Chapter 222

Valeria didn't respond to Sebastian. She closed her eyes, her cheek resting against the man's chest. After a moment of silence, she said, "Sebastian, whether I'm married to Shane or not, we won't be together. "About Grandma, I'm very grateful to you. Just give me a number, and I'll give you what you want." With that, she pushed him away. She left the man's embrace, picked up her clothes, and put them back on before getting out of the car. Sebastian didn't stop her. His eyes dimmed. Standing outside the car, Valeria didn't meet his gaze. They both avoided looking directly at each other. She lingered for a moment outside, then turned and walked toward the inpatient building. Sebastian took the last two cigarettes from the pack and drove away. … The next morning, Margaret woke up and asked where Shane was. Valeria poured her a glass of water. "He went back." "It's work season now. He should work hard. It's my legs that failed me, suddenly giving up on me while I was walking.