My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

Mary lay back down, her body aching from the long trip. She felt safe with Peter, like he was the one constant in her life. She was grateful for his presence

A few minutes later, Peter returned. "The bath is ready. Come on, I'll help you get in. But first, let's wrap your wrist so it doesn't get wet,"

"Oh, right, I almost forgot," she said, looking down at the bandaged wound on her wrist.

Peter had asked the butler for some plastic wrap to cover her wrist. He gently wrapped it, then helped her undress. When she blushed at the intimacy of the moment, Peter chuckled softly.

"Come on, Mary. It's not the first time I've seen you naked."

"Peter... it's just been a while," she murmured, her cheeks flushing deeper.

"I know. But we're not here to dwell on the past. We're here to take care of you. Now, let's get you into that bath," he said with a reassuring smile.

Mary allowed him to help her into the tub. The warm water, infused with lavender, immediately relaxed her muscles. Peter looked away as she slipped off her robe, respecting her privacy, and placed it on a nearby chair.

"Take your time and relax," Peter said as he stepped outside the bathroom. "I'll be right here if you need me."noveldrama

Mary closed her eyes and let herself sink into the fragrant water. The lavender scent calmed her, but it also brought back a flood of memories she had been trying to forget.

The young woman smiled at herself in the mirror. In just a few minutes, Maximus would see her walking down the aisle. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach, and her hands tingled with excitement. She was grinning at her reflection when, suddenly, the door, slightly ajar, swung open. In walked an elegant, stunning woman-tall, fair-skinned, with deep blue eyes like the sea and blonde hair cascading down her back. Her beauty was undeniable, and her presence, overwhelming. Mary had to tilt her head back to meet her gaze, as her five-foot-two frame was no match for the height of the woman who had entered without permission.

"So, you're the famous Mary Preston. I really expected more. The Palmer family has high standards, and Maximus's taste is usually impeccable," the woman said, pointing coquettishly at herself.

"Excuse me? I think you're in the wrong room."

"No, I'm exactly where I need to be."

"I don't think so. And if you'll excuse me, I'd like to ask you to leave. I don't know you, and I don't know why you're here, so..." Mary gestured toward the door.

At that moment, Alexia grabbed her wrist and yanked her hard, causing Mary to flinch.

"Listen, little girl, I don't know what you did to make Maximus choose you. But now that I see you, I get it. You're plain, someone easy to hide. Look at you. Your wedding should be on all the social pages, and

instead, you're marrying the man who loves another Woman, and no one even cares."

The smile that had been lighting up Mary's face just moments ago vanished. Alexia's words hit home. Her wedding had barely any guests. It was so intimate it had gone unnoticed, and now that she thought about it, she'd been in Valentia for nearly a year and still didn't know many people. Her few friends were back in Galea, and since Peter wasn't attending, the rest of his circle likely wouldn't either, feeling awkward. Her joyful expression turned to sadness. Alexia noticed and smirked, pleased that she had hurt Mary without much effort.

"I'm telling you again, I have nothing to discuss with you," Mary said, pulling her wrist free from Alexia's grasp.

"Mary, you're living in Maximus's mansion, right? He didn't come home last night. Would you like to know who he spent his last night as a bachelor with?

"I see you have no intention of leaving, so I'll go. If you have any business with my future husband, take it up with him. But the next time you see me, I won't be Mary Preston anymore. I'll be Mary Palmer, and if you dare insult me again, I'll have no choice but to ask security to deal with you.

Mary spoke firmly, believing her words. Maximus was older than her, and before deciding to marry her, he likely had many women vying for his attention. She wasn't blind-her future husband was incredibly attractive. She couldn't change the past, but from now on, things would be different.