Chapter 0622
“How are you, Diana?” Maximus asked, a trace of nostalgia in his voice.
“Much better now that I’m seeing you!” she replied cheerfully.
“Let’s go grab some dinner–I’m starving-
“Of course!”
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“Where will the great Maximus Palmer make a reservation”
“We’re going to The Russet Garden. You’ll like it–they have outdoor seating, just like you used to enjoy.”
“Perfect! Good thing I chose this dress. For a moment, I thought I’d made the wrong choice and we’d be grabbing burgers and beer… remember?”
“All too well! If you’d prefer-”
“Let’s save that for another time. I’m so hungry I’d eat a wild boar if I had to.”
“You haven’t eaten?”
“Nope! I’ve been swamped with work. I left the office right after your call. I barely had time to freshen up and get here.”
“You shouldn’t skip meals like that!”
“Says Maximus Palmer? The man who lived on coffee all day?”
“Hey, a lot has changed!”
“I’ll bet! How have you been, Maximus?”
“Good. Adjusting to my new life…”
“Yeah, I heard a little about it. I’m sorry..
“She’s better off now. You know, we weren’t happy anymore. In the end, I think the hardest part was accepting that time had passed… for both of us.
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As they walked to the restaurant, Diana took his hand. Maximus felt a strange but pleasant tingling sensation. Normally, he didn’t allow such displays of affection in public, but she seemed so carefree and happy that he said nothing.
For the next couple of hours, the pair dined, laughed, and reminisced about old times in the office. It was a fantastic evening. Maximus opened up about his new life, sharing how he now had a 20–year–old daughter- almost 21–and how, in less than a year, his entire world had turned upside down. Diana, as she always had, listened intently. She noticed something different in his tormented eyes; they no longer seemed so sad and lonely. Despite being single–handedly raising his children now, he looked more at peace than she’d seen him before.
“Shall we go to the lookout? It’s still there!” Diana said excitedly.
“Have you been?” Maximus asked, curious.
“Of course! It was one of the first things I did.”
“Wow…”
“I have so many good memories of that place. It’s where I fell in love with you. We never became anything, but I
Chapter 0622
always knew I’d be in love with you for the rest of my life. That’s why, when the chance to come here arose, I didn’t hesitate.”
“Diana… I don’t know if I’m what you need. My life isn’t in the best place right now…”
“It never will be the best time, Maximus. But I think this is the perfect time.”
“Why would you say that?”
“Because you’re a widower now. Years ago, you were married, and I was clear–I didn’t want to be one of those girls who got involved with you. But now, you’re free…”
“I have a family.”
“I know. I always knew. That’s not news to me. Well, except for your daughter, your brother, his son, his grandson, and now your grandson… but that’s normal. You’re 53, Maximus–it’s obvious you wouldn’t be alone.”
Before they realized it, they were standing at the lookout. It was a place that had seen so many of their nights- filled with laughter, tears, and longing.
“What do you want from me, Diana?”
‘Everything! I want Maximus Palmer. I want the man I met back then.”
“Diana…”
“Come on, let’s get out of the car. I want to see the city from here!” she said, abruptly changing the subject.
Maximus stepped out of the car and opened the door for Diana. The area was quiet, and the air suddenly felt colder. Diana shivered slightly but wrapped her arms around herself. Seeing this, Maximus pulled her into his chest and hugged her, opening his blazer to shield her from the cold. The scent of his cologne filled her nose as she tilted her head back to look at him.
“It’s such a cold and clear night. I’d forgotten how chilly this place gets at this hour…”
“Do you want to leave?”
“Just give me a few more minutes…” Diana said, holding his hands tightly.
