My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

After seeing Laura's reaction, Maximus approached his daughter, hugged her, and said, "Sweetheart, I know things look bad. I know what you just found out is shocking, but I don't want you putting yourself in harm's way unnecessarily."

"No, Dad. We're talking about my brother. Before anything else, I want to meet Paul's supposed father. I want to see him, look him in the eye, and find out who the hell this man is the one who's about to turn our world upside down."

"Sweetheart..."

"Yes, Dad, because Paul is mature, but no matter what, his whole world-and ours-is about to change. I agree that it's his right to know him and spend time with him, but first, I want to see what kind of man he is."

"There's nothing I can say to change your mind, is there?"

"No, Dad... After my sister's wedding, we have to act."

Lucius could only watch as his little sister-the one he hadn't seen in over a year —was no longer the shy girl he remembered. She had become a strong, determined woman.

"Well, that's settled then! Maximus, after the wedding, we'll meet with the man, do a paternity test, and then figure out how to break this complicated news to Paul."

Maximus saw how his son summed up everything that was about to happen-few words, but a storm of emotions.

"Alright, that's what we'll do..."

After that, Lucius and Laura left the study, leaving Maximus behind. A short while later, Magnus joined him.

"How did it go?" Magnus asked, approaching his son slowly.

"Good... I guess good. My kids are worried..." Maximus said, turning to look at his father.

"Everything will be fine. I've seen Paul-he's a good kid. A bit of a flirt, but honestly, who wouldn't be with that face?"

"That's actually something that worries me too... We haven't had a chance to talk about what happened since we got back from the Maldives."

"Whatever happened, it was just a moment. Paul is who he is, whether that girl is in his life or not. What you need to tell him is that right now, he may feel like he's

in a candy shop, but one day, he'll find the perfect sweet-the one he'll taste and never let go of.

"Just like Lucius, I predict a great future between him and the Hayward girl."

"You think so?"

"Yes... The girl has character, and let's be honest, your son does too. He needs someone like that. A sweet girl would only suffer with him. The Hayward girl might even tell you he intimidates her."

"Ha! What are you talking about, Dad? That girl couldn't intimidate him."

"I think she could... But still, she's a good girl. Did you know she's Louis Hayward's daughter?"

"Who's that?" Maximus asked, intrigued.

"Louis Hayward is a renowned doctor in Spain. According to Amanda, she hates medicine. It seems like she didn't have a good relationship with her father and ended up running away from home."

"Another Mary..."

"What?"

"Yeah, when I met Mary, little by little, she told me about her father, and the man didn't treat her well. Mary was the timid girl who always followed his orders..."

"Well, in Amanda's case, I don't think it's the same. She's tough you can tell she'll do well with Lucius." Magnus patted his son on the back.

"It's funny, isn't it?"

"What?"

"How everything is falling into place... Honestly, I have to admit, Moriarty scares me. I won't deny it But... he's done a great job with my son. It amazes me how he's managed to keep him in check, how he's gotten him to study something I never imagined he would?"

"Well, that's because, like you said, the man is intimidating. He's younger than you, and yet he has a better handle on your son. But do you know why he can?"

"No, and I have no idea how he does it..."

"It's simple. He's not afraid of Lucius. The man is used to dealing with criminals and people trying to take him down. But let's be honest he doesn't worship the ground your son walks on."

"I don't get it..."

"Moriarty knows that when he

reprimands your son, it's for his own good. He doesn't worry about whether Lucius likes him or hates

him for it. Your whole life, you ne

competing with Frank and Leonardo-especially Frank suppose you wanted to be the 'cool dad.' But surprise, son, dads aren't

supposed to be 'cool.' Dads are just that-dads... Except for me, but I'm a special case."

"Magnus..."

"What? Didn't you like me from the moment we met?"

"Yeah, but our situation is different..."

"Well, let's just say I never tried to make you like me. I was just there when you needed me, giving you advice here and there. Though, honestly, sometimes I feel a little outdated... I mean, imagine giving you the advice I never

gave

you when you were younger."

"I really could've used it back then..."

"Probably... But I'm here now, and for however long I have left, I'll keep giving you advice. Though, to be honest, what can I teach you that you don't already know?

If anything, I think you could teach me more about your own kids."

"Dad..."

"What? I'm learning how to be a grandfather too... Look, I know you and I have made it work. I just hope that one day, you and Lucius get along just as well. Don't force anything—just be there for him when he needs you.

"I know he will. I know that one day, you two will get along. It might seem far off now, but I believe it will happen sooner rather than later... Too bad I might not be around to see it."

"Dad, you're not that old... You still have plenty of years ahead of you."

"As many as Matthew?" Magnus raised an eyebrow.

"Matthew wanted to rest... I just helped him get to where he needed to be. I trust he's okay now and at peace."

"Matthew... I never would've imagined him going to Nepal."

"Maybe he wanted to climb Everest, and now he's just content looking at it up close..." Maximus said wistfully.

"Alright, enough talking. Time for bed, young man... I'm sure someone's waiting

for you. Besides, you're not as young as you think, and if you don't get some

sleep, you'll have dark circles in the wedding photos tomorrow."

Maximus just watched his relaxed father, treating him like a kid.

"Come on, Dad, let's go to bed. Apparently, I'm not so young anymore..."

"Well, that's what I'm saying... Oh, by the way, after the wedding, I'm heading to Germany for a few days."

"Again?"

"What can I say? I miss my home."

"This is your home."

"No, this is your home. I gave it to you... I miss my small but elegant house."noveldrama

"Magnus..."