Kneeling for a Second 229

 

Chapter 229 

Chapter 229 

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After that, Valeria took leave from work. 

On July 12, the elementary school closed its doors for the summer. 

Valeria brought Margaret and Selena back to Slate City. Margaret had always wanted to meet 

Lucy. 

The two of them, upon meeting, immediately got along as if they had known each other forever. Lucy had been of an older age when she gave birth to Shane. Now, at 66, she insisted on calling Margaret her friend, and Margaret felt the same. 

The two sat together on the couch, hands clasped, chatting away the entire afternoon. 

Valeria didn’t stop them. She knew some things couldn’t be hidden-like her marriage. 

For example, when Shane came home from work, pushing open the door. 

Apparently, Lucy had messaged him. He knew Valeria was there with Margaret and Selena, and he brought fruit with him. 

Selena happily called out to him, “Mr. Cooper.” 

Valeria lowered her gaze slightly. She could feel Margaret’s eyes on her. 

During dinner, Lucy coughed lightly, breaking the silence at the table. 

“Margie, I really like Valeria and Selena. This is all Shane’s fault. My son just wasn’t blessed enough.” 

Margaret sighed. “Riri is lucky to meet such a kind family like yours.” 

“Valeria is my goddaughter, and you’re like my sister. From now on, we’re one family. You should stay here with me when you come to Slate City. The upstairs room is empty. 

“Shane’s new apartment will be finished soon too. This time, you must stay longer, especially Selena. She has to spend the whole summer here.” 

That night, Valeria tidied up the upstairs room. 

The bedding was already there. She and Margaret shared a bed. Valeria lay on her side, looking at the small, old woman in front of her. 

“I’ve been very happy living here. Mrs. Clark and Shane have taken good care of me. I don’t 

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Chapter 229 

want to deceive you, but this isn’t something I can explain in just a few words.” 

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“I already saw through it long ago. What kind of married couple acts so awkward and distant, even on a video call?” 

Margaret could tell that her granddaughter hadn’t suffered mistreatment, given the care shown by Lucy and Shane. 

She felt only heartache for her granddaughter. Lately, her own strength had been fading, her health failing. She didn’t know how much longer she could stay with Valeria and Selena. 

She had believed that once her granddaughter married, even if her husband worked overseas, she would have someone dependable to lean on. 

“Who was the man that came that night, half a year ago, when I broke my leg and was in the hospital?” Margaret remembered him clearly. Even with a mask, he carried himself like a 

movie star. 

Valeria understood Margaret’s concern. 

Margaret was older and held very traditional views. She believed a woman must have a man to 

rely on, a family, a pillar of support. 

Valeria had no way to correct or force new ideas onto someone nearing 80. She didn’t explain much, saying that he was just a friend. 

Valeria wrapped her arm around Margaret, looking at the traces of age marking her skin. Grandma, I just want you and Lenny to be healthy.” 

The next day, Valeria took Margaret to Slate City Medical Center. Its thoracic surgery department was well-known. 

Valeria managed to get an extra appointment. The doctor ordered a CT scan and bloodwork. She left Margaret in the waiting area and went to the self-service kiosk to pay. 

As Sebastian walked through the first-floor outpatient hall, he suddenly stopped in his tracks. 

Out of the corner of his eye, in Hall B, there were six self-service kiosks, each with a long line. 

The area was noisy, crowded with rushing footsteps. 

His gaze was fixed on the back of a woman. His lips pressed tightly together. 

She was wearing a black short-sleeve top and jeans, her figure slender. Her hair was shorter 

now, cut to her shoulders. 

She seemed familiar with the machine process. When an elderly man ahead of her struggled, 

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Chapter 220 

she even helped him operate it. 

Sebastian slowly withdrew his gaze, his eyes darkening further. 

Slate City was a big place. In half a year, this was the first time he had run into her. 

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Sebastian did not stop again as he walked straight ahead. All the sincerity in his feelings had become cheap in front of this woman. 

His pace quickened, as if only by moving faster could he leave her behind. 

Sebastian’s department was on the second floor. He had just returned from an emergency consultation. He walked into his office and sat down. 

He spent his lunch break catching up with the last of the morning patients. 

At 2:00 pm, the next patient came in. It was a 32-year-old young man, accompanied by his 

wife. 

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