LittleNovelChapter 0398 +25 BONUS "My children," Maximus began, placing a hand on each of their shoulders. “Laura and I need to talk to you about something. Paul, I need you to pay close attention. Let's go to my study, and we'll discuss it there." The small family made their way to the study and closed the door. Once inside, Maximus shared the grim news about Alexia's passing. He had expected a different reaction, perhaps an outburst of emotion, especially from Maurice. But to his surprise, the two boys seemed unfazed. They simply exchanged glances and asked what would happen next. Laura, visibly perplexed, stepped in to answer "We're going to live in Dad's house now!" she said with a mix of enthusiasm and uncertainty.
"But isn't this Dad's house?" Paul asked, his confusion evident.
"It is," Maximus replied with a soft smile, "but I want us to move to the Palmer mansion. That will be our hnow. It's bigger, and we'll have more space. You can even have a dog- or two-since the gardens are enormous. This house will always belong to you, but I want us to live together as a family. No more boarding schools, no more being apart, and no more distractions from work. I'm taking toff so I can focus on you. Do you understand?" Maximus was taken aback by his children's lack of emotional response. The apparent distance in their relationship with Alexia was surprising but, upon reflection, understandable. She had sent them off to boarding school as soon as they were old enough, without consulting him.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Dad..." Maurice tugged at his father's shirt to get his attention. "I'm hungry.
"Of course! What would you like to eat?" Maximus asked, slightly puzzled by the abrupt shift in tone.
"We want pizza! Can we get pizza?" Maurice asked, bouncing with excitement.
"Sure!" Maximus replied with a smile. "Shall we go out for it, or should we order in?" "I think we should order it, Dad," Paul chimed in, sounding unusually present.
Maximus didn't know what to make of the situation. Alexia had not been a loving mother, but he had at least expected a few tears from his sons. Still, a part of him felt relieved that their reaction wasn't filled with grief or anger.
After ordering the pizza and waiting for it to arrive, the reunited family enjoyed a picnic under a large tree in the garden. For the first time, the four of them shared a meal together, chatting and laughing. Maximus was in awe. He had anticipated a somber day full of heartbreak, given the news he had just delivered. Instead, his children were relishing their ttogether as a family. Even Paul, who was usually absorbed in his world of headphones and solitude, had taken them off and joined the conversation.
The meal flew by, and Maximus eventually reminded them they needed to get ready. Their mother's funeral mass was scheduled for 4:00 p.m. at the cemetery chosen by the Levett family, who currently held Alexia's ashes.
When Maximus arrived at the cemetery, he found it swarming with reporters. Cameras flashed, and questions flew. The infamous love story of Maximus Palmer and Alexia Levett, which had captivated the public two decades earlier, was coming to its final chapter.
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Holding Maurice's hand tightly, Maximus pushed through the crowd of journalists without attering a Word.
ve His face was stoic, his gaze fixed ahead as they entered the chapel where the ceremony would take place.
The service had originally been intended for immediate family-just the Levetts and the Palmers.
However, the Levett family had vett family had m opened the event to include notable figures from the business world.
Maximus's jaw clenched in irritation. He should have expected this from that wretched family. Even in Alexia's death, they were exploiting every opportunity to gain leverage and attention.
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