My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 1083

She ended the call. She could feel her grandson was suffering because of the mistakes he'd made, but she couldn't give him the same kind of affection she used to when he was a child.

This time, he hadn't just fallen—he'd hurt someone else. And not just once. He'd hurt her both physically and emotionally.

Back at Palmer Group, after the call ended, Maximus sat behind his desk and tried to focus on work, but he couldn't get his grandmother's words out of his head.

"'Beauty doesn't grow in hell.' Grandma... you and your sayings. I know I hurt Mary. But I also know she loves me. And if I don't file for divorce, she'll never really leave me."

The day flew by too fast. Soon, night had fallen, and darkness blanketed the city. For a moment, he felt the urge to go home.

Maximus poured himself a glass of cognac and smoked like never before. His neck ached, his head throbbed, and the alcohol seemed to be playing tricks on him.

Out of nowhere, he started to see a familiar silhouette pacing back and forth, trying not to draw attention. Then it disappeared. A moment later, he saw it again—that small, thin frame—sneaking into the office, grabbing a few books, and curling up on the sofa in front of the bookshelf to read them.

The image started to come into focus and...

"Maximus? Sorry, I thought you weren't here. I didn't mean to come in, it's just… I like reading your books. I want to learn more, and I always rush through my homework just so I can sneak in here before you get back…"

"Get out! I never gave you permission to come in here!"

"Maximus, I'm sorry! I… I just…"

Maximus could see the silhouette of his past self—slapping Mary across the face, knocking her to the ground. He picked her up, grabbed her by the shirt, and threw her out of the study.

That memory hurt. She had never even had the chance to finish school. She was hungry to learn. He hadn't been fair—he'd made her life hell.