... try to sleep. Get some rest. I'll check on the kids, and then I'll be right back."

Alden stood up and walked over to Ethan, tucking a blanket around him.

The boy was already fast asleep, along with the other children.

Only Maurice remained awake, watching cartoons on his tablet.

"Maurice," Alden said, ruffling his hair. "Try not to stay up too late. Get some rest while you can."

The boy shook his head. "No, Alden... I just... I'm nervous.

"I'm finally going to see my dad again. And that makes me anxious."

Alden gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

"Relax," he said with a small smile. "He's waiting for you, promise."