Chapter 48

Rain had fallen on Slate City a few days ago, and the old aluminum window still showed winding marks of water on the outside, which had dried into dusty stains under the sun. Valeria looked out the window. Sebastian was standing outside, smoking. His tall frame was wrapped in a thin, dark gray sweater, accentuating his broad shoulders and slim waist. The late autumn wind scattered the smoke the moment it left his lips. It lifted his short hair, brushing it lightly across his forehead. He squinted and finished two cigarettes in no time. Valeria observed in silence, thinking how different they had become over the last seven years. Sebastian hadn't smoked like that in the past. He wasn't the type to step out for a cigarette just after a meal. Valeria realized it had already been seven years. Time had passed quickly, and somehow, it hadn't left much of a mark on him. He only looked more handsome and mature. Valeria turned her eyes to the window and caught sight of her slim silhouet