My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

As the night wound down, guests slowly trickled out until only the Bartz and Evans families remained.

Marcus walked over to Matthew with a smile.

"Matthew, seeing you after all this time was a great surprise."

"The feeling is mutual, Marcus! I'm happy to see that things are going so well for you. And I'm glad to see you at peace with your wife," Matthew replied, glancing over at Valerie, who stood in the distance seemingly untouched by time.

"It's been a long night, but a good one. It's been ages since the families gathered like this."

Marcus chuckled before asking, "What exactly did my daughter do to get you here?"

Matthew smirked. "Your Serene and Laura tracked me down through email. Then we talked on the phone. I have to admit, those two know exactly how to be persuasive."

"Oh? And what did they say?"

"Let's just say... they used my nostalgia for Maximus and Peter against me."

"Matthew, you act all distant, but deep down, you've always seen them as your sons. Especially Maximus-we all know Peter's story is a bit different."

Matthew sighed, then admitted, "The truth is, I was in Nepal for a long time. But honestly? There's no place like home... I miss everyone. Living far away from this family feels strange. Plus, let's face it—I'm a man of action. Meditation?" He scoffed. "It's nice for a week or two, but spending months or years in that state? Not for me."

Marcus raised an eyebrow. "So... does that mean you're coming back?"

“Let's just say yes. I've been talking to Magnus, and he's managed to convince me to go on a little trip with him. He says he's looking into some business deals and needs my expertise to close them."

"My God. You two should be retiring and traveling for fun."

"That is what we're doing," Matthew grinned. "Just... while working. Besides, I've realized that's what keeps me alive-not resting. I don't know how much time I have left, but when I first left, I was exhausted. Turns out, all I needed was a little vacation, and now I feel good as new."

Marcus shook his head in amusement before finally smiling.

"You and Magnus... You're both old school. But I have no doubt you'll make a great team looking after those two."noveldrama

He lifted his brows and nodded toward Maximus-though, naturally, Peter was included in that thought as well.

For a moment, Marcus observed Peter, who was happily dancing with Diana.

He wondered if they would ever truly get along.

And then he answered his own question: No. Probably not.

Sure, they could agree on some things. But the past? That was hard to reconcile.

Still, he found some comfort in knowing that, at least in certain moments, his friendship with Peter felt like it had never been lost.

Perhaps losing his memories wasn't a curse for Peter. Maybe... it had been a blessing.

After all, who wouldn't want to forget if their entire life had been filled with loneliness and pain?

Who wouldn't want to wake up and realize all the bad had vanished, and all they had to do now was adapt to their new present?

Peter had woken up at the perfect

moment. Losing his memories had given a

a second chance-to

at a time when he still had the

to change.

"Marcus?" Matthew's voice pulled him from his thoughts.

"Ah-sorry, I got lost for a second."

"I noticed," Matthew chuckled. "I was asking-how are things with Valerie?"

"Good. Really good. We're making

progress every day. It's not easy we

know there's still a lot to work on.

But at least we've gone back to being the team we once were."

"That's good to hear, Marcus. That's how it should be."

"Yeah..." Marcus exhaled, then gave Matthew a nod. "Hey, I came overto say goodbye. I'm heading home. The kids are exhausted, and my twins? They're already asleep.

But before we go back to Hesperia, I'll come see you. We'll have a long chat—just

like old times."

"I'll be waiting," Matthew said with a smile.

"Thanks, Matthew. And once again—welcome back."

"Thank you, Marcus."