Kneeling for a Second Chance Novel

---- Chapter 257 Sebastian lowered his gaze. He scanned the blue gown on the model. Its voluminous skirt gleamed under the studio lights, the soft blue shining with every shift. He stared at the gown, lost in thought. When Selena's shoot wrapped up, Valeria took her back to the dressing room to change. Sebastian lingered by the doorway. His sharp and handsome features carried the weight of long hesitation. He didn't want to push her into something she didn't want. However, he also knew that if he walked out of this studio today, he might never get the chance to ask again. He finally spoke.

"Valeria... let's take a picture together. Just this once. I won't bother you again after this." He had already made up his mind. He looked into Valeria's eyes as he spoke, then quickly looked away. He didn't want to see her shut him out. At some point, Sebastian realized he was afraid to look her in the eye. 'The staff helped Valeria into the blue gown. It was a little too big for her, so they pinned the back to make it fit. ---- The dress was layered and extravagant, its skirt cascading in tiers. The staff asked whether she wanted a veil for the photoshoot. She nodded.

Her hair wasn't styled, and her makeup was light. She didn't want anything over the top as it was just for a picture. The staff slipped the veil on, tucking her hair into a simple low ponytail beneath it. Valeria stepped out into Studio Two, where Sebastian was already waiting. He had hurriedly changed into a suit that didn't quite fit. As he adjusted the collar, he lifted his gaze, and the moment he saw her walk in, he froze. She stood next to him. Sebastian's fingers tightened into a fist before they slowly relaxed. From the corner of his eye, he caught her in the gown.

He wished he could freeze this moment in time. The blue veil cast her face ina hazy glow. Valeria kept her gaze fixed straight ahead. Then, the photographer directed, "Sir, hold the bride's waist." One of the staff teased them lightly, "Come on, you two ---- already have a kid. Don't act so shy. Hold your wife properly. He placed his hand on her waist and drew her gently against him. Through the veil, she looked at him out of the corner of her eye, her head tilting slightly to the side. Even through the sheer veil, his sharp, refined features were still visible.

As if sensing her gaze, Sebastian shifted, lowering his head until their gazes met. 'The photographer snapped dozens of shots. As per Sebastian's instructions, he would pay for all of the shots, even the bad ones. The whole session lasted only a few minutes. As soon as it was done, Valeria went to change. Sebastian walked over to where the photographer was seated at a computer, reviewing the images. Sebastian was clearly pleased because this set barely had a single bad shot. With faces like theirs, every shot looked like a magazine spread.

"Print all of them and send me the digital copies, too. Digitally include my daughter-right between me and my wife," he instructed. That wasn't hard for the photographer, who nodded in agreement. ---- By noon, Sebastian wanted to drive Valeria and Selena home, but he couldn't come up with another excuse. It started small -just bringing them to the studio. Then, he wanted a picture together, followed by him wanting to see her in the dress. The blue wedding gown itself was nothing special, but she looked stunning in it. He had once given Valeria a custom blue gown.

All it took was a single glance at her from afar to etch the image into his memory. He had meant to let her go, but now, his resolve was slipping. Deep down, Sebastian knew he could never truly walk away from Valeria. He lit a cigarette and stood there, watching as Valeria led Serena into the car. To his surprise, Selena turned around and waved at him. He hadn't expected her to look back. Then, out of nowhere, he caught Selena's smile. He lifted his hand and waved back, but the car was already disappearing down the street. Just then, his phone buzzed. Joseph's voice came through.

"Your Doctors Without Borders application just came in. Are you sure about this? Some of those regions in Monto are drowning in war. "Sebastian , think it over. Talk it through with your parents ---- before you make the call."