Kneeling for a Second Chance Novel

---- Chapter 429 During dinner that evening, Gabriella stood up, holding her wine glass. "Sebastian, Valeria, everything that happened before was my fault. I know I was wrong. I don't dare to ask for your forgiveness..." As she spoke, her tears fell heavily. She choked several times. " Grandpa, Grandma, it was all my fault." Martha coughed softly but said nothing. After all, just a few months ago, the scandal had been enormous , damaging the Grant family's reputation and turning them into a public joke.

At her own engagement party, she had colluded with her so- called best friend to drug her uncle and aunt. She was dumped and forced to quit the industry. Even her shoplifting in school had been exposed. But still, she was a part of the Grant family. Forgiveness , however, was not Martha's to grant. In the end, it was Valeria who deserved an apology the most. Nicholas had not expected Gabriella to suddenly apologize at the dinner table. Her tone at least sounded sincere, so he glanced at Sebastian and Valeria. Valeria showed no surprise or joy and gave no response .

She merely continued to eat in silence. Sebastian set down some food before Valeria and said quietly, "Here. Have some." ---- Gabriella stood there stiffly, with tears running down her cheeks. She was apologizing, but her whole demeanor made it seem like she was the wronged victim. "Valeria , I know I've done many things wrong in the past. I'm sorry." Alexander said, "It was Gabriella's fault before. This time, she's sincerely apologizing . From now on, Wendy and I will discipline her better." Sebastian laid down his cutlery , causing. a soft clink to ring clear.

He let out a faint, mocking laugh. "People seem to think that forgiveness can be forced these days. Does moving your lips a little count as a heartfelt apology?" Wendy wanted to defend Gabriella, but Alexander stopped her witha look. Gabriella cried harder, choking so badly she could barely speak. "Sebastian , Valeria , blame me however you want. It was all my fault..." Alexander broke the tension. "Enough. Sit down and eat." Valeria glanced at Gabriella. She didn't believe this was a genuine apology. People didn't change in just a few months.

Even if it was sincere, she was under no obligation to forgive Gabriella. After dinner, Valeria crossed paths with Alexander in the chess room. ---- He wore a dark gray sweater, looking every bit the gentleman. He sat opposite Valeria. "Neither Wendy nor Gabriella is good at chess. I often play alone these days, and it gets dull." Valeria replied, "Then, I'll accompany you for a bit." They played until around 9:00 pm, Alexander lost a round and laughed. "I rarely lose." "Trarely see people boast about themselves like that," Valeria teased.

Then, realizing it sounded blunt, she quickly added, " I'm sorry." She hadn't meant it harshly, but she always spoke so naturally with him. It felt so familiar and easy. Alexander laughed. It might be because his illness had worsened lately, but when he looked at Valeria's pale face and bright smile, she reminded him so much of Wendy in their youth. For one fleeting moment, he let himself imagine how brilliant it would be if Valeria were Wendy and his daughter. Then, there would be no regrets in his life.

Alexander's greatest regret in over thirty years of marriage was that they had no children together. It wasn't only Wendy who suffered and was consumed by grief and resentment . He also did, but as a man, he was burdened with responsibilities. He also had to shoulder the Grant family's legacy. He had only ever wept in the dead of the ---- night. It was a regret that he would carry to his grave. Alexander said, "Wendy and I owe you, Valeria. Gabriella is-" Before he could finish, Valeria interrupted in a steady tone, "I will never forgive them.

I see you as an older brother because of Sebastian, and I do respect you. But when it comes to Wendy and Gabriella, I will never forgive them. I won't accept a light, throwaway apology." Her hand placed a black piece firmly on the board. "That year in high school was the darkest time of my life, so forgiveness is forever out of the question." Then, Valeria's phone rang, and she rose to answer it outside. Alexander gazed down at the chessboard. At that moment, Selena walked in carrying a fruit plate. " Uncle Alexander, do you want some fruit?" His expression softened.

"I haven't washed my hands. Did you bring toothpicks?" She picked up a bright red strawberry and held it out. He bent down to take a bite. "It's very sweet." Then, she handed him another, and he ate that one too.