Chapter 0279
Maximus had fallen asleep for several hours next to his daughter. When he woke, be carefully slipped out of Laura’s room, feeling a rare sense of peace. With this newfound calm, he decided to head to his study to tackle a task he knew wouldn’t be easy.
It wasn’t unusual for Maximus to stay up late, but for most people living a normal life, his hours were well past bedtime. He scrolled through his phone and found Serenity’s number. After staring at it for a few minutes, trying to find the right words, he decided to call. The phone rang and rang but went unanswered. Frustrated, he called again, but still no answer. Just as he was about to give up for the night, a message from Serenity popped up.
Serenity: Don’t you sleep, Mr. Palmer? Most normal people are in bed at this hour.
Her response surprised him–it meant she wasn’t as angry as she had been before. Perhaps she was calm enough now for a civil conversation between uncle and niece.
Maximus: Sorry, I didn’t realize the time
Serenity: What do you want? I thought I made it clear I didn’t want you contacting me. If you’re reaching out now, it must be for something important.
Maximus: Can we talk?
Serenity: Now???
Maximus: Whenever you’d like.
Serenity: I shouldn’t agree to this, but I have too many unanswered questions… Will you answer them?
Maximus: I’ll try my best.
Serenity: Fine! Let’s meet tomorrow.
Maximus: Where?
Serenity: Sapience University of Eternia. I study in the Social Sciences faculty.
Maximus: Okay, I’ll find you there.
Serenity: I want to know about my father. Do you have a picture of him?
Maximus: Yes.
Serenity: Good. Bring it.
Maximus: Okay.
Serenity: See you tomorrow. I need to sleep now.
Maximus: Rest well.
Maximus let out a relieved sigh, sinking into his chair. His eyes closed briefly as exhaustion threatened to overtake him, but they snapped open again as he remembered he had also promised to take Laura to the movies. He couldn’t let her down. ‘Perhaps they should meet,‘ he thought. ‘After all, they’re cousins. Surely they’d get along.”
“Serenity might even be a good influence on my daughter, he mused aloud.
Standing, he rummaged through the drawers of his library elves, searching for photo alburns from his younger days. He found one filled with photos of his father–pictures he thought Serenity might appreciate. After all, as he was beginning to forge a connection with his own daughter, surely she would want to connect with her father’s memories. He carefully selected a few albums, packed them into his briefcase, and finally went to bed, feeling a strange and unfamiliar tranquility.
A few hours later, Maximus woke up, showered, and dressed casually–something he rarely did. Today wasn’t about business or appearances; it was about family. He put on blue jeans and a light black sweater, feeling oddly comfortable in his uncharacteristic attire. Once ready, he headed to Laura’s room, where she was still fast asleep.
“Come on, sleepyhead! Let’s go have breakfast outside. You’re coming with me today,” he said, gently waking her.
The Maximus standing in her room this morning seemed like a completely different man from the one who had visited her the night before. He looked vibrant and approachable, a rare sight, Dressed casually, he even had a warm smile on his face.
“Dad, you look… different today!” Laura said, sitting up, confused but intrigued.
“Do I? Maybe I do!” Maximus replied with a chuckle. “Come on, let’s go before your mother notices.”
He left her room and went to retrieve his briefcase from the study. Laura hurried to get ready, her heart racing with excitement. It was the first time her father had invited her out, and she couldn’t stop smiling. She tiptoed oot of her room, careful not to wake her mother. At the front entrance, she found Maximus waiting for her in the car.
“Laura, today you’re going to meet someone very special. Think you’ll like her,” Maximus said as she climbed in. Her bright smile faltered, replaced by uncertainty. She had assumed it would be a father–daughter day, just the two of them. But now… someone else was involved? She hestated, hand on the door handle, ready to get out. Sensing her apprehension, Maximus reached for her hand and held it firmly, drawing her closer.
“Relax, Laura. Trust me–you’re going to like her,” he said softly, pressing a kiss to her hand.
Though still unsure, his gesture and tone calmed her nerves. She stayed in the car as they drove off into a day that would change more than just her relationship with her father.
