My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

"Ellie, what have we told you about letting us know when guests arrive?" Aria said in a firm yet gentle tone.

"Grandma Aria... This man is looking for my mom," Ellie said, clutching Aria's hand and looking at her insistently.

"Well... not exactly. Actually, I'm looking for-" Maximus began, his gaze locking onto the woman standing before him.

"Yes?" Aria asked, slightly intrigued. "Who are you looking for, sir?"

"I'm looking for you. Are you Aria Fairchild?" Maximus asked, unsure of what else

to say.

Even in her old age, the woman was undeniably beautiful. The locket's

photograph had helped him recognize her. She was no longer young, but there was still a timeless elegance in her features.

Yet, despite her beauty, Maximus noticed something else her eyes were dull, her expression tired. She looked like a woman who had long since given up on happiness.

"My name is Maximus..." He was about to say Evans but chose instead, "Maximus Palmer."

Aria gasped, bringing both hands to her mouth.

"What's wrong, Grandma? Why did you gasp?" Ellie asked, looking up at her in

concern.

Aria composed herself quickly, offering the child a reassuring smile.

"It's nothing, sweetheart! Nothing at all. Can you go find your mom and ask her to come watch the front desk for a moment?"noveldrama

Ellie let go of her hand and nodded. "Okay, Grandma... I'll be right back."

Maximus and Aria watched as the little girl ran off to the garden. When she was out of sight, Aria turned her full attention to him.

"You're... Leonardo's son?"

Maximus nodded. Words still failed him. He was nervous. He had no idea where to begin. But one thing was clear this woman had recognized his surname immediately.

"Well... No matter how far I run, I always get found, don't I?"

Her words took him by surprise.

"What do you mean by that?" he asked.

Aria walked toward a small sitting area near the entrance and motioned for him to follow.

"Your father... Leonardo spent years looking for me. He never understood that he didn't owe me anything. I know he sent you to convince me, but I'm telling you now-I'm not going back. I have nothing to go back to."

"Why do you say that?"

"Maximus Palmer... I have nothing tying me to Valeria or Florentia. I came here seeking peace and quiet I just want to live out my last years here. If you're here, I assume your father must have told you o something about me..."

She sighed. "I have no family. I'm completely alone, and that's how it's best. Years

ago, your father insisted I return to Valeria, but I couldn't. Not when—"

"When what?"

Before she could answer, Danielle entered from the garden, eyeing Maximus curiously.

"Aria, is everything okay?"

"Yes, dear. There are some things I need to discuss with this young man. Can you take over the front desk for me?"

"Of course! Let me know if you need anything."

"I will."

Aria stood up. "Would you like to join me in the garden? I think we'll be able to talk more comfortably there."

"Yes, I'll follow you," Maximus said, briefly glancing at Danielle before walking after Aria.

Stepping into the garden, Maximus was taken aback by the view. No photograph could do this place justice-it was breathtaking.

"Alright, Maximus Palmer... What exactly are you looking for?" Aria asked bluntly.

"I'm looking for you. I need to talk to you about something important."

"Let me make one thing clear-if this is about convincing me to go back to Valeria, you're wasting your time."

Maximus took a deep breath. "Aria Fairchild... My father died two days ago."

Aria froze. Her eyes, already weary, filled with even deeper sadness. A single tear slipped down her cheek.

"I hope he can finally rest in peace now," she whispered. She hesitated, about to say something more, but stopped herself.

Maximus watched her carefully.

"Before he died, my father left me a letter. In it, he told me about you and asked me to find you here. From what I understand, he always knew where you were."

He exhaled, shaking his head slightly. "Leonardo Palmer was many things, but in

just two days, I've seen a side of him I never knew existed."

Aria nodded slightly. "Your father spent some time trying to convince me to return to Valeria or Florentia, as I mentioned. But I refused. My life hasn't been easy, Maximus, and after more than forty years, I wanted to choose where to live. This is my home now. I may not have much, but what I do have is here."

Maximus met her gaze, his tone turning serious. "Aria Fairchild, I know that you are the real mother of my brother-Peter Palmer."

Aria let out a small, shaky breath. "I was his mother. But I never knew him... Life and my father took that chance away from me." Her voice was heavy with sorrow.