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

As they drove farther away, Kieran glanced into the rearview mirror. Vince was no longer in sight.

Meanwhile, Nicole was sitting with her in-laws while waiting for Lila. Worried that the elders would grow impatient, she suggested going outside to check if Lila had arrived.

Hazel smiled warmly. "There's no need to rush. It's a good thing that Lila's so dedicated to her work."

Frances, however, frowned in disagreement. "Work might be important, but definitely not enough to neglect her health like Kieran does."

Nicole watched the two of them bicker, as they often did like children. Shaking her head with a smile, she got up and left the room.

Deep down, she knew both of them doted on the kids more than anyone else and supported the youngsters in pursuing their dreams unconditionally.

After all, they didn't seem concerned at all even when Noah decided to pursue a career in e-sports.

Instead, they happily watched tournaments they barely understood and celebrated his team's victories as though it was theirs.

The memory brought an exasperated smile to Nicole's face.

Leaving the room, she walked down the corridor. As she approached the glass doors, she saw two figures approaching together.

Lila was saying something, so Kieran leaned in to hear better. Their good looks made them a surprisingly good fit together.

This realization startled Nicole, and she silently berated herself for having such thoughts.

She blamed her messy thoughts on that photo album.

She tried convincing herself that it wasn't unusual for Kieran to keep an album documenting Lila's growth since he had always been protective of her.

But she failed.

"Yeah, right!" she thought. "Not when the only person in the photos was Lila!"

Lila was so busy talking that she didn't notice the uneven pavement ahead, and she tripped.

Kieran reacted instantly, circling her waist with his arm while his other hand steadied her by the wrist.

"Careful there."

His rich, smooth voice sent a shiver down her spine.

Abruptly, memories of him pinning her against the wall and kissing her came flooding back.

Her breathing grew erratic, and she quickly wriggled out of his hold. "T-Thanks. Let's go inside."

She purposely sped up and put some distance between them.

Kieran didn't say anything. He was busy staring at the hand he had circled around her waist that barely filled his grasp.

Nicole, who watched the whole scene unfold, was speechless.

Dear Lord, she might have made a groundbreaking discovery.

She truly adored Lila and had even hoped that Noah and Lila would become a couple one day.

That way, Lila could officially become part of the family.

Yet, over the years, the pair's relationship remained platonic.

For the past two years, Nicole had gradually come to terms with this. She

convinced herself that Lila was a daughter to her regardless of whether she married into the family.

Now, she discovered that her seemingly aloof brother-in-law might have feelings for someone. However, that person...

Nicole shook off the thoughts and quickly turned back toward the room.noveldrama

She told herself to remain calm and pretend she saw nothing. Perhaps she was just overthinking.

But before she reached the room, Lila spotted her.

"Aunt Nicole!" Lila called out sweetly, her voice cutting through the fog in Nicole's head.

Still, Nicole was still quite stiff when she turned to face them.

Then her gaze fell on Kieran.

There was no way she could smile like nothing had happened.