My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

Maximus was going through his tasks on the computer. Now that Peter had

woken up without his memories, he, Theodore, and Alden had taken charge of Peter's many businesses. It was incredible how his brother had built such a vast empire.

Ironically, Maximus was now, in a way, working for his own brother. But he didn't mind. He had everything he could ever want a wise father, wonderful children, and a granddaughter who took up as much of his time as possible. Not to mention a good woman by his side, supporting him through thick and thin.

Maximus couldn't be happier with the life he had now. His children were slowly adjusting to their new home. It wasn't the mansion he had originally planned to spend his days in, but this place had truly become a home.

He was lost in thought when Laura walked into his study.

"Dad... Can I talk to you for a moment?"

"Of course, sweetheart! What's on your mind?"

"Well... Now that we're back in Valentia, I've been thinking a lot. You know I'm a single mother. I'm not a little girl anymore, Dad. I have a huge responsibility now. And honestly, Adele and I have been taking advantage of you and Alden." Laura's tone was firm.

"What? What do you mean?" Maximus asked, adjusting in his chair, bracing for the worst.

"Dad, I want to work. You work so hard to make sure we have everything, but if I'm being honest, it shouldn't be your responsibility to take care of me or my daughter anymore. I know you do it out of love, but I want to earn my own money." Laura spoke with complete sincerity.

Maximus was stunned. But he liked what he was hearing. He let out a relieved sigh, realizing this wasn't bad news. He had grown so used to dealing with bad news that he was almost expecting it.

"What's your plan?"

"Well, I already talked to Emma, and she said she could take care of Adele while she's still a aby. Once she starts crawling and walking, she's not so sure. Emma is an incredible woman, did you know that?"

"I know! She took care of me when I was young and living alone in the mansion."

"Well, that brings me to my next point. I've been studying at university. I enrolled while we were away. I'm already a semester in. I know it won't be easy, but I can do it-I have to do it. And I want to work with you. I don't care if it's making copies, running errands, or doing whatever—I just need to start earning my own money." "Laura, but "

"No 'buts,' Dad. I'm the mother of a beautiful baby girl, and I want her to see that. I'm a single mom. I was the one who let myself fall for what I thought was love, and I take full responsibility for my own naivety. But I don't want my daughter to grow up watching me just hold out my hand and get whatever I want."

Maximus had never been prouder of his daughter. His chest swelled with emotion.

"But Laura, Adele is still so little. You don't have to leave her in someone else's care just yet."

"Adele is strong, and she needs to understand that her mom has to work to put food on the table. Imagine if she grows up seeing me just stretching out my hand for money-that wouldn't be a good example for her."

"By the way, what are you studying, Laura?"

"Well... You know my passion has always been the arts, especially ballet. But that won't put food on the table. To be honest, I should have started studying earlier. In that field, I'm already four years behind So no, it's not classical dance."

"Being away gave me a lot of time to think about my options. After carefully considering everything, I decided to study Economics and Finance. And honestly? I'm in love with it."

"You're really studying that?" Maximus asked, genuinely surprised.

He knew his daughter loved ballet-she had never needed to tell him that. But

hearing her say she was studying Economics and Finance completely threw him

off.

"My little Laura, that's incredible. I'm

so proud of you. I know things changed overnight. I know your life is different now, and you have a

huge responsibility to be a good net

example for your daughter. But

think you should give yoursou're a

a little more time. Adele will know you're a great mom. You will be an amazing mother."

"As for giving you a job, let me talk to Alden and Theodore. I'm sure we can find something for you. You do know it won't be a management position, right?"

"I know, Dad! When I graduate and get my degree, that's when I'll formally apply for a real position."

Maximus stood up from his desk. He couldn't think of a better word to describe his feelings than proud. Deep, overwhelming pride.

His daughter was proving what she was made of. His little girl wasn't a little girl anymore. She was becoming a strong, capable woman.

"You know what? I actually do need

an assistant. I'll talk to Alden-l doubt he'll have any objections. As my assistant, I can start teaching. you the ropes of your uncle's business. You'll gain experience. How does that sound?"

"Yes, Dad! That would help so much. And it means I'll get to spend more time with you."

Maximus looked at her and couldn't resist pulling her into a tight hug. A hug that filled him with peace and reassurance.

"I'm so proud of you, sweetheart. In a few years, you're going to be a great economist. I know you'll give it your all, and that... that means more than anything. Your daughter and I will be so proud of you. You'll see."

"I'm going to be the best mom! That's my goal. I want Adele and you to be proud

of me every time you look at me. It's time to take control of my life, don't you think?"

"You're absolutely right, my love," Maximus said, hugging his beloved Laura once

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