Kneeling for a Second Chance Novel

---- Chapter 262 Sebastian had never once fulfilled his role as a father. He had never even taken Selena to an amusement park. Selena thought it over. She wanted to go, so she nodded. Since it was summer break and a weekend , the amusement park was packed with long lines everywhere. Near the entrance, there was a pet check-in. Sebastian left Nemo ina kennel with some water and kibble , then headed inside with Selena. It was probably his first time in a place like this. He had never liked crowds, especially places that were overrun with kids like this.

They went ona few rides, but since the trip had been so last- minute, Sebastian found himself pulling out his phone, skimming through guides as they went. Shopping seemed to come naturally to Selena -every time she spotted a shelf of stuffed animals, she froze in her tracks. Sebastian crouched down so their eyes were on the same level as he said, "Pick whatever you like. We'll buy them all." Leaning close, Selena whispered in his ear. "If we buy too much, Mommy will find out." He felt a sharp sting in his chest. Even she could pick up on the tension between him and Valeria.

---- When he first discovered Selena was his daughter, the rush of joy had been fleeting . However, it was quickly swallowed by an ache he couldn't shake. Even if Valeria no longer pushed him away, he still couldn't bring himself to tell the little girl standing in front of him that he was her father. He felt he didn't deserve that title, so the words stuck in his throat. Sebastian couldn't bring himself to look Valeria in her eyes. And if he said the words out loud, he knew he wouldn't be able to face Selena's either.

Instead, he clipped a little bunny keychain onto Selena's backpack and asked, "How about this one?" Then, he picked up a purple headband with floppy rabbit ears and gently settled it on her head. "Mr. Grant, this one is called Chubby Bunny." Sebastian scooped Selena into his arms, his forearm pressing down the edge of her dress. At the counter, he paid, while she leaned against his broad shoulder. She commented, "Mr. Grant, I'm not alittle kid anymore. My mom says I'm too old to be carried." He replied, "With me, you'll never be too old to bea kid." Suddenly, Selena asked, "Mr.

Grant, you like my mom, don't you?" ---- Before Sebastian could answer, she added, "You'll have to work extra hard because you've got competition!" "Alright, I'll try my best." At lunchtime, they ate at one of the park's restaurants. Sebastian ordered pasta and pizza. Then, Selena's smartwatch buzzed twice before the call connected on its own. Valeria's gentle voice came through. She sounded slightly anxious as she asked, "Lenny, where are you? Granny Lucy told me you're still not home yet." "T.." Selena cupped her smartwatch , guilt flickering across her face.

She stole a glance at Sebastian sitting across from her before she continued , "Mommy, I'm out with a friend. I'll be home this afternoon, okay?" "And what friend would that be?" Valeria asked. Selena blinked. She couldn't come up with a lie. Valeria seemed to realize instantly. Her voice dropped slightly as she instructed Selena, "Let me talk to Sebastian." "Okay, Mommy." Selena stretched her arm toward him. For once, both of them wore the same guilty expression-like a pair of students caught red-handed by the principal. Sebastian rubbed his nose and cleared his throat.

"I've got ---- Selena with me at the amusement park. I'll bring her home this afternoon." "Alright." Her quiet response came before the call was disconnected. Selena let out a sigh of relief and patted her chest. "Mr. Grant, we got caught." And right at that moment, a sharp scream rang out nearby.