Kneeling for a Second 164

Valeria stepped into the kitchen, her expression calm as she cleaned up the dishes. 

The faucet rinsed away the suds. 

She thought she was calm enough, but when a tear slipped down her cheek and fell into the sink, she froze. 

Valeria looked up, dazed. 

Then, another tear fell. She instinctively rubbed her eyes and accidentally got soap in them. The stinging pain was unbearable, and crying loudly felt like the only natural thing to do. 

All she wanted to know was whether Sebastian had ever loved her. Even if it was just a little, even the tiniest bit of affection would’ve been enough. Maybe it didn’t even have to be love- just the smallest hint that she mattered would’ve sufficed, too. 

However, the way he avoided the question, the way he shut it down, told her everything. To him, Jane was nothing more than a joke. 

She turned the faucet on full blast. The sound of rushing water was loud enough to hide her sobs. She didn’t want to hold it in anymore and needed to let it out. She was human, after all. 

She wasn’t heartless. She had feelings, too. 

She didn’t know how much time had passed, but after what felt like enough crying, she 

washed her hands, scooped up some water, and splashed it on her face. The numbness was a sharp contrast to her pain. 

Valeria wiped her face roughly and turned around, only to see Selena standing quietly at the kitchen doorway. 

“Mommy,” Selena called out softly, her eyes full of worry. 

She didn’t understand why Valeria was crying, but she felt it, and it made her sad, too. 

Valeria hadn’t expected Selena to see this. A wave of guilt washed over her. She quickly walked toward Selena and pulled her into a hug. 

“Mommy, I don’t like Mr. Grant. Let’s not get him anything for his birthday anymore,” Selena said. She wouldn’t like someone who made Valeria cry. 

Valeria held her close, surprised that Selena witnessed their argument. 

She didn’t want to leave any bad memories in Selena’s mind. Kids should be able to just be kids. 

“It’s nothing to do with Mr. Grant. It’s just me… Lenny, I’m fine,” Valeria explained, holding 

Chapter 164 

Selena close. 

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The two dogs heard the voices and came running in, circling around Valeria. Potato licked her fingers, making Valeria smile through her tears as she petted his head. 

Dogs were animals, but at that moment, their expressions showed they cared and could sense their owner’s changing emotions. 

Valeria saw the dogs‘ expressions and couldn’t help but smile. At the same time, she felt a warmth spread through her chest. 

She picked up Selena. She had planned to put the child in the wheelchair, but Selena didn’t want to sit in it since it was a gift from Sebastian. 

Valeria reached out and gently tapped Selena’s nose, feeling a little helpless. 

She filled the dogs‘ bowl with food. They had been with her for about six months now, and they had grown a little since she first brought them home. 

Valeria lowered her head and petted Potato, who was especially familiar with Sebastian. It was probably because he had stayed at her place for a few days. Potato practically treated him like he was part of the family. 

Whenever Sebastian came over, Potato wagged his tail happily. 

The other dog, Pork Chop, was a whole different story. Every time Sebastian showed up, Pork Chop acted like a guard dog, staring him down like he was a stranger. 

When Sebastian pinned her against the bed and Valeria made even the smallest sound of resistance, Pork Chop would bark fiercely, clawing at the door. And a few times, Pork Chop 

almost bit him. 

Valeria broke a hard–boiled egg in half, giving each dog a piece. She thought about how happy they’d be if she could take them back with her, rent a place on the first floor with a yard, giving them more space to run around. 

Meanwhile, Sebastian arrived back at his house. 

He took off his clothes that still smelled like alcohol and tossed them into the washing machine. He furrowed his brow, like something was weighing on him. Even Nemo noticed his mood and curled up by his feet. 

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