My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

Maximus stayed by Peter's side until he woke up again.

"Brother, how are you?" Maximus asked as soon as he saw him open his eyes.

"I'm fine. You should go get some rest. I promise I won't move from here," Peter said sarcastically.

"Even if you wanted to, I already put guards outside the room. You wouldn't get very far."

"Maximus! I still think you're an idiot. I already told you I'm going through with the surgery," Peter said with a deep sigh.

Maximus remembered that Marcus wanted to see him, but he wasn't sure how to bring it up, so he decided to ease into the conversation.

"Peter, what's going to happen now with Marcus and Mary?"noveldrama

"What do you mean?"

"I mean... what do you think about them?"

"I guess they'll go on with their lives..."

"Have you thought about talking to either of them?"

"Why would I do that? Last time I checked, Marcus wanted to kill me. I don't blame him, but I'd rather not take my chances."

"Marcus wants to talk to you..." Maximus said, watching his brother's reaction carefully.

"Hmm... About what?"

"He didn't say, but I assume it's about everything that happened."

"I see..."

"I told him I'd talk to you and, if you were okay with it, I'd let him know."

"Tell him to come."

"Alright, I'll call him right now."

"Thanks, Maximus."

Maximus pulled out his phone and called Marcus. Marcus was surprised by the timing, but he had been waiting for this call and couldn't refuse. He doubted they would let him in, but he decided to go anyway. "Valerie, I need to tell you something," Marcus said, looking at his wife, unsure how to bring it up. "What is it, Marcus?"

"My love, I need to go see Peter..."

"Marcus... But you have nothing to do with him," Valerie responded, feeling uneasy about his words. "I need to settle a few things with him. You and I already made plans to go back home, but before that, I have to close this chapter. I know it might sound strange, but... would you come with me? Honestly, I don't know how to face him."

"Marcus..."

"Please."

Valerie understood what was going through her husband's mind. She smiled at him, took his hand, and said,

"I know it won't be easy, but I know you'll handle it. Of course, I'll go with you."

Marcus hugged his wife. He knew how hard this was for her. They both had a lot to work on in their relationship, but right now, he needed her support more than ever. He also knew he hadn't exactly been the most rational man when it came to his old friend.

After a few minutes on the road, Marcus and Valerie arrived at the hospital. Surprisingly, they were allowed. Visiting hours were over, but in Mr. Palmer's case, access wasn't restricted—at least not for those authorized by Maximus.

Marcus held Valerie's hand tightly. He was nervous, and she could tell by the way his hand trembled and the slight sweat on his palm.

"Everything will be fine," Valerie said, looking at him reassuringly.

As soon as they reached the hallway outside Peter's room, Valerie noticed two women sitting on a couch. One was asleep, while the other was working on her laptop-it was Diana. The sleeping woman was clearly the same one she had seen with Peter before. Valerie's eyes drifted to her small baby bump, and she felt a pang in her chest. She quickly pushed the feeling aside and focused on her husband.

"Diana," Valerie called out to get her attention.

"Hey, Valerie! How are you?" Diana replied, surprised but calm.

"I'm good. I came with my husband-he's here to see Peter."

"Oh! Yes, Maximus told me to let him know as soon as you arrived. Give me a second."

Diana closed her laptop and went to find Maximus. Celeste, hearing voices, woke up. As she did, she

found herself looking at two strangers. She figured they must be acquaintances of the Palmers.

As she observed them, her eyes met Valerie's. Valerie walked over and sat down on the couch beside her.

"Hi... You must be Peter's partner. I'm Valerie Bartz."

"Hi... I'm Celeste Mason. Sorry, I'm a bit out of it-I dozed off for a bit."