My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

Alden had to leave unexpectedly to take care of some business, but when he returned, he struck up a conversation with Adam. Since Alden spoke the same language as him and they were only a year apart, their chats flowed naturally.

Theodore took this time to do something he never would have expected of himself —he went looking for Fiona. He found her sitting quietly on a bench, admiring the scenery. It was a common sight; she was timid and rarely wandered around unfamiliar places.

As he approached, Peter's words echoed in his head.

"You're a complete idiot! I knew it... How the hell are you married to such a beautiful woman? And not just that-she's pure sugar, and you, my dear Theodore, are a grumpy old fool."

"Fiona... Can we talk?" Theodore asked, stepping closer.

"Yes, my lord... I mean, Theodore..." she corrected herself, lowering her gaze.

That habit of hers both frustrated and unsettled him. But he tried to be understanding—he knew it was deeply ingrained in her, and it wouldn't be easy to change overnight.

"Where are we going, Th... Theodore?" she asked as he took her hand and led her to his car. "But Adam... Adam is with Alden-"

"Relax. Alden won't eat him. They're just having a conversation, like young men do. We need to talk," he said, making an effort to keep his tone measured.

She just stared at him with those large, beautiful eyes, full of confusion.

"Okay... Theodore," she said softly.

They drove in silence, the only sound being the hum of the car. Every now and then, Theodore glanced at her. She looked like a child—her gaze fixed on the streets, the landscapes, the beauty of Valentia.

After a few more minutes, he parked the car and stepped out. Without hesitation, he went around to open her door.

He had brought her to his place.

Because, yes, for all his hardness, for all his rough edges, Theodore had a place where he came to think. Whenever he needed to clear his mind or make a tough decision, he came here—one of the highest and most open spots in the city.

Here, he would drink whiskey, smoke a cigar, and drown himself in his thoughts. And after some time, the answers would come.

Theodore had received military training, just like Matthew. But unlike his old friend, he had never pictured himself as a father-let alone dealing with a wife. Yet here he was. Life had given him this chance, and he had taken it... though not in the

best way.

Even if he wasn't as harsh as he had been with Peter, he knew he hadn't handled things right.

"Fiona, I want to talk," he said, softening his tone.

"Yes, my lord... I mean, Theodore," she corrected herself again.

"Fiona, I don'

n't like when you call me 'my lord.' Not because it offends me, but because I'm not used to being seen that way. I need to be honest with you-I never imagined sharing my life with anyone. Look at me-I'm 65 years old. I know I'm far too old for you.

"I never would have imagined being with someone your age 23 years ago. I know what happened between us wasn't right. I took advantage of you—of your vulnerability. You were alone and defenseless. I was a grown man. I should have controlled myself... but I didn't."

Fiona watched him as he battled his guilt and regret.

Then, slowly, she took his hands in hers.

"My lord... If I may speak my mind... I think you're wrong about something. Yes, I was young, I won't deny that. But you gave me something no one else did.

"You gave me a chance to live.noveldrama

"I know now that my family practically sold me. I was never considered beautiful, yet you saw beauty in me. You saved me from certain death. If you hadn't appeared in my life, I wouldn't be alive today.

"I don't know if you remember, but no man wanted me back then. They sought pleasure in other women—I had nothing to offer. But you chose me. I don't know why... You could have taken any other woman, yet you didn't. And for that, I will always be grateful.

"What happened afterward... Let's be honest-I was not a child. Nothing

happened between us that hadn't

happened to me before. The only difference, my lord, was that you didn't hurt me. You treated me well. You made me feel something I had never felt before-something close to love.

"It was brief, and I never regretted it.

"You were clear-you wouldn't stay with me. My son was my reminder that, at least once, I was loved. I know it wasn't easy. I know my son and I didn't have much, but we had each other, and that was enough for me. You gave me the greatest gift-you gave me my son, my family.

"And now... Now I don't even know how to thank you... You saved us again."