My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

Fiona must have seen something in Theodore's eyes because she only took a few seconds to answer.

"Yes!"

"Good," he said. "I need you to strip and get into bed. Cover yourself, and no matter what you hear-don't move."

Fiona hesitated, confused by his request, but nodded and did as he said.

She was trembling with nerves, her heart racing as she slipped under the covers and pulled the sheets up to her chin.

She prayed.

Prayed that this wasn't some cruel trick.

Prayed that this man would really take her away from this hell.

Just as she shut her eyes, she heard the door burst open.

The voice of one of the men who controlled her rang through the room.

Then-

Struggling.

Choking.

And then-

A snap.

A sound she would never forget.

Then came the command:

"Get up. Now."

Her eyes flew open.

And there, on the floor, was the lifeless body of her handler.

His head twisted at an unnatural angle.

Dead.

A cold chill ran down her spine.

Her hands started trembling.

Her stomach twisted in knots.

She had just escaped one nightmare, only to fall into the hands of a man who was even more dangerous.

What had she gotten herself into?

She wanted to scream.

Run.

But before she could react, Theodore's voice cut through her panic.

"Wrap yourself in the sheet. I'm going to carry you. Don't make a sound. Don't move. And if you could stop breathing for a bit, that'd be even better," he ordered. Fiona was frozen in fear.

So much so that she felt warm liquid trickle down her legs.

She had peed herself.

But Theodore didn't even seem to notice.

With ease, he lifted her into his arms, wrapped her completely in another sheet, and carried her out.

The hotel security cameras captured it all-

A client who had lost control and was disposing of the evidence.

That's what the videos would show.

And for now, that's exactly what Theodore wanted.

Fiona, still wrapped in fabric, prayed harder than ever before.

She had no idea what was happening.

But she knew this man wasn't normal.

Her handler had been a big man-muscular and strong.

And yet, Theodore had taken him down like it was nothing.

Who was he?

They reached the parking garage.

Theodore placed her carefully in the trunk of his SUV and drove off.

She stayed completely still.

Not daring to breathe until he said so.

When they arrived at his residence, he finally spoke.

"Alright, Fiona, this is where I actually live. If anyone comes looking for you, this place is more secure than anywhere else. Now, I'm going to take you up to my suite, and you are not to leave until I say so. Understood?"

She couldn't even speak.

She just nodded, still paralyzed with fear.

Theodore lifted her again and carried her inside.

The moment she stepped into his luxurious penthouse, she was stunned.

She had never seen anything like it.

Every inch of the space screamed wealth and power.

Who was this man?

And... was she really safe with him?

For now, she didn't care.

For the first time in six years, all she wanted was to close her eyes and sleep.noveldrama

"Fiona," Theodore said. "The master bedroom is yours. There should be some pajamas in there. You can take a bath, do whatever you want. I'll be in the guest room.

But one thing, woman-don't even think about running.

If you step one foot outside, you will not make it to morning.

And it won't be because of me."

Fiona swallowed hard.

"I understand..." she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Good."

She watched as he walked away.

This... this wasn't normal for him.

Theodore didn't help people.

In his world, everyone fended for themselves.

But something about this girl had made him act.

She hadn't chosen this life.

She was young.

And though he didn't know her story, he could imagine it was just like the

thousands of others he had heard before.

That night, despite not knowing who the hell this man really was...

Despite the fear still gripping her chest...

For the first time in years-

Fiona slept peacefully.

[Present Day]

"Mr.Bennett... I'm sorry to interrupt," said his lawyer, pulling Theodore from his

memories.

"Oliver... what is it?" Theodore asked, looking him in the eyes.

"Sir... I tried reasoning with the boy, but he still insists on meeting you."

Theodore scoffed, taking a sip of his drink.

"Adam Sawyer is as stubborn as his mother."

"Or maybe just maybe he deserves to meet his father. The boy keeps asking

for the man who's been funding his education."

"Why can't he just accept the damn scholarship and move on?"

"Because he's not like that. He's a good kid. Did you know he gives most of his scholarship money to his mother? He only keeps a smal amount for himself. He even refused the apartment and asked for the money to be used to renovate his mother's home instead."

Theodore was silent for a moment.

"That son of mine... must have gotten that from his mother. Because he sure as

hell didn't get it from me."

Oliver sighed.

"Sir... I think you're too hard on yourself. Adam is a good young man. If you just

took the time to meet him, you'd see why I keep insisting.

"He deserves to know the truth.

"He deserves to meet his father."

Theodore looked away.

"How's Fiona?" he asked after a pause.

"Madam Fiona? She's doing well. Hardworking as ever. Still as beautiful as you probably remember. She's a good woman. Never married. Dedicated her whole life to raising Adam.

ie

"I know you don't want to reach out, but... if you did, I think you'd be in for a big

surprise."

Theodore sighed, rubbing his temples.

"Oliver, I don't get why you're pushing this so hard."

"Because you don't know what could come of it.

"You don't know what you're missing.

"But you never will if you don't try."

Theodore exhaled slowly.

"Let me think about it."

"That's all I ask," Oliver said with a small smile.

For the first time, he felt like maybe just maybe-Theodore would finally give his

son a chance.