Kneeling for a Second Chance (Sebastian and Valeria) novel Chapter 156

Chapter 156

Sebastian stepped out of the bathroom looking refreshed.

Valeria’s cheeks flushed pink.

The hospital room was a shared room, but Selena was the only patient there. She was still

asleep.

Sebastian pulled a small square box from his pocket, about the size of a palm, and handed it to Valeria, who took it and opened it to find an antique silver bracelet inside.

The band looked small, though.

He explained, “This is for Lenny. You went to college in Broburgh City, so you probably know its traditional silverwork is pretty famous.”

The night before, while strolling through the street fair with Shawn, he spotted a small silver jewelry booth and picked up this bracelet on a whim.

Inside the band was engraved with the words “Selena’s Peace.”

Valeria’s eyelashes fluttered slightly. She stared at the bracelet, feeling her eyes sting with tears. Her chest tightened as if something caught in her throat.

After a long moment, she whispered, “Thank you.”

She suddenly couldn’t understand the man before her. Whatever his reasons were, she wanted

to thank him for this bracelet.

Sebastian watched Valeria’s lashes tremble, catching the tears that made her eyes glisten. Something twisted in his chest, and he reached over to pinch her cheek.

Valeria had a gaunt face.

“Why do you cry so easily? You cried when I touched you, and now you’re crying because I bought you a gift.”

Valeria turned her head, wiping the corner of her eye. “You just got back, so you should handle whatever matters you need to attend to.”

Sebastian had indeed come straight from the airport. His luggage was still sitting in the car.” So that’s it? You’re just going to send me away after you’re done using me?”

He had never been at a woman’s beck and call, only to be dismissed just as easily. In this case, it wasn’t even that she had sent him away.

She hadn’t asked him to come in the first place.

Chapter 156

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During the three days he had been in Broburgh City, Valeria hadn’t sent him a single message,

not even to check in.

And yet, Sebastian couldn’t bring himself to do anything about it. After all, he was the one who had forced his way into her marriage.

Now, with both hands bracing her waist, his tall frame completely shadowing her, he asked, Selena’s surgery is tomorrow. Is her father not coming?”

Sebastian couldn’t fathom it.

What kind of job could be more important than Shane’s own daughter’s surgery?

Valeria lifted her gaze to look at him. Selena’s father was already there, and he even brought her a gift.

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Maybe it was because of the silver bracelet in her hand, engraved with “Selena’s Peace,” but the man in front of her, whose expression was usually sharp and cool, looked a touch gentler.

She was sincerely grateful for his gestures. Without thinking, she slipped her arms around Sebastian’s waist. She held him without saying a word, and she rested her head against his

chest.

Sebastian stiffened and let out a quiet sigh.

Valeria rarely took the initiative to hug him.

He could never bring himself to push her away, and this time was no different. He didn’t ask any more questions, assuming it was just a marriage gone cold. After all, not many long- distance marriages turn out well.

If Valeria and Shane’s marriage was already falling apart, that meant Sebastian had a chance.

However, if the couple had been deeply in love, with a happy family, then what would that make Sebastian? Not only would it be immoral to interfere and tear them apart, but it would make him a terrible person to take what wasn’t his.

Valeria’s strained relationship with Shane, along with their broken marriage, made Sebastian feel a little more at ease.

Not long after Sebastian left, Selena woke up.

When she saw the antique silver bracelet on her wrist, she was overjoyed. Valeria told her it was a gift from Sebastian.

The rest of the afternoon was spent on pre–op tests. They met with Shawn to discuss the details of the surgery.

Chapter 157