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

Amelia glanced at Lila, who shook her head.

She didn't know where Noah was either.

"Maybe he got delayed on the way. It's not like the party's started yet. Come on, let's just hang out for now," Amelia suggested.

She ushered everyone toward the center of the room. Ruby smiled and let the matter drop, moving to join the group.

The conversation flowed easily as everyone settled in. This was Lila's first time seeing Ruby since she'd learned the full story, and she couldn't help but pay her a little extra attention.

Ruby remained as composed as ever, her warm, polite demeanor intact. A faint smile graced her lips, never faltering as she engaged with the group.

Sometimes, she joined the conversation wholeheartedly, other times, she simply skimmed the surface.

20 minutes passed, and the gathering officially began. Still, there was no sign of Noah.

Ruby's expression remained unchanged, calm, and unbothered, but Amelia's irritation was obvious.

What was the point of all this if the main person she'd planned it for wasn't even here?

Finally, she stood up abruptly. "I'll step out for a bit," she announced.

Lila didn't need to ask to know what she was about to do. Amelia was going to call Noah and figure out what was going on.

But just as Amelia reached for the door handle, it swung open, and Noah walked in.

"Why are you so late?" Amelia asked, her annoyance clear.

"Got held up on the way," Noah answered casually.

He strolled into the room with his usual unruly air. His once-white hair, now dyed black since Amelie's passing, though the rebelliousness in his eyes hadn't changed a bit.

As his gaze swept over the room, it landed on Lila's glass, and he frowned slightly.noveldrama

"You've got a sensitive stomach. Don't drink cold stuff," he said.

"I didn't," Lila said quickly. "It's just sitting there."

Noah nodded. Without another word, he turned toward Ruby and greeted her with a small nod.

"Still not sleeping well?" Ruby asked gently, her voice carrying a quiet note of

concern.

"Been busy with training," Noah replied, brushing off the question with a dismissive wave.

But Lila knew better.

The turmoil in the Morgans' lives, her own struggles, and Amelie's passing had taken a heavy toll on him. Any one of those things would've been enough to weigh someone down.

True to form, he didn't stay seated for long.

After a short while, he pushed his chair back and stood. "Feels stuffy in here. I'm going to step out for a bit," he muttered.

Amelia had just managed to get the party going and didn't want anyone slipping away.

But Lila raised a hand, gently stopping her. "Let it go for now."

Before arriving, Lila had thought that a little fun wouldn't hurt, everyone needed to relax eventually. Staying on edge forever wasn't healthy.

But now, sitting in the noisy, chaotic environment, even she found it loud and grating.

Amelia glanced at her, hesitated for a moment, but ultimately didn't push further.

Noah didn't stay outside for long. After a few minutes, he walked back into the room.

"Why don't we play a game?" someone suggested.

"What kind of game?" Noah asked, his voice showing a faint spark of interest.

"Truth or Dare?" Amelia proposed.

"Isn't that a bit outdated?" one of the guys teased.

Amelia raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Got something better? Let's hear it."

The guy scratched his head awkwardly, clearly having no backup plan. "Uh... let's just stick with Truth or Dare for now."

The game began. After a few rounds of dares and mild laughter, Ruby finally lost.

Amelia's eyes lit up instantly. "Truth or Dare?" she asked.

Ruby thought for a moment before responding calmly, "Dare."

Amelia grinned. "Can I pick the punishment?"

Ruby didn't even flinch. "Go ahead."

bet

Amelia reached for the stack of cards on the table and drew one at random, and her grin grew wider. "Pick the guy here you're most nterested in, and feed him a drink."

All eyes turned to Ruby, curiosity rippling through the air. After all, rumors had circulated in their circle.

for ages, whispers t

Ruby

Chad

feelings for Kieran.

Now, to ask her to pick the man she found most interesting?

Ruby paused. Then, lifting her gaze, she looked straight at Noah.

Noah frowned slightly, caught off guard.

Ruby smiled softly. "Noah, then."

The air froze for a second, heavy with unspoken surprise.

No one had expected that. An uncle-versus-nephew scenario?

If Ruby had casually chosen a random guy in the room, the dare would've passed

without a ripple.