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

Zara began feeling uneasy when Dorian didn't reply after a long time.

After some thought, she contacted his assistant. Her expression darkened when she learned that he had gone to a bar with some friends.

As she suspected, Dorian still cared about Lila and was trying to numb himself with alcohol.

Zara pressed further, hoping to know who else was with him. Her worry grew when the assistant listed a few names.

From the list, there were two that she knew who were infamous for being wild partygoers.

Under normal circumstances, Dorian would never hang out with them. But who knew what he might do tonight if he became drunk, especially if he was feeling heartbroken?

"Did they request a bargirl?" she asked.

The assistant stammered and evaded the question, but that told Zara more than enough. Suddenly, an idea formed in her mind.

Without hesitating, she dropped everything and drove straight to the bar Dorian was at.

Meanwhile, over at the garden, the crew were keeping themselves busy at the scenic shooting spots they had chosen. And before they realized it, night had fallen.noveldrama

Seeing the time, some staff suggested taking a few night shots while they were at

it.

Lila nodded in understanding. While everyone was working, she took the opportunity to buy them some snacks and drinks.

Magi Pictures was better than she expected, and this team was very dedicated.

As such, in an industry where people focused on quantity over quality, it wasn't surprising for Magi Pictures to build a solid reputation despite limited productions.

If they committed to something, they made sure to do it to the best of their ability.

By the time everyone wrapped up, the sky was completely dark. Noticing Lila frequently checking the time, Vince asked, "Do you have plans later?"

"My family knows we're finishing up today so..." She paused, embarrassed. "Well, they prepared a family dinner to celebrate."

Vince chuckled, never having seen this bashful side of hers before. He never expected a calm and composed person like her to act so sweet when talking about her family.

"Don't laugh! They always treat me like a kid," she protested, her cheeks slightly flushed.

When she heard about the dinner from Kieran, she had assumed it would be a simple meal back home. But that afternoon, she discovered they had made reservations at a restaurant—at her grandmother's insistence, no less.

They were acting as though she had won an international award.

Her protest only made Vince's smile widen.

"Well, you are a kid to them. We're done here, and I'll send Teddy home, so you

can head off too. Don't keep your elderly grandparents waiting."

Lila looked around and saw the team packing up their equipment, so she nodded. "Thanks. I owe you one. I'll treat you to a meal sometime."

"Sure," Vince replied warmly. "I'll walk you to your ride."

"It's fine. My uncle is picking me up." Lila turned him down politely.

Her head was lowered, so she missed the flicker of emotion in Vince's eyes. "Oh, could you help me share these with the crew? It's past dinnertime, and they've worked so hard."

After making sure everything was sorted, she finally headed out. Vince insisted on seeing her off.

Not far from the exit, a sleek Maybach waited with its lights on, the outline of a man visible through the windshield.

Lila waved goodbye to Vince and merrily jogged toward the car.

Her skirt swayed behind her, like a flower blooming in the moonlight.

When Kieran spotted her, he stepped out of the car and silently stood by the passenger door, waiting.

Although his movements exuded grace, he somehow managed to keep others at arm's length.

However, when Lila brushed against him, his gaze visibly softened when he met hers.

This new look made him look much kinder and easy to talk to.

Kieran pulled out a handkerchief and gently wiped the sweat from her brow. "Why the hurry?"

"I don't want to keep Grandma and Grandpa waiting. Let's go!" Lila tugged on his sleeve playfully.

Kieran gave in easily and opened the door for her without a word. Once she was settled, he returned to the driver's seat.

As the car drove away, he glanced at Vince, who stood at the exit, watching them.