Chapter 0624
“Maximus, I know you’d sacrifice yourself for Peter–you’ve always been that way. But would you do it for Marcus?” Diana asked, her tone pointed.
“He’s about to become the father of twins. I don’t want Mary to end up alone again.”
“You have four children and a grandchild on the way. Two of your daughters are adults, but they’ll still need a father to guide them.”
“Peter has a grandson who adores him, and he’s been with him his whole life…”
“It’s not fair for you to keep carrying all the responsibility. Don’t you realize that if you take all the blame, you’ll never leave prison? You’d be sacrificing yourself for a company that isn’t even yours. You’re not a Palmer, Maximus! You don’t owe them this!”
“Diana…”
“No, Maximus! You’ve spent your entire life putting off what you really want for the sake of that damn company. 1 refuse to believe that you-
Maximus watched as Diana fought back tears, her voice trembling with frustration. In his mind, he berated himself, ‘This is why you should’ve kept quiet, Maximus. You just had to open your big mouth.”
Before he could stop himself, he cupped Diana’s face with both hands and kissed her passionately–a kiss he had wanted to steal since he saw her at the Piazza.
“Maximus…” Diana said softly when he pulled away.
“Diana… I can’t…” he said, breaking the kiss and stepping back
Maximus wanted to leave before things went any further. He didn’t want to drag her into something that hadn’t even begun yet. Going out with her tonight had been a mistake. She had her own life, one he didn’t want to disrupt
or at least, that’s what he told himself.
Diana, however, saw the hesitation in his eyes, the doubt on his face. She knew he was about to run, but this time, she wouldn’t let him. Last time, they couldn’t be together because he was married, and she refused to be just another name on his list of lovers.
“Maximus, don’t go. You deserve a life. You’ve already given your youth and years to that company. Can’t you just do what your father asked of you?”
“Diana, you don’t understand. Peter nearly lost his life because of my wife. I ruined his life. He spent 20 years without remembering anything. The plans he made–they have to happen.”
“You’re not alone in this, Maximus, understand? I’m here with you. Forgive me, but this time, I won’t let you face it alone. I’m not leaving again.”
“Diana…”
She sat down on the small table in front of him, took his face in her hands, and kissed him. Her slender arms wrapped around his neck, and Maximus could no longer contain the desire he felt for her. Diana’s trembling hands began to undo the buttons of his shirt. Maximus, in turn, slid down the zipper of her dress, revealing the exquisite figure he had long imagined seeing like this.
He lifted her, and she directed him to the bedroom. Once there, they shed the last of their clothing, piece by piece. Maximus was lost in the kisses he trailed over her body. Diana looked into his eyes, her cheeks flushed with anticipation. She wanted this–she had wanted it for years.
Chapter 0624
Maximus began to kiss her, starting at her toes, moving up her calf, then her thigh. He kissed her gently in places that had been untouched, continuing upward to her stomach, her chest, and finally her neck. Diana gasped softly when Maximus parted her legs, positioning himself over her. Her slight jolt of surprise was calmed by the weight of his body. When he kissed her lips again, she was ready for whatever was to come. For the first time, she would be with him.
Maximus embraced her tightly, and Diana moaned softly as he moved carefully, tenderly within her. They lost themselves in a night filled with kisses, caresses, and passion. It was clear they had both longed for this moment for a very long time. Life had given them a second chance, and Maximus wanted to believe it wasn’t too late.
As he traced his fingers along Diana’s bare skin, his thoughts wandered. ‘I deserve a chance to live,” he thought. My children deserve a family. I deserve a family.‘ He needed to think carefully about his next steps. He didn’t want to destroy anyone involved, so he would have to keep a clear head.
Diana stirred beside him, slowly waking. She turned to face him, her gaze meeting his. To her, he was a beautiful man, though his expression seemed distant. She reached out, touching his face gently.
“What are you thinking about?”
“You… I don’t want to, but I can’t let you go…
