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

"Let him do whatever he wants," Lila said as she left.

A man's voice called out from outside the restroom, "Shannon, are you done yet?"

The voice sounded vaguely familiar, but Lila couldn't immediately place it.

Shannon glanced at her with a confident smirk as though she were anticipating a show. "I've already warned you. Whether you go is up to you."

She grabbed a tissue to wipe her hands, then walked out.

"I'm coming, geez, you're always so impatient," Shannon said to the man who had spoken.

Lila followed a step behind her, and when she lifted her head, her eyes met the man's.

They both froze for a moment.

Then, his face lit up with excitement. "Lila! I got here late today and was just thinking about finding you later.

"You've been hiding pretty well, huh? Am I even your friend still?"

However, there wasn't a hint of reproach in his tone.

He strode toward her cheerfully, like an old friend, even giving her a light nudge with his shoulder. "I was wondering why Mr. Morgan treated us so well when we were abroad. Turns out it wasn't because of my status, but it was all thanks to you!"

Shannon stiffened slightly at this remark, though she quickly masked her reaction.

Lila raised her brows slightly but said nothing, letting him ramble on.

The man was Michael, whom Lila had known before. Recently, he had been rushing to wrap up his projects so he could head overseas to participate in Rowan's latest film.

Although he had seen some of the news about Lila, his schedule had kept him too busy to reach out until now.

Only now did Michael begin piecing together everything that had happened before.

Shannon glanced back at the two of them, her brows knitting slightly. "You brat, let's go," she said, her tone laced with annoyance.

Michael was oblivious to it and cheerfully replied, "Shannon, hold on a second. Lila is the girl I told you about before the really smart and beautiful one!"

"She's the reason I landed the Rowan deal. You even praised her back then. Since we bumped into her, let me introduce you two properly!"

Shannon was dumbfounded. That would be completely unnecessary.

Lila was left speechless. She was there for the food.

The two women exchanged a look but chose not to expose the situation.

After the introductions, Shannon and Lila briefly shook hands, much to Michael's delight. He looked as if he had just hit the jackpot.

"One is my best friend and the other is my sister. You two meeting each other is really fate!"

Lila nodded, her expression neutral. "Indeed. Not bad."

Shannon, on the other hand, was far less composed.

As soon as the introduction was over, she grabbed Michael and started to leave. "Let's go."

"Wait, Shannon, what's the rush?" Michael protested. "Dad said we're not just here for the banquet today. He also wants to help you find a match.

"There are so many good-looking men here today. Did you take a liking to anyone?"

He thumped his chest confidently. "Don't be shy! I'll go scope them out for you." Shannon wanted to stuff something in Michael's mouth to shut him up.

After walking a few steps, Shannon turned back to glance at Lila.

Her gaze was deep and full of determination, as though indicating she would win no matter what.

Lila returned the look, her expression calm, entirely unbothered by the challenge.

Kieran didn't like this woman. That much was clear.

What Lila hadn't expected was that Shannon and Michael were siblings. The difference in their personalities was staggering.

The encounter had completely killed Lila's mood. Instead of returning to the banquet, she found a quiet spot to sit alone.

It took Kieran some time to locate her. When he finally did, he noticed her somber mood immediately.

His large hand fell gently on her head, tousling her hair in a comforting gesture. "What's wrong?"

Lila snapped out of her thoughts

and

lifted her gaze to look at him. Her

gaze was still as stunning as ever, though a hint of worry now clouded them.

"Uncle Kieran," she said softly. "Now everyone knows we're getting married. Is this really what you want?"

Kieran watched her intently without offering an immediate response.

She continued, "Marriage is one of the most important things in life. I don't want to affect your future.

"It's my fault for not handling my own affairs properly, and I've dragged you into this. I feel really guilty about it."

She paused, her voice growing

quieter. "The best solution I can think of is for us to get married now, and then a year later, when things

settle down, we can get a divorce. Even though it's still unfair to you."

Her head lowered slightly, her whole demeanor subdued. She looked like a

wounded little animal, curling in on herself.noveldrama