Kneeling for a Second Chance Novel

---- Chapter 362 Valeria pushed the door open and immediately saw a well- dressed woman sitting on the couch in the living room. Her makeup was flawless and polished. The woman's gaze met hers. She rose to her feet , her smile stiff and edged with mockery. "Jane, you're back." Her voice dripped with false warmth, but underneath it was nothing but indifference. She fixed her with a look, as though Valeria were an eyesore. Wendy's gaze shifted to the little girl standing beside Valeria. She froze for a moment.

"Your daughter's really grown." Just then, Margaret came out of the kitchen carrying a steaming pot. She was frail, but her face was lit with a smile, glowing with joy as if nothing else in the world existed. "Riri, come quick. Your mom is here." She set the pot down, poured Wendy a cup of water, and then turned to Valeria. Taking her hand, she beamed. "She even brought back so many things... and she even called me Mom." Margaret's voice broke as tears welled up in her eyes. At her age, seeing the daughter she had not seen in so many years was almost too much to bear.

"You also have a younger sister, Gabriella. She's getting ---- engaged. It's perfect timing that you came back. Let's attend the party together." Margaret was too caught up in the joy to notice the way Valeria's expression hardened. Valeria fixed her gaze on Wendy. Wendy rose gracefully, giving her a slow once-over and said, " Iknow. All these years, I never came back, and you've held it against me. But this time, I've come to take Mom back to Slate City. I'll look after her myself. "You don't have to worry about the treatment.

I'll cover everything and arrange the best medical team." Wendy walked over and slipped her arm through Margaret's. Mom, let's start packing tonight. Tomorrow, you'll come with me to Slate City. Gabriella's engagement party is going to be grand, and she's been so excited to see you. "And Alexander , too! He wanted to come today, but he hasn't been well. My in-laws have also been wanting to meet you." "Alright." Margaret nodded. She then added, "We're leaving tomorrow ? Isn't that too soon?" She murmured , almost to herself, "If your father knew...

if he knew you'd finally come home, he'd be so happy." Valeria stood silently in the entryway, holding Selena's hand tight as her eyes fixed on Wendy. ---- Wendy wanted to take Margaret to meet the Grant family and to attend Gabriella's engagement party. Valeria thought of Nicholas and Martha, always so kind and gracious. Was her messy relationship with Wendy about to be laid bare before them? It felt wrong. Immoral, even. And what about Sebastian? Would he accept it? "Jane, do you still hate me? I had my reasons.

This time I came back because I want to make things right with you and with Mom." Wendy took Valeria's hand, her voice dripping with motherly affection, but the look in her eyes was all disdain. Valeria pulled her hand free, curling it into a fist. Her voice came out hoarse. "This is my home. You're not welcome here."" Margaret quickly caught Valeria's hand. "Riri, your mother... She had her reasons.

When you were little, you always wished she'd come back, didn't you?" "Granny, she's not really here because she wants to be, she- " Valeria bit down on her lip, took a breath, and her body quivered. "Mom, I know Jane can't accept me right away. That's fine. T'll make it up to both of you over time." Wendy's words landed with precision. She was playing on Margaret's wish to ---- see the family whole again, and on Valeria's love for Margaret. Her tone turned soft and pitiful. "Mom, I won't hold it against Jane. Why don't you go pack your things?

We'll leave for Slate City tomorrow morning." Margaret glanced from Valeria to Wendy, catching the strain in Valeria's expression. Concern flickered in her eyes until her attention shifted to the man stepping through the doorway . Sebastian's expression was cold, his gaze locked firmly on Wendy. But when he spoke, his voice was gentle. "Hey, Granny." He crossed the room and rested his hand on Valeria's shoulder. Feeling her tremble, he gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. Valeria turned toward him. She didn't say a word.

She just looked at him, her eyes slowly filling with tears , before she lowered her head. She had no idea what to say. Wendy was her mother and Sebastian's sister-in-law. This was supposed to be a happy day. They had come together to visit Margaret. Sebastian , Selena, and Margaret were the people who meant the most to her. But now, there was an unwelcome guest. Sebastian took her hand, lacing his fingers through hers. Her ---- skin was cold to the touch. He tightened his grip, then reached over to smooth Selena's "Lenny, why don't you go to the room and nap for a bit?

We'll eat soon, okay?" hair as he said,