My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

"To hell with that stupid paternity test! To hell with what anyone says! What matters is that you are my son and I love you-here, there, anywhere. You're my son," Maximus said firmly, pulling his son into a hug.

"Why the hell are you telling me this? Why now? Huh? What did you think I'd say after hearing all this?" Paul threw his questions at his father, needing answers.

"My son... I'm telling you because... your real father showed up," Maximus said, like he was laying down a massive weight.

"What?!" Paul said, shocked.

"Your biological father's name is Pierre Legrand Bouygues. He's from France, and he wants to meet you."

"What?! Are you insane? No! I don't want to!" Paul screamed in anger.

"Son... I'm not going to force you to do anything you don't want. But I just want to say one thing—the man wants to meet you, and maybe he deserves a chance. In the end, what happened nearly 16 years ago was a mess that three adults didn't know how to handle.

"Your mother never let him see you, but I can tell you this from experience—give him a chance.

"Look at me and your grandfather Magnus-he had to wait over 50 years to meet me. Your uncle Peter and his mom-over 40 years. We're living proof that things can still turn out okay."

"Yeah, but the difference is Grandpa Leonardo wanted us all dead for his money..."

"Yeah, that's the difference. But that doesn't mean this man's the same. I'm just asking you to take it in. I know it's hard and you weren't expecting to hear this from me, but...noveldrama

"I have to do what's right. Believe me, if it were up to me, I'd never have told you the truth. But now that your real father has come forward, I can't deny him the chance to meet you."

"You're my dad! That man isn't! Tell me! Where's he been all this time? Why didn't he look for me? Is he here to mess up my life? Huh? He wants our money, right? That's why he showed up he just wants to see what he can get out of us!" Paul shouted, furious.

"Son... I wish I could tell you that man's just out to take something from us, but no -he doesn't need a single cent from us.

"He just respected your mother's decision. And now that he knows she's gone, he came to me... asking to meet you."

"You're actually defending him?! Do you hear yourself?" Paul yelled, furious.

"I don't want to... really, I don't. I'm just trying to do what's best for you. But I also have to admit, I can't make the same mistake Leonardo made with me and your uncle Peter. Sweetheart..." Maximus said, pulling his son close again.

"The choice is yours. I'm just laying the truth in front of you. I'm not going to force you to do anything you don't want. I'm only asking you to think it through.

"I know you're upset and confused right now, but you have to understand-as your father, it's my job to teach you how to do what's right. And besides, ask yourself: what's the worst that could happen if you meet him?

"You've seen my relationship with your grandfather Magnus. The man gave us a roof over our heads when we had nothing.

"I don't click with the man I know is your biological father, but I can't speak badly

of him either. Only you can truly figure out who he is."

"Are you really sure you want me to meet him?" Paul asked, surprised.

"I'm sure that whatever you decide,

I'll support you. Believe me, this hasn't been easy for me either. I've been thinking about this for so long I don't even know how to deal with the fact that I might have to share you with someone else if you décide to meet him, of course."

"You're my dad!" Paul shouted.

"Yes, I am. But the man who's your biological father... maybe he deserves a chance to meet you.

"I'm not asking you to call him 'Dad' the moment you see him—if you even decide to see him. All I'm asking is that you listen. Just that. And then... time and you will decide if he deserves a place in your life."

Paul stared off into nothing.

Maximus watched his son, trying to figure out what he might be thinking, but no matter how hard he tried, he just stayed there-ready to be there for his son, just like he'd be there for all his kids, for as long as life gave him time to see them grow.

And to be honest, he hoped he'd live as long as his father. He wanted to see them grow up-he wanted to see Lucius graduate, Laura get married, Maurice grow up... and right now, more than anything, he wanted to see Paul make the best decision.