My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

"Grandpa!" Laura gasped, blushing furiously. She never imagined Magnus would say that he was always so proper.

"What? You asked, and I answered honestly. At your age, Laura darling, those were the things I enjoyed. But it was a different time, different circumstances," Magnus added, his voice kind and understanding.

"I don't even know what I'm supposed to enjoy at my age..." Laura said, sounding a little lost.

"My girl, maybe you know it deep down, but you just don't understand it yet. When you're my age, you'll understand-you'll divide your life into decades like I do. You'll recognize that there were things you loved at ten that didn't matter anymore at twenty-and so on.

"For example—you love going on walks with Adele. You love falling asleep with her in your arms, even though she has her own crib and room.

"I've seen how you love wearing those beautiful dresses that make you look like a princess. I've seen you enjoy putting on makeup, even if you don't do it often because you don't have much time.

"You love eating ice cream-and let's not even talk about how much you love those little shopping trips with your father. I'm guessing he spoils you like a little girl, judging by how you come back loaded with bags of sweets or new clothes.noveldrama

"You love gardening, you love sitting out here in the evenings sipping coffee and eating cake. You don't stress about your weight-and I love that, because you're not obsessed with it.

"And... you enjoy running into Adrian at the office-my assistant and right-hand man."

"Grandpa!" Laura blushed even deeper.

"What? You think I haven't noticed? That boy still attracts you-whatever happened between you two. Don't kid yourself. Adrian is still drawn to you too- you're both just being stubborn."

"If I were either of you, I'd have gone back already."

"Why do you say that?"

"Ah, my dear... I'm not saying Adrian acted perfectly he didn't. His reaction, his words, and leaving you alone when you needed him most weren't right. But if that boy is showing you he's changing if he's willing to do it for you and for your daughter-I wouldn't hesitate.

"If life had given me a second chance with Maximus's mother, believe me, I would've taken it-and never let her go.

"I know you say you'll never fall in love again, that you'll stay like this for life. I don't judge you. I did the same. And look at me now-missing things from the past.

"I don't regret it, but just imagine if I had given myself the chance to have a

woman by my side-or to find someone new after.

"Life's easy, Laura darling. It's simple to create... but just as easy to lose.

"Imagine-one day, Adrian, being as punctual and hardworking as he is, heads to the office, and in a careless moment-something happens. He dies. And that's it. Adrian Brown would be gone... just like he arrived."

"No, Grandpa! Don't say things like that! Those things don't just happen!"

"Oh, but they do. Maybe not often, but they happen. Or let me give you another example-he shows up at the office and meets the girl who delivers the mail, or the one who makes the copies, and by a twist of fate, he falls in love and marries her.

"Sure, he'll still check in about Adele-but between you and him, there'll be nothing left. No second chances-just regret for leaving it up to fate."

"Think carefully, my dear. Think about what you really want. Both of you are young. Both of you made mistakes. That's what life is about...

"But it's up to you two-whether you stay together, or go your separate ways. Either way—you'll have to accept whatever comes, and however it comes."

"Grandpa..."

"That's how life works. I accepted this life. I'll die alone, without a partner. That's what I chose, and I'm at peace with it.

"In fact, I enjoy these little moments-like this one. A good coffee, a fine cigar, and

the company of a beautiful young lady."

"Thank you, Grandpa," Laura said, feeling touched.

"Thank you, my dear. Thank you for keeping this old man company."