Kneeling for a Second Chance Novel

---- Chapter 367 Margaret had been sick for years. The illness was under control for now, but she had never looked as radiant as she did today. Her eyes sparkled with a childlike joy. "Granny , do you want to go back to Slate City? Or would you rather stay here? I can be with you, or we could even go ona trip together." Cracking eggs into a bowl, Margaret glanced out the window. "You're married now. You should be living with Sebastian, not staying here with an old woman like me. All I ever wanted was to see you get married, to see you walk down the aisle ina beautiful gown.

You'd look gorgeous. "When Sebastian's not so tied up with work, take him to see your grandpa. He should hear the good news." "alright," Valeria replied. Deep down, she didn't want Margaret to go back to Slate City. Too many things could go wrong. Especially for cancer patients, maintaining a positive mindset was crucial. Margaret's greatest wish had come true. The daughter she had longed for had finally returned. She had waited more than 30 years, ever since Grace left Cranary. Valeria couldn't bring herself to dampen Margaret's joy, so she stayed quiet.

After rinsing the spinach, Valeria stepped out of the kitchen. ---- She pushed open Margaret's bedroom door and saw Selena sitting at the desk by the window, studying. Valeria slipped in quietly and set a box of milk on the desk for Selena. Her eyes drifted to the bed. At first, she thought Margaret had left some clothes out instead of putting them back in the closet. It was a navy blue bodycon dress. Valeria had rarely seen Margaret wear anything like that. She never cared much for dressing up. Most of the clothes Valeria bought her were chosen for comfort, and in the winter, for warmth.

That navy blue bodycon dress was one Valeria had picked out a few years ago while working with a brand that specialized in clothing for older women. It was a modernized style, but Margaret had said it was too fancy for her. "Great -Grandma said she wants to dress up this afternoon. She wanted us to take a family photo with Mr. Grant and with that..." Selena explained. She hesitated, unsure how to address Wendy. Then she continued, "That lady who was all dressed up yesterday." That day, Margaret pulled out what she thought was her best- looking outfit from the closet.

Valeria pressed her lips together, fighting the sting in her nose. ---- As she stepped into the garden, she heard Wendy screaming , completely losing the polished poise she usually carried as a socialite. From a short distance away, Valeria caught sight of Sebastian's expression , cold and unreadable. She rarely saw him like that. He looked every bit the man in absolute control, his presence so commanding that even in the heat of summer, the air around him felt cold. Every now and then, a flicker of disdain crossed his eyes.

At noon, Valeria hired a photographer to come by and take family portraits. She even put a little makeup on Margaret to brighten her complexion. Of everyone there, Margaret was the happiest. All four of the family's dogs lay at their feet, included in the portraits. Everyone smiled for the camera, though behind those smiles, their eyes told different stories. After the photos, Wendy came up with an excuse to leave. She told Margaret she'd come visit another day, her face glowing with a smile, playing the role of the devoted daughter.

Valeria had no idea what Sebastian had said to Wendy to make her change her tune so quickly. Still, as long as she could put ona smile and keep Margaret happy, that was what mattered. On her way out, Wendy paused beside Valeria and muttered, " ---- You can't keep a lid on this forever. The truth will come out sooner or later, and when it does, there'll be no good ending for you. I'll be here to see how you handle the fallout." Valeria watched her leave, a chill creeping down her spine. She knew it was true that secrets never stayed hidden forever.

Sebastian's hand closed around hers, their fingers intertwining. He gave her fingers a firm squeeze, as if to steady her. Then he said, "Ibooked a private room for tonight. Let's take Granny out to dinner." Valeria glanced his way and said, "I picked up on part of the conversation you had with Wendy... I wasn't using you. I didn't marry you to get revenge on her."