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

"There's a trending topic about you on Twitter today. It's already climbed to third place on the list," Jamie said while showing her phone to Lila.

She spoke and moved slowly, in line with her typically reserved nature.

The headline read, "#LilaPossiblyLeaving DoriansTeam"

Lila glanced at it and nodded, her expression unchanged.

Teddy asked, "Is this true?"

Jamie nudged him, signaling him to be quiet.

Lila didn't respond, and after a long silence, just when they thought she wouldn't answer, she finally spoke up.

"It's true. It's been almost a month."

The two in the backseat received the answer but didn't know how to respond.

The atmosphere grew heavy.

Fortunately, they soon arrived at their destination.

The staff led them inside the studio.

At that moment, Zara was chatting with him in Dorian's dressing room.

"Dorian, didn't you say the company wasn't allowing you to disclose your affairs with Lila publicly? Why did this piece of news suddenly pop up today?"

Dorian was playing with his phone while leaning back in his chair, looking relaxed like a spoiled rich kid.

"I leaked the information," he said with a nonchalant smile. "Lila has a stubborn personality. She never gives up until she hits a wall. She won't realize she's gone too far if she doesn't feel my determination."

"Are you planning to acknowledge it then?" Zara felt a glimmer of hope rekindling in her heart. As long as everyone knew about their split, she was sure to make it so neither could turn back.

"Just get out of the way, Lila!" she thought.

But Dorian shook his head. "I'm not saying anything."

No response was a way of silently agreeing. It didn't matter whether others understood. All that mattered was that Lila did.

A flicker of resentment flashed in Zara's eyes. She couldn't understand what was so great about Lila, what made her so special.

Even after all this turmoil, Dorian still wanted her!

It was just a three to five-year relationship. Why was it so hard for him to cut ties?

She pretended not to care and smiled. "No response is fine too. That way, Lila will know you're waiting for her to come back. I truly envy your relationship."

Dorian chuckled and gently flicked her forehead. "My dear Zara, you'll meet someone who loves you just as much as you love them in the future."

She rubbed her forehead, pretending to be dissatisfied, and shot him a playful glance. "Someone as good as you is hard to come by. The men out there are all smooth talkers, just looking to take advantage of my looks!"

Her words greatly pleased Dorian's vanity, and his smile widened.

He looked at Zara, his gaze softening with affection.

Zara returned his gaze, her eyes filled with emotion, her expression shy, and her red lips tempting.

They leaned in slightly, and she felt her face flush instantly. She turned her gaze away to maintain her composure.

"Dorian, I heard this script has a plot involving an ancient temple, and the crew chose Mount Shasta. It is known for its effective marriage blessings. How about you come with me to check it out?"

She fidgeted with her clothes, and Dorian was distracted by her slightly flushed face.noveldrama

He murmured, "Mount Shasta, huh..."

Lila was naturally stubborn, usually responding better to gentleness rather than pressure, and she was easily moved.

Since she had made a fuss over a bracelet...

Dorian's mind raced with possibilities. Why not take advantage of the filming to get her another one?

She might admit her mistakes when she's touched.

Then, he could punish her and reward her as well.

Zara nodded with a bright smile. "You remember the bracelet you gave me? You could get another one to take with you. That way, Lila could calm down."

He chuckled and ruffled her hair. "You've been wronged. Let's not bring this up again. This script is my compensation gift to you. Let's aim for another award."

Zara stood up excitedly but tripped over the corner of the table. Dorian quickly reached out and grabbed her around the waist.

Zara leaned into his embrace, making the atmosphere even more intimate. "Sorry, am I interrupting something?"

The door to the dressing room suddenly swung open, startling both of them and snapping them back to reality.

Zara hurriedly stood upright, and upon seeing the visitor, she froze in place. "Lila?"