Kneeling for a Second Chance Novel

---- Chapter 126 Rory seemed eager to bring up the past as if it would give him and Valeria more to talk about. "Back then, your chin was a little round. It was cute." Valeria's scalp prickled . She looked toward Sebastian , who was walking over, unsure if he'd heard anything. "Rory!" she quickly called out, cutting him off with a strained voice. "Ijust bought a box of uncooked ravioli with mushroom and pork filling. It's for Thalia." "Thanks." Rory took the box. "Valeria, do you live in the neighborhood across the street?" "My mother-in-law lives here," she replied.

Staying in Lucy's attic really did save her from a lot of unnecessary trouble. She didn't even have to explain further to see Rory's expression shift. Rory had asked around about Valeria. Since they were working in the same office building , small talk often happened after meals. What he had heard was that Valeria was raising her daughter alone. He had assumed she was divorced. But now... it seemed like she wasn't. It sounded like she had a husband. He suddenly felt awkward and scratched his nose. ---- Valeria smiled and turned to leave with her daughter.

Selena, holding Valeria's hand, turned and looked at the man behind Rory. She cupped one hand around her mouth and silently mouthed, "Bye-bye, Mr. Grant." Rory glanced at Sebastian, his eyes scanning from the man's clothes, to his shoes, then to the watch on his wrist. The understated design showcased his taste. He also had the innate air of wealth and nobility. Asa lawyer, Rory had met plenty of wealthy clients. He asked, "Do you know Valeria?" Sebastian replied coolly, Not well." His tone was distant. Valeria shouldn't even have the chance to interact with a man of this level, Rory assumed.

Besides , Valeria was married. Her child was already this big. Sure, she was attractive, but how could a man who could drop hundreds of thousands on a niche-brand watch be interested ina married woman witha kid? No matter how beautiful she was, she was still a woman who had been married before. Men usually were particular about that. Rory thought about his boss, who had a girlfriend who was a college student, clingy and young. Soon after, he left the ravioli shop with his daughter.

---- Sebastian pulled a cigarette from his pocket, held it between his fingers, unlit, his gaze sweeping coldly toward the entrance. He braced one hand on the counter and tapped lightly. Then, he scanned the code to pay. He glanced at the freezer next to the register. Inside were freshly made meat ravioli from today's batch. Beatrice followed his gaze and smiled. "You can buy a few boxes to try at home. A lot of regulars come back for more. You just have to boil them. They taste just as good, and it's super convenient." She added, "Ms. Neal just bought a box too." Sebastian wasn't blind.

He had seen Valeria hand the box to Rory. He nodded. "Pack ten boxes for me."" Then, he added, "Put it on Valeria's tab." Beatrice blinked. "Huh? I... 1 don't think that's a good idea." Beatrice knew Sebastian and Valeria were acquainted, though Valeria had only come here with him a few times. Still, the man's looks, height, and demeanor were striking. He stood out among any crowd like a nobleman. Sebastian picked up the ten boxes of ravioli and walked out. ---- He saw Valeria and Selena at a fruit stand outside the apartment complex, picking out some fruit.

Valeria crouched down and bought a tub of strawberries. Then, she picked four big, round, red apples. After paying, she was about to leave with the bag in hand when the bottom split open. Two red apples fell out and rolled across the ground. Selena gasped and ran after them. One of them rolled to Sebastian's feet. He bent down and picked it up. Just as he was about to hand it to Selena, he paused and decided to hold onto it. "Can I have this apple?" Selena nodded. Then, she turned and ran back to Valeria. Selena really liked Sebastian , but no one could ever compare to Valeria in her heart.

Valeria held her daughter's hand. She carried the plastic bag with her other hand. The strawberries gave off a sweet fragrance. Once they entered the complex, she turned and glanced back. Sebastian was already in his car. Back home, Valeria took out her key and unlocked the door.