My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

[Present Time]

Adrian replayed the conversation in his mind, but there wasn't much to consider. The offer was tempting-anyone in his position would see it as the perfect deal. But he already knew what he truly wanted: his daughter.

He had made the mistake once before-choosing what his school, his family, and society expected of him over someone who had something far more valuable to offer. This time, even if the future was uncertain, he would choose his daughter, no matter what came with it.

Far from the family drama that would inevitably change Laura Evans's life, she, Lucius, and Maximus arrived at the café where they were supposed to meet Pierre.

The place was warm and inviting, with a reserved table set discreetly in the

corner.

Laura's emotions were all over the place. She knew this meeting would set off a chain reaction that would shape the future.

"Come on, sweetheart, everything will be fine. You'll see," Maximus reassured her.

He took her hand, feeling her nervousness through her grip. In response, he squeezed it gently, silently promising that no matter what happened, he would be there.noveldrama

When they finally reached the reserved table, a strikingly handsome man-about Maximus's age-greeted them. His features were eerily similar to Paul's.

Looking at him was like looking at her brother.

And then it hit her-this was why Paul's eyes were so unique. They weren't just their mother's eyes... They were Pierre's.

The man immediately recognized Lucius, nodding slightly in greeting before turning his attention to Laura.

"It's an honor to meet you."

Pierre clasped Laura's hand between both of his own, his grip warm and firm. He understood perfectly—as an elder sibling, she would naturally want to know who he was. And he knew he had to make a good impression.

"Maximus..." Pierre said, extending his hand.

"Pierre..." Maximus responded, shaking it firmly.

"Would you like to order something before we begin?" Pierre asked politely.

"Sweetheart..." Maximus prompted Laura.

"Oh! Yes, Dad..." she said, still a bit taken aback, glancing at the man who was supposedly her brother's father.

Pierre was also studying Laura.

The resemblance to Alexia was undeniable.

Yes, she had clear similarities to Maximus-but her mother's features were far more prominent.

"Alright, now that we've ordered..." Pierre said as he handed back the menu. "Shall we talk about why we're here?"

"Mr. Legrand, why didn't you look for my brother all this time?" Laura asked, wasting no time.

"Miss Laura, I tried, but your mother wouldn't allow it. I know it must seem strange for me to suddenly appear and want to meet my son, but believe me, I've been waiting for years for the opportunity."

"Do you realize the chaos you're about to cause?" Laura pressed.

"I do! But I hope you can understand that for years, I waited for your mother to give me a chance... I know I failed to be there for him when it mattered most. But this time, I came to your father first. I don't have any bad intentions, and I certainly don't want to disrupt your family. I just want the chance to be part of my son's life," Pierre said sincerely.

Maximus watched as his daughter fired question after question at the man. Pierre remained respectful throughout, but Maximus wasn't just listening-he was analyzing him.

Pierre Legrand was well known for reading his opponents in the business world. This wasn't business, but if he was about to step into their family, Maximus needed to be sure of the man's intentions.

"Alright, Pierre," Maximus finally spoke. "My daughter has asked many questions already, and I haven't interrupted because, above all, she has every right to have an opinion. But I have a few things I want to know as well."

"What exactly are your intentions with my son?

"What do you expect from this meeting?

"And what do you plan to do after this conversation?

"I want clarity on your plans for Paul. Do you intend to take him to France?"

"Maximus, I understand your fears, but no—I don't want to turn Paul's world upside down. I only want to be present in his life."

"That's easy to say. But in Paul's world, you don't exist. The moment he learns about you, I don't know how he'll react..." Maximus admitted, worried but resigned.

"Paul is an amazing brother. It's not fair for you to suddenly show up and

tell him you're his father-a father who never looked for him for sixteen years Laura argued, frustrated. "Tell me, if someone did that to you, how would you feel?"

"I know I don't deserve to ask for a chance," Pierre admitted, "but he's still young. I believe he'll understand my reasons. What I don't think he'll understand... is if you deny me the opportunity to meet him, to get to know him, to be part of his life."