Chapter 0774
“And now look at us—we’re all paying the price.”
“Why are you telling me this now?”
“At first, Peter was only losing bits and pieces of his memory. But having Mary here has made things worse. He needs surgery, but he’s completely refusing it. His doctor explained to me that there’s a 60% chance of success, but the other 40%? There’s a possibility he could lose all lits memories.
“If he doesn’t have the operation, Peter is at serious risk of suffering a stroke or heart failure.
“Believe me, Marcus–whatever happened, Peter wasn’t even aware of what was going on. Most of the time, he’s trapped in limbo, lost between his past and present.“.
Maximus sighed, rubbing a hand over his face.
“I know he’s back in Valentia. He’s looking for Celeste. And I know that nothing I say will change your mind about him. But there’s one thing I want you to know.
“In all the time you were gone, he never once sought out Mary. Even though he was lost in his own memories, some part of him still understands that whatever happened between them was a long, long time ago.”
Marcus scoffed. “Maximus, I have no intention of chasing after your damn brother. I just want to talk to my wife.”
“She’s at my father’s house. If you want to see her, I’ll give you the address. But if you go, I hope it’s to fix things –for her and for your children. Keeping her away from them was beyond cruel.”
“Oh, so now you’re going to tell me what’s right and wrong?” Marcus snapped.
“I’m not the one to judge,” Maximus replied.
“Before you start dragging up the past–before you start talking about what I did over twenty–three years ago— save it. What matters is what I did after, how I changed, how I learned from that mess.
“Maximus… I know I can never truly repay you for taking care of my wife. But it’s time for you to take over now. It’s time for you and Valerie to finally talk. Take me to her.”
Maximus was about to respond when a soft but firm voice interrupted.
“There’s no need, Marcus…”
Both men turned as Valerie stepped forward, her posture tense, but her voice steady.
“Maximus, if I keep waiting for you to tell me when it’s time, then the day I finally talk to my husband will never come.‘
Maximus sighed, looking slightly guilty. “Valerie…”
“This is a conversation I need to have with him,” she said, looking directly at Marcus. “So don’t worry. I’ll be home soon.”
Maximus hesitated, then stepped forward, resting his hands gently on her shoulders.
“Are you sure you’ll be okay?”
“Yes. Marcus is my husband–there’s nothing to be afraid of. This conversation is long overdue.”
“Alright. If you need anything, I’m nearby. Just call me.”
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+25 BONUS
Chapter 0774
“Thank you, Maximus.”
Maximus let out a slow breath before stepping away. He had to give them space. He had spent six weeks watching Valerie struggle with her emotions, and it had become clear she still loved Marcus. No matter what had happened, he was the man she wanted.
And Maximus had finally accepted that his role in her life was over.
Now that Maximus was gone, Valerie turned to Marcus. Her voice was calm but unwavering.
“Now that we’re alone… I think it’s time for us to talk.”
Before she could say another word, Marcus stepped forward, his expression filled with regret.
“I’m sorry. I truly am. I was an idiot. I hurt you. I let jealousy consume me I got lost in my own thoughts, in the worst possible version of what I imagined had happened. I was wrong.
“Six weeks ago, I lost myself to anger, and I took it out on you.
“Maximus explained the situation with Peter… and I-”
“Marcus,” Valerie cut him off, her voice soft, but firm. “I want you by my side.
“Not a single day goes by that I don’t think of you as the only man in my life.
“You have been my partner, my best friend, my husband, my lover, my everything.
“You are my anchor to the future, and I could never ever imagine my life without you.
“And just as you are apologizing to me… I want to apologize to you.
“I’m sorry for my insecurities. For my emotional outbursts. I know they have caused you pain.
“I’m sorry for every moment I made you suffer because of my own indecision.
“You are and always have been–an amazing husband and father.
“And you do not deserve to be overshadowed by my past.
“Because you are my present.
“And I love you, Marcus Bartz.
“Nothing will ever change that.”
Her voice wavered with emotion, but her words were absolute.
“I know it won’t be easy, but we’ll figure this out–together. And once we do, we’ll go back to Hesperia and start over.”
Marcus couldn’t hold back any longer and pulled Valerie into his arms. Who was he trying to fool?
He knew he had messed up–keeping Valerie away from their children, refusing to let her explain herself.
Now, he was facing the reality he had created–a situation still full of complications, but one they would have to work through together.
Because at the end of the day, their family was what mattered most.
