Kneeling for a Second Chance (Sebastian and Valeria) novel Chapter 1

Valeria Neal never thought she would see Sebastian Grant again.

That day, she had taken her six-year-old daughter, Selena Neal, to the hospital for a checkup. Her daughter had a congenital heart condition and required regular checkups.

However, the moment she pushed open the door to the consultation room, she froze in place.

Sebastian was standing there, focused on the computer screen. He wore a pair of rimless glasses and had a white coat on. His features looked cool and elegant, and he radiated a noble, distant air.

Valeria felt the color drain from her face in an instant.

Selena had been coming for these heart check-ups regularly. Today, she'd booked a consultation with Shawn Gordon, the hospital specialist. However, since Shawn was away for an urgent consultation, the nurse suggested she switch to another doctor.

The nurse had said that this doctor studied overseas for his PhD, and was one of Shawn's most talented students.

Now, Valeria stood in the doorway rigidly, and her fingers gripped the door handle tightly. In a flurry, she pulled a mask over her face.

At that moment, there was only one thought in her mind, which was to take her daughter and leave.

Seven years. When did he return to the country?

Her life had been calm and uneventful, so she never imagined she'd run into Sebastian again. It felt like her entire being was shattering, and she didn't know how to react.

She instinctively clutched Selena's hand. Her palm was damp with sweat, and her back was trembling slightly from the tension.

Just then, he said in a clear voice, "Come in."

Sebastian looked up and through the door. His eyes, through his lenses, seemed faintly distant.

The instant their eyes met, Valeria felt her breathing falter.

At 28, he seemed so similar, yet so different from the memory of the 21-year-old man in the white shirt she once knew. He used to be out of everyone's league at their university, yet he had secretly dated a woman who weighed 167 pounds.

She forced herself to meet his gaze and clenched her teeth hard. Even her instinct to turn and leave with her daughter didn't stop her from freezing in place.

Sebastian's dark eyes remained calm as he lightly tapped his fingers on the desk. "Selena Neal, right? Let me take a look at the medical records."

Valeria managed to regain her composure, though she still remained pale. She reached up and felt the mask covering her face, which gave her a fragile sense of control.

He hadn't recognized her.

She was now called Valeria Neal and no longer Jane Carlson from seven years ago.

She was no longer that overweight woman. Now, at five feet seven, she weighed barely over a hundred pounds.

Selena went forward and sat in the chair, letting Sebastian listen to her heart.

As he leaned closer, Valeria glanced at him. That faint coldness he radiated was something strangely familiar yet foreign. She subconsciously pressed her hand on Selena's shoulder.

Out of the corner of her eye, her gaze fell on Sebastian's face.

He wore rimless glasses and had a refined, gentle appearance. Underneath the white coat was a high-quality white shirt.

As Sebastian listened to Selena's heart, he furrowed his brows slightly and said, "Pay more attention to her daily condition. It would be best to prepare for surgery within the next two or three years. You're aware of the cost, right?"

Sebastian's gaze drifted to Valeria's arm, which held a black leather bag with worn handles. Her white canvas shoes were scuffed, and her jeans were faded. With her plain appearance, it seemed unlikely the steep cost of surgery was something she could easily afford.

Scenes like this were common in hospitals, but for some reason, he found himself giving her a second look.

She was slender, tall, and had pale skin. Her mask and low ponytail made her look youthful, but her daughter was already six years old.

The woman lowered her eyes, avoiding his gaze.

She stood behind her daughter as still and quiet as a statue.

The large mask covered her face, leaving only her downcast eyes visible.

Sebastian frowned slightly, thinking she had been expecting Shawn and was disappointed with his youth. So, he continued, "If you have concerns about my diagnosis, I can transfer your case to Pediatrics. You and your daughter can consult with Dr. Stone for a second opinion."

Valeria nodded silently and murmured, "Sorry to bother you."

Then, she gathered the medical records from the desk and left with Selena.

Sebastian watched their retreating backs with a frown. After they left, he pushed his glasses up and resumed his work.

He saw two more patients in succession.

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