My Love Until the Last Goodbye by Alut

Chapter 1053 "Wow. I wasn't expecting that," James admitted honestly. "During the day, that guy seemed really into you... That's why I didn't approach you." "That man just wantsto stay the hell away from him!" Mary scoffed. Then, a thought crossed her mind. "Hey, wait... Are you from around here?" "No, I'm just on vacation. Why?" "Oh... Never mind. I just thought you might be a local," she said, a little disappointed.

"Do you need something?" "Should I be honest?" Mary hesitated.

Right now, she didn't know anyone. This guy seemed kind and straightforward— maybe he knew of a cheap place where she could stay.

He didn't seem like the rich type, which actually made her trust him more.

"Go ahead," James said.

"I don't have a place to stay, and I'm looking for something affordable. I don't have much money left. Honestly, I'm thinking about going back to Valentia tomorrow," Mary admitted, feeling defeated.

The place was beautiful. She had loved swimming in the crystal-clear waters. But she simply couldn't afford to stay.

"Don't worry! I know a place! If you'd like, you can stay at my house." "What?" Mary asked, surprised.

"Yeah. I'm here on vacation with sfriends-guys and girls. We're staying at my parents' house, so my his your home. It's big, and there's plenty of space for you to stay.

"If you're unsure, you can ask around-the house is decent, and there are other girls there, too. By the way, how old are you?" "Twenty." "Huh... I'm twenty-three. How did you end up married to an older guy?" James asked, curious.

"Well... It's a long story. But basically, I guess I was just stupid." "He doesn't love me. He never will. That much is clear. But here I am-married. And, well... I don't think it's going great, do you?" "There's always divorce! You wouldn't be the first or the last to get divorced, especially at your age. Plus, you're such a beautiful girl... That man doesn't know how to appreciate your youth and beauty. Think about it!" James said, and his words stuck in Mary's mind.

But she had married for love. She did want her marriage to work. She still believed that one day, Maximus would finally see her, that he would leave Alexia and choose her instead.

"We're here!" James said. "This is my house-well, my parents' house. Con in. If you want, you can stay here tonight. Tomorrow, you'll have more tto figure out what to do.

You can stay as long as you need. I'll be heading back to the U.S. next weekend, but in the meantime, you're welcto stay." "Thank you," was all Mary could say.

She wasn't entirely comfortable with the situation, but it was better than sleeping on the street.

Inside, the house was warm and welcoming. It wasn't luxurious, but it had a cozy charm to it.

Then again, Santorini was charming no matter where you were beautiful yet nostalgic all at once.

"Con in, I'll introduce you to the others so you can feel more at ease," James said with a reassuring smile.

"Okay..." "Guys, this is Angela Palmer. She'll be staying here tonight, so make her feel at home!" "Hi, Angela!" they all greeted in unison.

Mary looked at the tall, blond man who had suddenly appeared in her life. He was attractive.

She wondered what it would be like to be free-to not be married, to enjoy being single again, to go back to doing the things she used to do when she was with Peter.

Surely, the girls here were all single, living life on their own terms. She had no doubt about it.

As she settled in with the group by the fire, drinking beer and wine, snacking on chips and sweets, something completely different was unfolding back at the hotel where Maximus and Alexia were staying.

"Why did you come, Alexia?" Maximus's voice was cold.

"Maximus! Does it bother you that I cto see you?" Alexia asked, tears in her eyes, her voice shaky.

"Do you realize you're puttingin trouble with my grandmother? Do you understand that everything we've been working toward just went to hell because of this? Did you even think about the nover consequences?" Maximus snapped, clearly irritated.

"Oh, so you're mad because I interrupted your honeymoon with that little brat?" Alexia spat, furious. "That's not why I'm mad, and you why!!

know it. I'm mad because Catherine om is going to find out, and she won't lethear the end of you understand that? Do you know that Mary tells Catherine everything?" Maximus said, trying to sound convincing.

Though deep down, he knew the truth-Alexia showing up had ruined whatever was happening between him and Mary.

Now, he had two problems-Alexia's presence and Mary's absence.

He figured Mary must be staying somewhere in the hotel, but he couldn't be sure.

Maximus tried to reason with Alexia, to convince her to go back to Valentia. But he failed. Frustrated, he stormed out of the room.

"Maximus! Where the hell do you think you're going?" Alexia shouted, furious.

"Didn't you see Mary leave? I'm going to find her, make sure she's 'fine, and believe does then I'll cback. XI don't, me-Catherine will be here by morning," Maximus said seriously. Alexia, though seething, had to admit he was right. Right now, Mary could very well be ruining all their plans.

"I'm coming with you!" Alexia declared, grabbing her bag.

"For fuck's sake, Alexia! I need to handle this alone. Do you really think Mary is going to react well if she sees you again?" Maximus said, avoiding the real issue. "Maximus..." Alexia murmured.

"I won't be long. I just want to make sure Catherine isn't knocking on our door first thing in the morning. I don't know what kind of lies andschemes Mary might be telling her right now," Maximus muttered, annoyed.

Though, if he was being honest, his frustration wasn't really with Mary.

It was with Alexia.

Her suffocating presence.