Kneeling for a Second 253

Chapter 253 

Valeria couldn’t stay rational. Part of her wanted to give in because this was Sebastian–the man she 

had once loved. 

Back in school, she had run into Sebastian so many times. However, to him, she was just another face in the crowd. Still, unlike most people, he never mocked her or called her those awful nicknames. 

Maybe he thought it was beneath him–or that was just who he was. 

Either 

way, 

she looked up to him, and the one time she actually got to sit beside him in class had felt 

like the best kind of miracle. 

Valeria understood that even if it hadn’t been her that night, if it had been any other woman in danger, Sebastian still would’ve stepped in to help. 

“Do you ever dream? Have you ever seen him in your dreams?” she asked. 

The look on his face was all the answer she needed. 

His mouth moved, but nothing followed. He couldn’t bring himself to lie and say he had. Her calm tone only made him feel more ashamed. 

Valeria shut her eyes and added, “I dreamed about him. I saw him every night, especially in those first few days after Louis was gone. I couldn’t sleep, my whole body felt sick, and I suddenly lost a lot of weight. 

“In my dreams, he asked me why I didn’t want him anymore. He said the freezer was so cold. 

“On the day of the cremation, he cried that it was burning, that he was in pain, and that I should save him. He begged me to save him and even asked why I wouldn’t do so. If Louis were alive today, he’d be about the same age as Leo.” 

“Stop.” Sebastian doubled over as his fists pressed against the deck. The veins in his forehead stood out, his neck flushed red from lack of air, and his chest shook as he muttered through trembling lips. “Please stop. I’m begging you… Don’t say another word.” 

“Yes, I threatened you just so I could be your girlfriend, and you got back at me for it. We dated in secret for three years. You, the mighty heir of the richest family in Slate City, sneaking around with a fat, ordinary young lady like me. Tell me, what could be more humiliating than that?” 

“No. I never thought it was humiliating. I never once considered breaking up with you because I had to go abroad. That decision was made by my family long before. 

“Back then… I didn’t want to stay in Slate City. With changes in Grant Group’s shares, I didn’t want 

to get into conflict with Alexander. 

Chapter 253 

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“…Even when we were dating, we hardly called or texted each other. I thought things between us were the same as always…” Sebastian admitted. 

He never realized that their last night in the hotel was Valeria ending things. 

Valeria ran her hand across the velvet cloth inside the wooden box. When she unfolded it, all that was left of Louis was a small handful of ash. 

Back then, she had been weighed down by her body, her plain background, and her looks. 

Back then, she always kept about ten feet behind him as they walked down the quiet and shaded walkway on campus. He slowed his pace when no one else was around. With one hand still in his pocket, he dropped his other hand at his side. 

She would reach out carefully, and when Sebastian took her hand, it was the happiest moment of her 

life. 

She never asked for more. 

Jane never pressed him about why he hadn’t texted first or left her messages unanswered. She never pushed, never wanting to bother him too much. 

She didn’t even share the little things about her day. Because to her, there was nothing worth 

sharing. 

Her life revolved around part–time jobs at the library, a cafe, and a taco place. It was an ordinary life, in which she was merely scraping by. 

grew up with a 

A day’s hard work might earn her 80 or a hundred dollars. However, to someone who silver spoon in his mouth, a hundred dollars meant nothing to him–gone in an instant. 

Even the drinking glasses in his apartment cost thousands. 

Her life had nothing worth sharing. 

There had always been a huge gap between their lives. 

Valeria looked at Sebastian, saying, “…That was because I loved you back then. I didn’t dare disturb 

you,” 

Couples were meant to share everything, yet she and Sebastian never really did. 

Jane had always known that they were never a real couple, so she had never dared to ask for more. 

Sebastian’s hand shook as he gripped her wrist, his face pale as he replied, “Back then…” 

His voice trailed off. 

She had loved him, but not anymore. 

Then, he spoke again. “Valeria, do you hate me?”