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

Noah let out a soft "tsk" and said, "No way. Are you saying Uncle Kieran has a one-sided crush?"

Lila couldn't help but laugh. "I said she likes you."

The two of them were whispering in the backseat, which quickly caught Nicole's attention as she sat in the passenger seat.

She turned to glance at them suspiciously. "You're both grown adults. Why are you whispering like kids, trying to keep secrets from me?"

Immediately, they both straightened up, falling quiet. But Noah, being his usual cheeky self, couldn't help himself. "This is young people's business. You don't need to worry about it."

Nicole rolled her eyes, deciding not to waste her energy on him.

When they arrived at their destination, she looped her arm through Lila's and led the way, leaving Noah trailing behind them.

"It's almost the New Year. Let's get Lila a couple of new outfits," Nicole suggested as they entered the store.

Noah leaned in. "You don't need to worry about that. Uncle Kieran already had some custom-made for her. They'll be delivered this afternoon."

"That's your Uncle Kieran's thoughtfulness. What I buy is my thoughtfulness."

With that, she gave Noah a light smack on the back of the head. "And what about you? Where's your gesture?"

"Just confirming again, I must've been adopted. The little bit of prize money I've earned from the competition isn't enough to make a decent gift," Noah deadpanned.

The three of them bantered as they finished shopping, eventually heading home just in time for lunch.

Kieran and Alfredo hadn't returned from work yet, but later in the afternoon, as they were getting ready to pick up Jasmine and Bryce, Kieran arrived home.

Kieran's gaze shifted to Noah, and he said casually, "Why don't you stay home and help out here? I'll take Lila to pick them up."noveldrama

Noah, never in the mood to move if he didn't have to, agreed without hesitation.

But as he watched Kieran take Lila's hand and lead her to the car, Noah suddenly remembered what she had said earlier.

With a look of disbelief, he muttered under his breath, "Uncle Kieran having a one-sided crush? No way. It's got to be that Ruby's just way too good at hiding her feelings, that's why Lila hasn't noticed anything suspicious."

As if on cue, Noah turned his head and saw Ruby's car pulling in from the other direction.

His internal alarms immediately went off. The moment Ruby stepped out of the car, Noah strode straight toward her, his steps purposeful.

Ruby barely had time to close the door before noticing him standing there, puzzled. "Why are you standing in the middle of the yard? Did you do something bad again and get punished by Aunt Nicole?"

"Hmph." Noah snorted.

Ruby blinked, even more confused.

She pulled a New Year's gift out of the trunk and handed it to Noah. "Don't be upset. This is for you."

Noah clicked his tongue lazily. "Stop trying to bribe me. I'm not going to help you."

Ruby raised an eyebrow, looking even more puzzled. "Bribe you? It's just a New Year's gift. How did we get to bribery?"

She laughed lightly and added, "The company dividend came in a couple of days ago, so I got you that controller you've been wanting."

"For real?" Noah asked, his surprise slipping through.

"Why would I lie about that?"

Without another word, he snatched the box from her hands and tore it open. Sure enough, inside was the exact controller he'd been eyeing for months.

It wasn't that he couldn't afford it, it was that he already had too many Nicole and Alfredo had outright banned him from buying anymore for the time being.

But this was a gift from Ruby, so it didn't count, right?

A grin spread across his face. "This is a New Year's gift, right?"

"Of course. Everyone's getting something. I even got something special for Mrs.

Morgan," Ruby said casually.

Noah's smile froze mid-expression.

Why did she specifically have to mention Lila?

Meanwhile, Lila and Kieran had already arrived at the airport.

With Kieran holding her hand, they walked inside, Lila clearly in high spirits. "I

wonder if Aunt Jasmine and Bryce will like the gifts I got for them."

"When have they ever not liked something you picked out?" Kieran glanced at her,

the corners of his mouth lifting into a faint smile.

Lila nodded, her expression thoughtful.

"They like it because they're being polite, out of affection for me. But I want to give them something they genuinely love. I wonder if Bryce has started dating anyone... Things have been so hectic lately that I haven't had the chance to ask."

Kieran reached over and smoothed

down the strands of her hair the wind had tousled. "He hasn't. But this time, now that he's back, the family might consider arranging a marriage for him."

Lila's eyes widened in surprise, and she looked up at him, startled. Noticing her reaction, Kieran's grip on her hand tightened ever so slightly.