“Maximus, wake up already! Don’t be lazy—that’s my job! You’re going to be late for work, and your father will lose his mind if you’re not ready for the meeting. Come on, love, get up…” said a soft voice in Maximus’s ear.Slowly, Maximus opened his eyes. Sunlight streamed through the curtains in the
Marcus dropped Serenity off at home after a thorough check-up, but he still couldn’t get the young man he had just met out of his mind. He couldn’t deny that the boy was the spitting image of his friend, which left him with a bittersweet feeling. At first, it had pained Marcus to learn that Serenity
"I still remember the day we met at the hospital. You and Frederick had been in an accident. It was the first time I’d seen you in over two years. You showed up with that commanding presence of yours and decided, on your own, that you were going to be a part of Serenity’s life from that moment on. D
"What just happened with Maximus was the end of something that should never have been. He came to me looking for answers about a DNA test. No matter how much I tried to deny it, he already knew the truth. I wanted to tell you, but I didn’t know how. Then everything spiraled out of control. Marcus, I
Maximus still hadn’t shaken off the feeling left by that beautiful dream. As he walked through the mansion’s halls, it was as if he were experiencing déjà vu or living in parallel dimensions. Though the mansion looked different, every step brought glimpses of his ex-wife’s silhouette and the faint s
“She didn’t hesitate when she ordered my father’s murder. She didn’t think about leaving Mary and her daughter without a husband or father. So why are you thinking about her? Do you still love her?” Alden snapped, losing what little patience he had left.“I don’t love that damn woman!” Maximus shout
Maximus felt drained; that brief conversation with his nephew had left him utterly exhausted."Alden, yesterday I read through the entire investigation. It pains me to see what the woman I once loved—the mother of my children—has become."He hesitated, staring out the large window. "I know you won’t
Marcus and Valerie returned to the house. She picked up the bouquet of flowers and her bag, then said, "I'm ready! We can go. This house holds so many beautiful memories, but the ones I want to keep are the ones we make together with our children."Marcus turned to look at her, his almond-colored ey
As soon as Maximus left the hospital room, Peter sank into his thoughts, trying to figure out what to do next. It was clear that his life had completely changed, and Maximus was right—whether he liked it or not, he was a father and a grandfather. And soon, he’d be a father again. There was also a wo
Peter had his eyes closed. His brother was still sitting next to him, curious about what he might be thinking. He didn’t want to pressure him, so he waited for him to speak."What do I do about Celeste?" Peter finally let out, his voice filled with worry."What? What do you mean?" Maximus asked, int
Two weeks had passed, and Peter still showed no interest in speaking to or seeing Maximus or Celeste. The hospital, which had once been filled with family and friends waiting outside his room, was now only visited by Alden—and occasionally, Marcus.Celeste tried to stay calm and positive, but in thi
"But he is right—your mother asked us to take care of your education and finances. We know you don’t want contact with your family, and if you stay in Valentia, you won’t just run into them—you’ll also be at risk from any enemies your grandfather may still have out there.""So you’re saying… I have
"Where the hell am I?" Lucius muttered, waking from his forced sleep."You’re in my house. And you better behave, because I’m not a very patient man. I promised to look after you, but your mother isn’t here anymore, so she won’t know if something happens to you," Anthony Moriarty said, his piercing
And then—"Daddy!"Maurice bolted toward him, his little feet barely touching the ground.After a few steps, Maximus crouched down to scoop up his youngest son, who looked noticeably bigger than the last time he had seen him."My boy, how are you, my love?""Daddy! Daddy! We’re back!""Yes, my boy,
After leaving the hospital, Maximus drove home, the only thing on his mind being the need to have his family together again. Things with Peter hadn’t gone well, but at least this time, he had something to keep him grounded—his family and Diana.Diana hadn’t accompanied him home; she had stayed behin
Throughout their conversation, Alden had asked his father multiple times if he wanted to see Celeste, but Peter refused every time. He even seemed irritated whenever her name was mentioned. However, whenever Alden spoke about his mother, there was a glimmer in Peter’s eyes—something Alden kept to hi
Celeste and Alden exchanged looks. They were the two closest people to Peter, yet neither of them knew how to handle this situation. A Peter who only remembered being in his twenties was something they hadn’t expected."Alden, go in. He’s your father, and I’m sure he’ll be happy to see a copy of him