Kneeling for a Second Chance Novel

---- Chapter 371 Valeria and Sebastian stepped into the living room. From inside came a sugary-sweet voice, dripping with mockery. "Avery, where did you even get these vegetables? They are all wilted and crooked. You can't actually eat this. Oh my gosh! There are even bugs on them. "Grandma, why are you eating that? What if it makes you sick?" Gabriella asked. "Yeah, you've got to be careful with what you eat," Dahlia chimed in. "These were grown by Valeria's grandmother .

They're fresh and healthy," Martha said with a frown, clearly displeased as she looked at Gabriella, then at Dahlia, who echoed after Gabriella. Dahlia froze. The name was unfamiliar, but when her eyes fell on the woman walking in with Sebastian , she thought that must be Valeria. The news of Sebastian's marriage wasn't widely circulated , but within their circle, it caused quite a stir. After all, he had been single for a very long time, with a temperament that was cold, distant, and impossible to approach. ---- It was no wonder Dahlia paid close attention.

Ruby had chased him for years, all the way from Amaran to Slate City. She had been all in, but he never felt the same. After being turned down so harshly, Ruby had finally given up. She got engaged to Keith Spalding, the youngest son of Spaldings, who owned Spalding Lumber in Slate City. And that night, with another marriage linking the Youngs and the Grants, Dahlia had hesitated to bring Ruby. She worried it might stir up old heartbreak. Deep down, though, she still blamed Sebastian. If only he had agreed back then, tonight would have been a double celebration.

Life had a way of circling back. Ruby had pursued Sebastian for years but never won him over. Meanwhile, Gabriella had been pursuing Lucas since high school. And now, they were finally tying the knot. Dahlia's gaze drifted toward Valeria. In terms of looks, Dahlia didn't think Ruby was lacking. Valeria was indeed beautiful, but nothing out of reach. And yet Sebastian had stayed single all these years and even. rejected Ruby, all for this woman. At that moment, Ruby's gaze also landed on Valeria. She pressed her lips together. Sitting next to her was her fiancé, Keith.

He gave her shoulder a gentle pat and asked quietly, "What's wrong?" ---- "Nothing." Ruby looked away. After all, the past was the past. She looked at Keith and smiled. Gabriella and Lucas were the stars of the evening, both dressed to the nines. Gabriella's gaze drifted to Valeria. As her eyes narrowed, she masked the resentment flickering there, hiding it behind a polite smile as she lifted her hand to her lips. "Uncle Sebastian , Aunt Valeria, you came too. I thought you might not show up tonight. That would've been such a shame. The room was filled with unfamiliar faces.

Valeria realized they must all be from the Young family. She recognized Joseph, who had operated on Margaret. He recognized her, too, and didn't seem surprised. She had met Ruby before. But after three years apart, the two of them met each other's gaze and gave nothing more than a brief nod. Keith, who was seated next to Ruby, had sharp brows and striking features. Sebastian had already told her on the drive over that Keith was the heir to Spalding Lumber, who had entered into a marriage alliance with the Youngs last year. Their gazes met briefly, and they nodded out of courtesy.

Keith rose to his feet, addressing Sebastian, "Greetings, Mr. Grant." ---- Just then, Mallory came down the spiral staircase. "You don't have to be so formal. We're family now." Zayn joked, "Then doesn't that mean Keith should be calling him Uncle Sebastian?" By family standing, Sebastian and Valeria were considered the same generation as Joseph and Dahlia. "Greetings, Uncle Sebastian and Aunt Valeria."' The words came from Lucas, dressed in a white suit as he stood next to Gabriella. He wore a cocky smile, but when his gaze met Valeria's, they lingered for a beat before he froze.