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

Ruby met Noah's probing gaze, her expression puzzled.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. You can drive me home. Lila's staying with Amelia anyway," Noah said quickly.

He glanced back at Lila, his look practically shouting, "Don't worry, I'll guard your love like a soldier on the front lines."

Lila, however, just remained silent.

"You're such a good person," she muttered vaguely. "You two go ahead. I'm going to grab Ame."

Since it was her period and she hadn't been drinking, Lila decided to handle things herself.

Amelia, half-asleep, was groggily helped into the car by Lila.

Not wanting to bother anyone else, Lila drove straight to Vermilion Estate and got Amelia settled in the guest room.

Once Amelia was tucked in, Lila headed to the kitchen to whip up a hangover remedy. When she brought the drink back, Amelia grabbed her arm and refused

to let go.

"Another drink!" Amelia demanded.

"Alright, alright," Lila said, her tone soothing. "One more sip. I'll even feed you."

"Feed me? I like that!" Amelia's big, slightly dazed eyes lit up as she stared at Lila. "Ah-"

Lila sighed helplessly. Seeing Amelia open her mouth, she picked up the bowl and fed her another sip of the remedy.

Amelia paused mid-sip and frowned. "Why does this taste weird?"

"It's a new flavor, I got it specially for you. Is it good?" Lila fibbed effortlessly.

Amelia, now sprawled obediently on the bed, muttered, "It's not good. Too sour. Don't get this one again."

Lila chuckled softly. She stayed by Amelia's side until the latter drifted off to sleep, then quietly left the room.

After closing the door, Lila picked up the leftover remedy and took a sip herself.

"Oh my god, it's so sour!" She gasped.

"Next time, less plum, more water," she thought.

Grimacing, she grabbed some hot water to wash away the sharp sourness before finally heading back to her room.

The moment she stepped inside, Kieran reached out to pull her into his arms, but she nimbly dodged.

"I smell like all kinds of things, I need a shower first," she said, already darting toward the bathroom.

Kieran shook his head, amused as she disappeared into the bathroom in a flash. When everything was finally tidied up and she climbed into bed, Kieran reached for her again.

This time, Lila took the initiative, wrapping her arms around his waist.

"I'm leaving early tomorrow. Ame probably won't be awake yet, but I already told Cindy to leave her breakfast. Oh, and she's a little scared of you, so take your breakfast to the office, okay?"

"Hmm? Isn't Mrs. Morgan being a little biased?"

Kieran gave the soft flesh at her waist a playful pinch and held her firmly when she tried to wriggle away.

But that one word, "biased", made Lila pause.

She pressed down on Kieran's hand, her voice uncertain. "I'm not biased."

"Alright, I believe you."

Lila tilted her head. "Hmm?"

Kieran leaned down and placed a soft kiss on the crown of her head. "I believe you're not biased this time.

But next time, can you be adlittle biased toward me?

Hearing that, Lila suddenly felt like he was a kid fighting over candy, ridiculously childish.

And yet, she couldn't help but want to indulge him.

When she hummed her agreement, Kieran chuckled, his gaze darkening ever so slightly.

He patted her back gently. "Go to sleep."

Better not to stir things up too much.

The next morning, Lila woke just as the sky began to lighten.

Kieran was already out of bed.

Why so early?

Curious, Lila got ready and headed downstairs, only to find that he'd woken early

to make her breakfast.

Amelia, as expected, was still fast asleep.

After they finished eating together, Kieran drove her to the airport.noveldrama

When they arrived, Lila reached for her seatbelt. "I'll finish up my work as quickly

as I can and come back," she said as she unbuckled it.

Kieran got out of the car, grabbed her luggage, and stood beside her by the trunk.

Before she could say anything else, he reached out, wrapping one arm around her and gently pressing her back against the car. Won't see me for a while... will you miss me?

His straightforward question caught Lila off guard for a moment.

Then she let out a soft laugh and answered just as directly, "Yeah, I'll miss you."

Since they were already in a relationship, and legally married at that, there was no reason to hold back.

With that thought, she stood on her toes and pressed a quick kiss to his lips.

Kieran wasn't used to her being this bold. Just as he leaned in, intending to deepen the kiss, she slipped out from under his arm.

Pulling her suitcase behind her, she walked a few steps ahead before pausing to glance back at him. "Mr. Morgan, I look forward to seeing you next time."

Kieran's lips curved into a smile as he watched her retreating figure. The usual cold sharpness in his expression softened, replaced by Warmth that seemed to brighten his entire face.