My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

After the tense moments upstairs, Diana and Celeste finally left the bedroom. Talking to Diana had helped Celeste relax a little, though deep down, she knew this was going to be a long night. Her heart told her so—and it never failed her.

As they made their way down the grand staircase toward the main entrance, the doorbell rang. The butler immediately went to open it.

By instinct, Celeste reached for Diana's hand and squeezed it. Her eyes locked onto the massive, finely carved wooden door, her pulse quickening as she watched a tall, striking, and undeniably elegant woman step inside.

She didn't need anyone to introduce her.

Neither did Diana.

Every woman in that house instantly knew who she was.

Katherine Ivanoff had arrived.

Even with the years, her beauty remained breathtaking-refined and almost overwhelming. The fiery red hair she once had was gone, replaced by a sleek golden blonde that complemented her fair skin perfectly.

She carried herself with natural grace. Her face was delicate yet sharp, her features perfectly balanced-high cheekbones, a fine nose, full lips, and large, expressive eyes that shifted between green and gray.

Her body was the kind that turned heads-long legs, graceful curves, and an elegance that demanded attention without effort.

And suddenly...

Celeste understood.

Diana understood.

They both understood why Alden looked the way he did. Peter was an attractive man-but when combined with this woman? It was no surprise that Alden turned out exceptional.

"Good evening," Katherine greeted the butler as she gracefully removed her coat, revealing a flawless, sculpted figure.

"Good evening, Madam Ivanoff," the butler responded politely, taking her coat with care.

Diana yanked Celeste's hand, subtly forcing her to keep walking down the stairs- because she knew Celeste was on the verge of turning back.

"Good evening," Diana greeted with polite warmth, looking up at the woman who towered over her.

With her mere 1.60 meters, Diana felt tiny next to Katherine.

Celeste was taller, but even she couldn't match the woman's imposing height- Katherine was practically at Peter's level.

"Good evening," Katherine replied, her voice smooth as silk. She tilted her head slightly, assessing both women with sharp yet polite curiosity.

From a distance, a voice called out-

"Mom!"

Katherine's sharp features instantly softened, transforming into a warm, affectionate expression.

"Alden! My darling!" she cooed dramatically, placing a hand over her chest and closing her eyes. "My precious son! Finally, my eyes have seen you again! I can die in peace-"

"Mother, please," Alden groaned. "Cut the drama."

He moved beside Celeste and gently placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"Look, let me introduce you," he said. "This is Celeste Mason, my father's fiancée. She's currently expecting twins."

"Son!" Katherine scoffed. "That much is obvious—it's hardly something one can miss!" She narrowed her eyes at him playfully. "Such terrible manners! I see you've picked up your father's bad habits."

She then turned her attention back to Celeste, her eyes flickering with curiosity. "It's a pleasure, Miss Mason," she said, extending a hand with impeccable poise. Celeste hesitated but quickly forced herself to smile, taking Katherine's hand. The brief handshake, followed by a polite kiss on the cheek, sent a wave of unease through her.

"So... Are you a Mason from northern Valentia or southern Valentia?" Katherine asked, her gaze subtly studying her. "Years ago, I met a few Masons from the south."

"I'm from Willowcombe," Celeste answered cautiously.

"I see..."

"Mom," Alden cut in, rolling his eyes. "You just got here, and you're already interrogating people. Let me finish introducing you. This is Diana Mendez, my uncle Maximus's fiancée."

"A pleasure, Miss Mendez," Katherine greeted.

"The pleasure is mine," Diana replied with surprising ease. "It's nice to finally meet Alden's mother."

"You're not Valentian, are you?"

"No, I'm Hesperian," Diana said confidently.

"Interesting," Katherine mused.

"Alright, enough talking in the entryway," Alden announced, interrupting the small talk. "Let's g to the living room-my dad and Uncle Maximus are already

We're still waiting for my into net

but

they should be here soon."

Celeste felt small.

Only minutes ago, she had felt comfortable in her dress.

Now?

Now she doubted everything.

She doubted her dress.

She doubted herself.

She doubted how this night would unfold.

'This night is about the kids.'

'This night is about the kids.'

She repeated the mantra in her head over and over.noveldrama

By the time they entered the living room, Maximus and Peter were already

engaged in conversation.

Serenity was chatting with Laura,

while little Adele played with her mother's necklace. Laura was always beautiful-but tonight, she looked breathtaking. Her electric blue, form-fitting dress highlighted her striking green-gray eyes, making them pop under the dim lighting.

Peter instantly noticed when Celeste walked in. He hadn't seen her since she

stormed off earlier.

And now...

Now she left him speechless. His fiancée looked stunning. The dress fit her perfectly-its strapless design and flowing silhouette

complemented every curve. With her her neck

hair elegantly pulled back Wittner

and shoulders were completely exposed, drawing attention to the delicate beauty of her features.

Something stirred in him—a strange, almost possessive feeling. Celeste met his

gaze, but she was so wrapped up in her nerves that she didn't even realize...