My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

Laura arrived at the Moriarty residence a bundle of nerves, a tight knot twisting in her stomach and threatening to rise into her throat.

Angela Moriarty greeted her at the door and instantly understood the reason for her visit. She tried to be empathetic, but deep down, she knew Lucius had already made up his mind.

For Angela, the thought of losing someone who had become like a son-who had brought so much warmth into her home-was hard. But she also understood that if she didn't let him go, he might never heal from the loss of his wife.

What Lucius needed was time-time and distance. He was clear about one thing: he didn't want everyone to put their lives on hold just because of his.

He had spent part of his youth in solitude. He knew how to survive-even if now, things were different. Now he had a daughter. That was new. But there were always nannies. If there was something he couldn't handle, he'd find help.

"Laura, you should know that he... well, you know your brother. I've tried to talk him out of it, but he's made up his mind," Angela said honestly.

"Thank you, Angela. I know this must be hard for you too..."

"Believe me, I've tried to convince him-for Amanda's sake. But I also trust him. He's responsible. Even my husband admits he's no longer the same boy who walked through our door. He's grown into a good man. I only regret that he'll be leaving his studies incomplete again. If you can talk him out of this, great. But if not, then all we can do is wish him well... and visit when he lets us," Angela said, already resigned to the inevitable.

"Where is he?"

"Come, I'll take you. He's in the garden. Oh! Adrian, I didn't greet you properly- how are you, dear? And how's little Adéle?" she asked with her usual warmth when she spotted Laura's companion.

Most people already knew that Laura and Adrian were giving their relationship another chance-and that things were going well. Marriage, however, was a topic for the future.

"Hello, Mrs. Moriarty!" Adrian said, holding a peacefully sleeping Adéle in his

arms.

"Oh, don't call me 'Mrs.'-well, I am, but it makes me feel ancient. Call me Angela."

"Alright, Angela," Adrian replied, a little shyly.

It felt strange for him to be talking so casually with the wife of Anthony Moriarty-

one of the most prominent judges in all of Italy.

"Anyway, let's head to the garden.

Lucius should be back from his

morning walk with the baby. He takes her out to get some sun, and they're usually home by now.noveldrama

Valentina went with them-vend

school today. She's going to take it hard when Lucius and Amanda leave; she's practically adopted the baby as her own little sister," Angela said, a trace of sorrow in her voice.

"Your daughter's practically adopted my brother too—I've seen the way she looks

at him," Laura said, watching Angela gaze out at the garden.

"She's always wanted a little sibling. We considered adoption, but with my husband's career, there's no time. That child would deserve full attention. Still, Valentina hasn't let go of that dream."

"So when Amanda came into the house, it must have felt like Christmas and her birthday rolled into one."

"Exactly," Angela replied just as Lucius came into view, carrying baby Amanda in one arm and holding Valentina's hand with the other, the little girl walking proudly beside him.

"Lucius, darling! You have visitors!" Angela called out, her voice as lively as ever.

Lucius looked up, smiled when he saw who was waiting, and walked over with Valentina.

"Laura! Adrian!" he greeted warmly.

"Hello, Miss Laura. And... whoever you are," Valentina said, eyeing the handsome man next to Laura.

"Hi..." Adrian replied, caught off guard. The girl clearly took after her mother more than her father.

"Adrian, Val, let's go have some tea in the front garden. These two have a lot to talk about," Angela said, gently taking the baby from Lucius's arms. Sweetheart, I'll put her down for her nap. She needs a warm bed to sleep in."

Lucius nodded he was used to Angela's sudden, motherly takeovers. That was

just part of her magic.