My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

"I know there will be days when I mess up. I just ask you to be patient with me. I don't know much about babies, but little by little, you and I are going to figure it out together. So far, I think I'm doing okay."

After spending some time outside, they went back into their new home. The baby was sleeping in his arms, and Lucius knew-today was the beginning of a brand new life.

[The Bartz Hunter Family]

After a long journey, the Bartz Hunter family and the new Palmer Bartz family were on their way to the port, where they'd catch a ferry to Solaria.

Valerie sat beside Marcus, tightly holding the urn that contained the last of her grandfather's ashes. Today was the day. Today marked the end of the road. Today she closed that chapter of her life and chose to start writing a new book—with new stories, new loves.

It wasn't that she had never moved on. A little over 23 years ago, after her grandfather died, she kept living her life. But there had always been an emptiness that she'd never managed to fill.

Today, she would finally keep the promise she and her grandfather had made to each other. She didn't need to steal a million dollars-because now, in her present, that wasn't necessary.

Life had smiled on her. It had given her a wonderful husband, precious children, and a fantastic son-in-law who were all accompanying her on this journey and final wish.

As the family drove toward Cholle, Valerie couldn't help but remember her childhood—when her grandfather would promise her adventures beyond the walls of their home or school. Life wasn't easy back then, but she had already come to terms with it.

[27 years ago]

"My girl... One day, you'll see, when you're of age, we'll go wander the world. Well... not before you finish university. But while that happens, we'll sneak off to explore the country," Albert used to say.

"Really, Grandpa?" Mary would ask, excited.

"Yes! Just wait... You're almost of age. And if your father agrees, I'd even give him the company in exchange for letting you come with me. You and I, my girl-we don't need luxury, we don't need much. Just enough to pay for your schooling and live without worry."

"That would be wonderful! But honestly... I don't think my father will go for it. He wants to marry me off to some rich guy. He wants to use me for a business deal," Mary said sadly.

"Sweetheart, the company is worth more than any lousy business deal. If he wants to rule over everything I've got, fine-but he needs to give me guardianship over you. I'm not asking for much. I've already started putting money aside so we can leave, buy a little house... You could even have a dog, just like you've always wanted."

"Thank you, Grandpa!" Mary said, hugging him tightly.

[Present Day]noveldrama

"It was so easy to dream..." Valerie whispered.

Marcus heard her and asked gently, "What was easy, my love?"

"Dreaming, Marcus! Dreaming!" Valerie said, her eyes still fixed on the endless stretch of palm trees by the roadside.

"Well, dreams are what make amazing things happen. Remember your jewelry line started with just a dream."

"You're right," Valerie replied with a small smile.

"Are you sure about what you're going to do today?" Marcus asked, sensing her emotional state.

"Completely. This will close a

chapter in my life. It's time to endet

that part and begin something new. I can't keep holding onto the past. My

car needs to rest now..."

"If you're sure, then I have no doubts. Look-we're here," Marcus said, pointing

toward the ferry port with his eyes.

"Let's go then," she said, meeting his gaze with determination.

By the time they reached Solaria, was already 4:00 p.m. As soon as they disembarked and

vinto

thejr hotel for the night, Valerie rushed out toward the sea

The place was exactly as she had imagined it-just like in the pictures. It was quaint, peaceful, as if time itself walked barefoot along the sea breeze and white sands.

As she neared the water, she could hear the waves crashing against the shore.

How many dreams? How many promises had been made right here?

The place was a haven of peace and tranquility—the very kind she had longed for with her grandfather back in the day.