Chapter 0266
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After that night out, Maximus’s attitude toward Dilana softened. He began asking Matthew to Involve her in more tasks, realizing she could be helpful and that her presence didn’t bother him. Matthew, aware of their previous outing, was grateful for the extra help but also concerned about Maximus’s intentions. As far as Matthew knew, his boss had no interest in “young girls.” In recent years, lits lovers had been women closer to his age- intelligent, mature, and stimulating conversationalists,
Diana, however, was an exception. Even Matthew enjoyed sharing a cup of coffee and a chat with her during their breaks. She would tell him about her country–its customs traditions, lifestyle, and must–visit places. These were things Matthew, despite his comfortable income, had ever experienced due to his all–consuming job.
The week flew by, and Friday arrived. Maximus had been anticipating this day all week. He wanted to invite Diana out again but couldn’t find the right words or timing. Finally, during one of their brief exchanges, he worked up the courage to ask:
“Diana, do you have plans for tonight?
Diana, exhausted, was only thinking about going home, taking off her uncomfortable work clothes, having a nice. shower, and curling up in her pajamas to watch a movie. Of course, she wasn’t going to say that to her boss. Instead, she simply replied, “I don’t have anything specific planned.”
Maximus hesitated before continuing. “I was wondering…if you’d like to join me for dinner? Something like last time…”
“Oh,” Diana said, a bit flustered and unsure.
She couldn’t understand why this man was inviting her out again. What was he thinking? She wasn’t someone looking for anything with him. Last time, she hadn’t had a choice, but this time, she could easily decline. Then again, something in his expression made her reconsider. In the end, she accepted. There was something in his eyes that compelled her not to say no.
They went to the same pub as before, Outside the office, Maximus seemed more relaxed, a different version of the imposing figure he was at work. The buting was similar to the last one–they ate almost the same meal, drank, and talked
This time, however, Maximus suggested taking a walk afterward. They ended up at a lookout point. With a few drinks loosening his tongue, Maximus began opening up about his life. He said something that left Diana Intrigued:
“You remind me of someone. Please don’t think I’m trying to take advantage of you–it’s just that you make me think of her.”
They stood outside his car, leaning against it and looking out at the city lights. Diana watched him intently, listening.
“What happened to her?” she asked cautiously.
“She left,” he said, his voice tinged with nostalgia.
“Left? As in, she’s no longer here, or she’s… gone for good? If it’s the latter, I’m so sorry,” Diana said, a mix of concern and curiosity in her tone.
“She just left. I’ve looked for her, but there’s no trace. It’s been 15 years since I last heard anything about her,” Maximus said without thinking.
“Was she your girlfriend?”
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Chapter 0266
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replied with a faint smile. “Sl
was my first wife
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Diana was stunned. She hadn’t expected to learn that he was in his second marriage. It explained the heated arguments she occasionally overheard between him and Alexis Levelt, his current wife, who had recently given birth to their fourth child.
“I was a terrible man to her,” Maximus continued. “I made her suffer more than anyone should. I didn’t realize the full extent of the damage I caused until she was gone.”
“We all make mistakes,” Diana offered gently.
“But this wasn’t just a mistake. I hurt her deliberately. You’re too young to understand,” he said with a bittersweet smile.
“Too young?” Diana replied, raising an eyebrow. “Look at the. I’m young, but here I am, living in a foreign country, surrounded by people I don’t know, speaking a new language, and taking responsibility for myself. Maybe I am young, but one thing I know for sure–no one’s too young or too old to make mistakes.”
Maximus Studied her for a moment. She was right. Diana was mature beyond her years. She had taken a leap of faith to come to a foreign place and was thriving without anyone to lean on. It made him think of Mary. If only he had given her the tools to stand on her own, maybe their story would have turned out differently.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that,” Maximus said, embarrassed.
“You don’t have to apologize. I know people might look at me and think I’m irresponsible or unable to take care of myself. But life has taught me that if I’m going to do something, it’s going to be for me. I almost got married once… but my fiancé married someone else instead. It broke my heart. And yet, here I am, a year later, in a completely different place than I ever imagined. Life is hard, Maximus. It’s not a game. Time passes, and you can’t keep waiting for someone forever. Before you know it you’re not the same person you were a year ago, a month ago, or even yesterday.”
she wasn’t like Mary at all. This
Maximus was taken aback. Diana’s words struck a chord. She was so young yet so wise. He looked at her, realizing
girl had a strength and maturity that put him to shame. She was navigating life with nothing but her own determination.
“You amaze me,” he admitted. “You’re very young to have such a clear view of things.”
“Not really, I’m 22, and I still have a lot to learn. But my life hasn’t been easy. I can’t afford to sit around feeling sorry for myself–that’s what I did last year, and look where my decisions brought me.”
“Here. To Valentia,” Maximus said with a small smile.
“Well, technically, here to look out over an Valentian skyline with a beer in one hand and a massive burger in my stomach,” Diana sald, grinning. Then, more seriously, she added, “Maximus Palmer, you can’t let your demons torment you anymore. It’s been 15 years. Let her go. You have a new wife and children now. Look forward. Whatever you did well, you did. Whatever you messed up and can’t fix, leave it behind.”
Maximus stared at Diana, the young woman who had seemed so much like Mary at first. Now, he realized she was nothing like her. Diana was in a league of her own–resilient, self–reliant, and unapologetically herself. Next to her, he felt like a hollow shell of a man, weighed down by the ghosts of his past.
