Kneeling for a Second Chance Novel

---- Chapter 258 "I've made up my mind. That place needs doctors," Sebastian replied. He had already made up his mind. He took one last drag off his cigarette and started the car. When he was about to hang up the call, he said, "I've never felt this sure about anything." That day, he stayed at Grace Fellowship Church until dawn. He had never believed in God, yet when he finally looked up at the worn statue, something inside him shook. He asked Maverick for an answer, but Maverick just stood behind the lectern and stayed silent for a long time.

He felt trapped ina losing situation -the more he fought, the worse it got. Doing nothing wasn't an option either. The photo he had desperately retrieved from the sea was already wrinkled. The moment Sebastian plunged into the sea, he should have been able to swim, but his limbs moved like they were weighted. And through the rush of waves, a child's tender voice echoed inhis ears, calling him "Daddy". Lately, he had been dreaming a lot about Louis. ---- That first dream gave him the barest glimpse of what Valeria must have suffered. Louis also asked Sebastian why Sebastian didn't want him.

Sebastian was at a loss for words. He also dreamed of Louis another night. The child was consumed by fire, flames rising inside the cremation center. Sebastian fell to his knees, hearing that fragile little voice cry out, "Daddy, save me." He couldn't shake that dream off. When he woke up, his whole body was trembling. That afternoon, Sebastian drove to the hospital. He had handled the paperwork pending the final approval before seeing Joseph. Joseph let out a sigh. Sebastian was the youngest star in the cardiology section. Now, he stood there ina wrinkled shirt.

He looked disheveled , and his shoulders were slumped. It was as ifall the confidence and drive he used to carry had been knocked out of him. His expression was blank, his eyes giving away nothing. Joseph still couldn't figure out what had gotten into Sebastian these days. With a heavy sigh, he said, "Are you really sure about this? Parts of Monto are a mess. Constant gunfire, war everywhere... Are you certain this is what you want?" ---- "There are so many people there who need medical care. So many children are trapped in war zones. I want to head there. Thank you, Dr.

Gardner." Instead of addressing him as "Dr. Gardner," Sebastian addressed him as "Mr. Gardner". Joseph froze for a second before replying, "Alright. I understand. I'll push the board to sign off on the final approval." Sebastian walked out of the office. He had only taken a few steps when he heard hurried footsteps behind him. A trace of perfume lingered in the air as Sebastian stopped short. He held his breath, his expression turning ice-cold when he saw who had stepped in his way. "Sebastian, I heard you applied to join Doctors Without Borders," Ruby said.

"I'll go with you to Monto." "Ruby, how many times do I have to spell it out? I am just not into you. The more you cling to me, the more it turns me off," Sebastian said flatly. At that moment, he finally understood just how miserable it felt to be chased by someone unwanted. He had done the same to Valeria. She might not have hated him, but she might have been just as fed up. Abitter smile tugged at his lips. Ruby froze where she stood, her eyes turning red as she asked, "Sebastian, tell me... What is it about me that's not good ---- enough?" Sebastian's words were cold as ice.

The one thing he regretted most was losing his son eight years ago. However, deep down, he knew that even if he hadn't attended Ruby's birthday party that night, he would've ended up doing something else anyway. He hated himself for that. "Stop clinging to me. And stay away from Valeria. If you don't, [won't let it slide, even if you're Mr. Gardner's daughter." Sebastian dropped his gaze to the high heels on Ruby's feet and added, "You're not cut out to be a doctor. Do yourself a favor and quit now. This profession isn't some backdrop for your love games.

Don't drag Joseph's reputation through the mud because of you." With that, he strode off. His retreating figure radiated a distant and cold presence. Ruby's throat tightened as she fought back tears. When she finally looked up, she saw the office door to the hospital dean's office standing open. Joseph stood right there. He said, "I've signed your transfer papers. You can take an administrative role at the Cardiac Surgery Association, or you can walk away from this profession altogether."