Kneeling for a Second Chance Novel

---- Chapter 377 "Someone took a photo..." Sebastian was about to answer Valeria when Gabriella and Lucas suddenly walked over. Lucas was in a white suit, while Gabriella wore a white dress Wendy had specially designed for her for her engagement celebration. A red shawl was draped around Gabriella's neck, contrasting against the dress. "A toast to both of you, Uncle Sebastian and Aunt Valeria." Gabriella raised her glass. "You look so pretty tonight , Aunt Valeria. I heard you're a fashion designer.

What a coincidence -my mother is one too!" Valeria smiled lightly and sipped some wine before looking away from Gabriella. Valeria paused slightly when her eyes landed on Lucas. Lucas cocked an eyebrow when their gazes met, then ran his gaze along her body. Valeria was wearing a blue knitted top with short sleeves and a pair of white jeans. There was a decorative brooch at her chest too. Her style tonight was simple and refreshing. It was very suitable for family dinners like tonight, neither underwhelming nor overwhelming. It accentuated Valeria's curves very well too.

Sebastian glanced coldly at Gabriella in front of him. She'd made her toast already , so what was she still standing here for? ---- Gabriella beamed and said demurely, "Uncle Sebastian, when did you and Aunt Valeria start dating? You two got married so quickly. Ihadn't known about it at all! If Thad, Iwould've postponed my wedding with Lucas out of respect for you two." Sebastian didn't want to be subjected to this sort of conversation whatsoever, and he also didn't want to respond to it. But seeing how hard Gabriella was trying to play nice made him scoff. "How respectful of you.

Go ahead and postpone your wedding then." Gabriella's expression froze briefly before she quickly recomposed herself. "Gabriella, Lucas." Mallory smiled and cut in suddenly. "You two will soon be married, so remember to communicate properly if you ever get into any arguments. Lucas, remember to let Gabriella have the final say sometimes. A happy wife means a happy life." Gabriella and Lucas then went over to toast Mallory. Lucas peered at Valeria and Sebastian seated a distance away through the corner of his eyes. The loving couple's hands were intertwined together.

Lucas could smell the fragrance of the dishes on the table in the air. He also picked up on the faint, alluring scene coming from Valeria. Lucas had seen her when she lost weight before. Her physique hadn't changed much, but it had definitely changed over the years. ---- Lucas and Gabriella's engagement party was set ona Saturday . The exact timing was revealed publicly that very night. The news of such a marriage between two powerful families as well as Gabriella's official announcement of her tour dates shook the internet, what with her fanbase being so large.

Countless fans showered their support online, praising Gabriella for having both a successful career and a love life. Sebastian went to Nicholas' study after dinner while Valeria prepared to take a stroll out in the garden. Martha was in the living room chatting merrily with the Young family members. Valeria happened to bump into Lucas on the way out. When she walked past him, he leaned in and murmured, "You smell so nice, Aunt Valeria. What perfume do you use?" There was a flirty undertone to Lucas' voice which made Valeria's brow knit together. "Please don't get the wrong idea.

I'm just asking so I can buy the perfume for Gabriella," Lucas said. "y don't use perfume," Valeria answered before walking outside. She could feel Lucas' dark, stirring gaze lingering on her back, as if he longed to burrow under her skin and see what secrets she'd hidden underneath. Someone suddenly called out to Valeria before she left the ---- living room. The sound came from a side room where the walls were insulated and kept the loud chatter outside from seeping in. None of Martha or the Young family members! lively conversation could be heard in this space.

Valeria clearly heard the speaker's voice and knew it was Wendy. "Do you know why I named you Jane Carlson? After I gave birth to you, the phrase 'plain Jane' came to mind. It describes someone uninteresting and undesired, just like you," Wendy said. She stared at Valeria after she finished speaking , wanting to see Valeria feel hurt or taken aback. But there was nothing of that sort on Valeria's face. Valeria remained calm and collected, which only made Wendy look more like a mad raving woman in this scenario.