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

Lila's heart raced, and she was momentarily stunned.

What was Kieran saying?

"Weren't you two talking business? I didn't want to interrupt," she answered, quickly regaining her composure.

She reminded herself not to let her thoughts wander.

Kieran looked like he was about to say something, but Amelia interjected, "Alright,

I get that you two are all lovey-dovey, but can you not do it in front of us single people? Especially poor Terry, who just got dumped."

Lila flushed with embarrassment and quickly pulled away, adjusting her sitting posture.

She picked up her dessert plate and acted like nothing had happened. "This is really good. Would you like me to grab you a piece?"

Before she could stand, Kieran took the small fork she had been using and took a bite himself.

"It's good," he agreed with a neutral expression. "The Clemence family certainly knows how to entertain. They even hired an international pastry chef."

Lila's cheeks burned, and she barely registered his words, only managing a quick nod.

Amelia rested her chin on her hand, watching Lila suspiciously. Something wasn't right-very not right.

Kieran, cold and distant by nature, had always been kind to Lila. But the way he acted around her now? It felt different.

Something was definitely going on.

Before Amelia could put her finger on it, a bright and cheerful voice cut through the moment.

"Ms. Hart!"

Jamie strode over, looking like she was in an excellent mood. Vince followed close behind.

Terry turned toward Amelia with a teasing smirk. "Ms. Joyce, your blind date's here."

Amelia bristled instantly. "Take him. I've got other things to do, so I'll leave first," she said abruptly.

Her sudden departure left everyone momentarily stunned.

Lila couldn't shake the feeling that something significant had happened between Amelia and Vince.

Before she could ask, Amelia had already disappeared into the crowd, with Vince's eyes trailing after her.

After a brief greeting to Kieran, Vince quickly excused himself and followed her.

Lila turned to Jamie, puzzled. "What's going on with those two?"

"No idea," Jamie replied, shaking her head. "Last time they went out together for a few days, and ever since they came back, they've been acting weird.

"Vince's sealed his lips tighter than a bank vault, and even my uncle couldn't get anything out of him. So don't ask me."noveldrama

The mention of tight-lipped made Lila glance at Kieran.

He raised an eyebrow slightly. "I speak freely."

Lila quickly looked away.

Kieran was acting strange-really strange. Why did it feel like he was flirting with her?

The only other time she'd seen him behave remotely like this was when he was drunk, but tonight, he hadn't touched a drop of alcohol.

Jamie leaned in closer, a mischievous grin on his face. "So, you two are married. Have you thought about when to have kids?"

Lila nearly choked on her drink.

Seriously, what was this kid saying?

"Guess not anytime soon. That's fine. You're still young, Ms. Hart. No need to rush."

As she spoke, she glanced quickly at Kieran, only to avert his gaze just as fast. Clearly, she realized she'd ventured into dangerous territory.

Kieran was almost 30.

Jamie cleared her throat and changed the subject. "I heard from Ethan that you've been arranging things for me and Teddy so you can have time for your honeymoon.

"Have you picked a destination? There are lots of fun places to visit in Lumea. If you're going there, I can recommend some spots."

Jamie let out a sigh of relief. She was glad the topic change wasn't too awkward.

Just as she finished her sentence, Ruby's voice chimed in from behind them.

"Who's planning a trip? I'm quite familiar with Lumea, but Mirelia is perfect for snow-capped mountains."