After a long conversation with Theodore, Peter left the study feeling somewhat more at ease. He needed a shower and to get ready—he was anxious to see Celeste. Unsure if she would be home, he decided to call her first.“Hello?”“Celeste?”“Yes?”“It’s Peter…”“I know. You added your number to my pho
Marcus had been a week since he last saw Peter, and he still couldn't shake off the strange feeling of doing something wrong. But he knew that if Valerie found out, it wouldn't be easy for her to process. Their babies were turning four months old, and even though they'd passed the difficult stage, h
It was Tuesday afternoon, and Serenity had gone to John’s school to accompany him for his costume fitting for the play. Valerie hadn’t been feeling well that day and had asked her daughter for help. After accompanying him, the driver would take John home since his sister still had some things to do.
Serenity placed a hand on the man’s back. Peter straightened up and grabbed the other hand Serenity had free. He pulled it to his chest and embraced her tightly. Serenity couldn’t hold back anymore and started crying."Why? Why, Dad? Why?" Serenity sobbed."My girl! There’s so much I need to tell yo
Serenity clearly understood what those words meant. Peter, on the other hand, was battling a relentless headache. It seemed that, upon seeing Serenity, his mind had short-circuited; still, he tried to stay stoic. He didn’t want to cause the girl next to him any more worry—she already had enough to d
"As for what you said about thinking I was there, I’ve always been with you. I’ve never left you alone. I’ve always watched over you from the shadows. I know you’re an amazing photographer. I know you study business, and you always neglect your career for your hobby. I know that when you feel overwh
Serenity remained silent after hearing Peter’s last words. She settled into his embrace, a dream she had always held in her heart, imagining what it would have been like if her father had lived. Now that he was there, the hug felt wonderful. Life was giving her a chance, but that opportunity came wi
Peter climbed into his truck, and Marcus and Serenity could only watch as the man drove away. Serenity still couldn’t believe everything that had just happened. She was lost in her thoughts when a warm hand took hers."Sweetheart... Serenity..." Marcus said nervously.Serenity turned to him, tears i
“Maximus, I know you’d sacrifice yourself for Peter—you’ve always been that way. But would you do it for Marcus?” Diana asked, her tone pointed.“He’s about to become the father of twins. I don’t want Mary to end up alone again.”“You have four children and a grandchild on the way. Two of your daugh
After a few minutes of silence, watching the city lights, Diana and Maximus got back in the car. Their conversation continued, casual and light, like two old friends catching up. Diana was trying to understand the new life of the man she had waited for over six years. After driving for a while, they
“How are you, Diana?” Maximus asked, a trace of nostalgia in his voice.“Much better now that I’m seeing you!” she replied cheerfully.“Let’s go grab some dinner—I’m starving…”“Of course!”“Where will the great Maximus Palmer make a reservation?”“We’re going to The Russet Garden. You’ll like it—th
Maximus glanced at the time on one of his watches and realized he was already running late. He quickly grabbed the outfit his daughter had meticulously picked out for him and even put on the cologne she’d chosen. When he stepped out of the dressing room, he had an audience—both of his daughters were
“You’re my biological father, so yes, I can tell you exactly what I see. Now, let’s take a look at what you’ve got here. Where are your scissors?” Serenity said, walking into Maximus’s wardrobe without hesitation.“Scissors?”“Yes, for your hair! When I was little, I used to cut Marcus’s hair. He le
It was late Sunday afternoon. Laura had gone to her room after lunch, and the kids were holed up in their rooms, rushing to finish last-minute homework. Maximus had warned them that the punishment would be severe if they didn’t complete their assignments or missed any responsibilities at school. Mea
Maximus had returned from Germany, but his life had changed after that trip. The man came back with more questions than answers, and the only one who could provide those answers was in Slovenia.“Peter… you son of a bitch. Why the hell do I have to follow through with your stupid plan?” Maximus said
“I already know all of this, Mom!”“No, you don’t know everything… Leonardo isn’t your father!”“What?! Say that again!”“You heard me. Leonardo isn’t your father. I have to be honest: at first, I thought you might be his. But I did a test before you were born and found out you were Maximus’s son. I
While Maximus traveled back from Germany, in Switzerland, Lucius was grappling with the only choice his mother was giving him. He refused, but every day she reminded him that she wasn’t well and that it would be better if he let her go.“Lucius, think carefully about what you’re doing, son… You’re t