Chapter 62
When December rolled around in Slate City, it drizzled for a week straight.
Valeria was going to call a cab when she got off work, but after the last time, she decided to take the subway instead.
Usually, it took five minutes to walk from her workplace to the entrance of the subway. However, due to the rain, it took eight minutes instead.
Her umbrella and gray coat were no match for the rain. Her vision was blurry, and the corner of her coat was soaked.
As the rain fell around her, Valeria walked toward the subway. Suddenly, someone shouted.
Valeria thought it was someone calling her.
The autumn wind was extremely chilly, especially when mixed with the rain. Her umbrella could barely stand it.
Valeria’s phone began vibrating in her bag. She dug for it, slightly annoyed by the cold weather. She pulled her phone out and saw that Leo was calling her. Before she could pick up, lights flashed from behind her.
It was so bright she could barely open her eyes. However, she could feel the heat from the car. Then, she noticed the familiar license plate. Glancing up at the driver, she saw Sebastian through the windshield wipers.
Leo poked his head out of the window and yelled, “Val, I saw you from a distance. Quick, get in. It’s pouring outside.”
Valeria got in. Inside the car, it was warm. However, she could smell cologne.
Looking up, she studied Sebastian’s side profile. The second she got in, Sebastian began driving. Pursing her lips, she explained, “I’m going to the subway station up ahead.”
Sebastian ignored her. He turned the radio on instead. His black Maybach zoomed past the subway.
Valeria studied the water droplets cascading down the car window.
Leo took her hand in his. “Val, your hands are so cold. I’ll help you warm up.”
Wanting to touch Leo’s head, she did so instinctively.
“Thank you, Leo.”
Sebastian chortled.
Chapter 62
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Leo whispered, “That’s just what he’s like. But don’t worry, Val, I’m not like him.”
Everyone said he would take after Sebastian. However, Leo only wanted to inherit Sebastian’s good looks. He wanted to be the good, personable man Zayn was. While Zayn was handsome, Sebastian was the real looker.
Valeria really liked Leo. Whenever she spoke to Leo, her voice would go all soft just to ask him about what he learned in school, whether he made some new friends, or if he did something fun. She asked Selena these questions too.
“I was called to school because Leo was caught sneaking his classmate a love letter,” explained
Sebastian.
Leo moaned and cut him off, “Uncle Sebastian!”
Valeria smiled and touched Leo, who was flushed bright red. “Leo’s such a handsome little boy. Of course many girls are gonna like him. That being said, Leo, you shouldn’t write love letters. You’re still young.”
They were young, and meant nothing bad by it. Perhaps they were curious, or just found it fun. However, it had to be corrected. This was up to Leo’s elders.
“Oh, alright. Have you received any love letters, Val?”
Valeria shook her head. She hadn’t.
“You must be lying, Val. You must’ve received so many. Like Uncle Sebastian, he has received many. Grandma said…”
Leo looked up. He saw Sebastian’s death stare through the rearview mirror. He shut up
curled into Valeria’s side.
and
She patted Leo’s back. Naturally, Valeria knew that Sebastian had received many love letters.
