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

Nicole and the family chef acted as though they hadn't noticed the quiet exchange between Kieran and Lila, but listening to their playful banter, they couldn't help the smiles that crept onto their faces.

Out of the corner of her eye, Nicole saw Lila standing at the sink, holding a tomato in each hand, her head lowered as she rinsed them under the running water.noveldrama

Her face was flushed, a shade redder than the tomatoes she held.

The water flowed over her slender, pale hand, gliding like a stream over polished jade at the bottom of a clear spring, radiant after years of refinement.

"Is the water too cold?" Kieran asked, stepping closer behind her.

His long, defined fingers reached into the stream of water. For just a second, Lila felt as though she were enclosed in his arms.

Realizing Nicole was still nearby, Lila quickly stepped to the side, putting space between them as she shoved the tomatoes into his hands.

"I used warm water. It's not cold," she said hurriedly.

Before she could process it, she felt a cool, wet sensation on her cheek. It took her a moment to realize Kieran had tapped her face with his damp fingers.

"My Lila is so smart," he remarked, his voice laced with amusement, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

Lila didn't respond. Was that something worth praising?

Kieran didn't push her further. Instead, he turned back to the counter, calmly sliced the tomatoes, and handed her a slice.

She bit into it, the tangy sweetness spreading across her tongue. A soft laugh escaped her lips. "It's a little cold."

For a moment, the room filled with the warm, playful atmosphere of a newlywed couple.

Lowering her gaze, Lila washed her hands and picked up a slice of tomato to offer him. "What do you think? Is it sweet? Should we make sugared tomatoes?"

Nicole, who had been quietly observing, couldn't hold back her laughter any longer. "Sugared tomatoes sound great."

After dinner, Noah offered to drive Ruby home.

By the time he returned, most of the family was already preparing to head to their rooms for the night.

"Lila," Nicole called out as the others began to disperse. "Now that you and Kieran are married, you should start staying in your room. The view and sunlight there are much better."

Lila's eyes widened slightly without meaning to, but she couldn't think of a valid reason to object.

Noticing her reaction, Nicole's smile deepened "I already changed the sheets and duvet cover in your room Since you'll be staying. together, I didn't bother preparing Kieran's room."

That single sentence completely blocked any excuse Lila might have tried to come up with.

Her lips parted slightly, but after a brief moment of silence, she managed to squeeze out a quiet, "Okay."

"Then get some rest early tonight. Tomorrow morning, we'll head out to buy some supplies. Jas and Bryce will arrive in the afternoon, and then we can all check if there's anything else we need and go shopping together as a family."

Lila nodded, said goodnight to the elders, and quickly made her way upstairs.

Kieran followed her at a more relaxed, unhurried pace.

Once the two of them disappeared into their room, Nicole glanced at Amelia. The two women exchanged a knowing look, satisfaction written plainly across their faces.

As soon as Lila entered the room, Kieran stepped in behind her, closing the door with a quiet click.

He reached out, gently taking her hand. With a firm but careful pull, he backed her up against the door.

He raised his other hand and placed it behind her head, cushioning her from the hard surface of the door.

"Uncle Kieran?" she asked, her voice uncertain.

Kieran leaned in slightly, his chin resting against the curve of her neck. "Why do you look unhappy?"

Lila's hands hung loosely at her sides for a moment before they slowly lifted, her fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt at his waist, her grip tightening slightly.

She didn't answer right away, so Kieran asked, "Is it because you saw Gordon today?"

"You knew?" Lila's gaze lowered, her eyes falling to the soft strands of his hair.

"Lila," Kieran said, his tone carrying a

trace of helplessness. "Wilmer

Corporation is a subsidiary of the Morgan Group. Even though Alfredo is the one managing it, any major developments there still get reported to me."

He was explaining himself—not tracking or investigating her. Lila thought about

this quietly.

"I want to know the truth about what happened when my parents passed away,"

she said softly, her voice barely audible but tinged with lingering sorrow.

Kieran's hand lifted, his fingers gently tousling her hair.

"Leave it to me, okay?" he murmured.