too late for a second chance novel (Lila and Dorian)

Lila shook her head, unable to imagine what Noah would've said. It was hard to picture his reaction when he found out that Ruby had feelings for him. He was a smart guy, but when it came to matters of the heart, he was noticeably oblivious.

Then again, perhaps it was just the way they'd all assumed things. For instance, she had always thought Ruby and Kieran were into each other, which made everything they did seem to have some deeper meaning.

Because of that, she'd missed Ruby's intentions. Now, after Amelia had explained everything, she looked back at the events, and it all seemed to make sense. It was like how Ruby always came to watch Noah's matches and how she seemed so interested in the gifts Noah had given her.

Even at their first meeting, at Ruby's welcoming dinner, when she had been so eager to ask Noah questions. She had been waiting for her crush to show up.

Amelia was practically in stitches, watching Lila zone out, clearly guessing what was on her mind. Waving her hand dismissively, she said, "I didn't tell him that Ruby's crush was on him."

"Huh?"

Noticing the confusion on Lila's face, Amelia laughed even harder, almost doubling over. She couldn't believe such a big mix-up had happened. Noah was just so clueless.

"I just asked Noah why he didn't get out of the car that day," she explained. After a moment to calm down, she continued, "Noah said he thought it was some arrogant heiress. But when he saw it was Ms. Clemence, he didn't even have the heart to watch the drama unfold, so he just drove off. That's the truth, pieced together from both of their accounts."

Lila nodded, deep in thought. "So... Noah still doesn't know that Ms. Clemence has a crush on him?"

"Yep, he has no idea."

"Maybe I should tell him sometime."

"Absolutely not," Amelia hastily stopped her. "Don't tell him. I want to see how long it takes for him to figure it out."

"But won't that just make Ms. Clemence feel worse?"

"Ruby's had it easy her whole life. A little heartbreak won't hurt. when the time's right, I'll set up a get-together and invite them both."noveldrama

Lila massaged her temples as she watched Amelia cackle; she could already imagine how Amelia would tease them when the time came.

"Don't worry. I just need you to play matchmaker when the time comes, but don't be too obvious about it. This whole secret crush thing is too fun to rush through! Let's let it simmer for a couple of days."

Amelia gave her a reassuring look, as if saying, "I won't go too far. If it doesn't work, then we'll just spell it out for them." Lila nodded, not pressing the issue further.

"Oh, and one more thing," Amelia continued. "The story about Ruby and Uncle Kieran it was just a coincidence. I asked Ruby about it myself. You should've seen how upset she was that day.

"She couldn't figure out why, with all her smarts, she couldn't win over a man. Neither of them knows the truth behind the love letter."

Since she had already explained, she figured it was better to clear things up so Lila wouldn't have any

Lila couldn't help but smile at the absurdity of it all. What a huge misunderstanding this had been.

misunderstandings about Kieran et

"I'm starting to suspect something,' Amelia said. I think it was Noah who spread the rumors about Uncle Kieran and Ruby." It was hard to say for sure, but it was very likely that Noah had just casually mentioned it and forgot about it.

Amelia spent the day with Lila, and after having dinner with her and Kieran, she headed home. Lila saw her out, and as Amelia rolled down the car window to say goodbye, she took a step forward.

Lila could tell Amelia's visit was to check on her. Amelia was worried that she might get stuck in her grief over losing a family member. Amelia also feared that she might still have mixed feelings about the Morgan family, making things harder for herself.

Lila's eyes were as bright as the city lights behind her as she said, "Don't worry about me, Amelia. I'll pull myself together and keep moving forward. Everyone wants me to be happy, and I won't hold them back."

Amelia lowered her gaze and smiled lightly, her blonde hair glowing in the soft yellow of the streetlights. Then, she waved her hand casually before driving away.

Lila didn't head inside until her car was out of sight. When she got closer to the door, she saw Kieran standing outside, waiting for her. As she reached his side, she extended her hand.

Kieran, with his gentle gaze, took her hand and led her inside.