Kneeling for a Second Chance Novel

---- Chapter 454 No one had expected Valeria to be Alexander's and Wendy's biological daughter. Since he was born as Alexander Dennings, he officially changed his last name to reflect that. The day before his surgery , he went to see Valeria. They sat across from each other in the chess room, playing a game. It almost felt like old times. "Theard you're planning to move back to Broburgh City," Alexander said. Valeria replied, "Yeah. I'm working there. Sebastian and I talked it over. We'll wait until Lenny finishes this semester .

Then, we'll move back to Slate City over the summer." "That's good." He nodded. "Broburgh City is a nice place. If this surgery goes well, I'd like to visit. It's close to the ocean, with fresh and clean air." "For Sebastian, it's not so great. He's always complaining about his leg," she elaborated. "That's why my business partner and I are thinking of opening a branch here in Slate City.". ---- Besides , her family was in Slate City, and she grew up there. She glanced at him and asked, "What about Isandria? Is it fun?

Even though Isandria and Broburgh City looked pretty much the same, both cities were developed in completely different 'ways, with unique landscapes and cultures. "This time of year is amazing. There's the ice sculpture festival, and plenty of food you young people like. Perfect for photos and sightseeing," Alexander replied. Valeria watched his lips move, sensing he wanted to say more. Inthe end, he didn't. She knew what it was. He probably wanted to bring up Wendy, but she would never forgive that woman. An apology was not what Valeria needed, nor would she accept one.

As they were parting, a flicker of hope showed in Alexander's eyes. "My surgery's tomorrow . Would you..."" He wanted to ask if she would visit him at the hospital, but he didn't finish his sentence. "You're a good man. The surgery will be a success," answered Valeria. "Sebastian and I will be there with you." She spoke with respect yet with a trace of distance. Alexander smiled just as Selena ran over. "Uncle Alexander , your surgery is going to be a success tomorrow!" ---- Selena was actually his granddaughter . That was why he had felt an instant bond with her the first time he saw her.

He ruffled her hair, and in that moment, something stirred in him-a sudden will to live. He wanted to spend the years ahead hearing Valeria call him ''Dad" and Selena addressing him as "Grandpa". Alexander was wheeled into surgery the next morning. The Grant family waited outside. Martha sat on a bench, her hands moving rosary beads after beads as she prayed for a blessing. From the moment the doors closed, Nicholas' face had been set in grim lines. The minutes dragged by. Valeria leaned against the wall, her palm slick with sweat as Sebastian held her hand tight.

Finally, Alexander was wheeled out at 2:00 pm. The surgeon, Brian Wyman, announced the surgery had gone well. After three days in recovery, Alexander was moved to a regular ward. The first time he managed to drink water and use the bathroom on his own after the transplant, he was overwhelmed with relief. ---- From prison, Wendy heard the news and was relieved. The court had sentenced her to three years and six months of imprisonment. Gabriella, however, never left the ICU. By the second week, the infection spread through her body, and she died in agony.

As for the fire at Jackson's clinic, the building had burned to a shell. The cause was lost forever in the flames. On the 15th of that month, the kitchen at the Grant residence was alive with warmth and celebration. Valeria joined Martha and Avery in the kitchen, helping roll cookie dough and fold pie crusts. She brought some to Margaret, after which she called Lucy to send her holiday greetings. On her way back, Sebastian led her up to the rooftop of the Grant Tower. Fireworks filled the sky, blazing so bright it looked like daylight.