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

Lila was stunned, feeling as if Dorian had completely changed. It was as if he was now a different person-as if he had exchanged souls.

Back then, though Dorian had little influence in the past, he was fiercely protective of her and did not allow anyone to speak ill of her.

He couldn't bear to see her suffer even the slightest injustice.

He would ride his bike with her along Northridge River and travel great distances just to buy her favorite snacks.

Whenever he made money, he would buy her gifts-dresses and skincare products. He would go to great lengths to find new and interesting things to make her happy.

He even risked losing roles and fought with producers and investors when they took advantage of her.

Occasionally, when work separated them for long periods, he would rush to see her as soon as it ended, holding her tightly and rambling about how much he missed her for half the day.

But now, Dorian stood high above her, regarding her with a condescending gaze.

They gazed at each other from a distance, yet neither showed the slightest desire to speak.

Lila averted her gaze and walked forward with a subtle lift of her brows. Just a few steps away, Dorian spoke.

"Lila, can we talk?" he asked.

"If it's going to lead to an argument, then there's no need," Lila said, raising her eyes. Her long eyelashes cast a shadow that obscured the emotions beneath.

She intended to discuss work matters but avoid personal issues.noveldrama

However, Dorian interpreted it differently. He thought they could have a calm conversation, but it wouldn't be worth it if it turned out to be like the previous times -tense and aggressive.

The hurt from being blocked softened at that moment.

"Recently-"

Dorian had just begun when he was interrupted.

"Dorian," Zara said as she approached from behind, her eyes widening in surprise at the sight of Lila.

"Lila, what are you doing here? Are you here to see the two newcomers you brought?" she added.

Lila frowned slightly, unable to tolerate the coyness in Zara's voice.

Zara was still in her costume, looking like a delicate white flower, which mirrored her persona.

Based on her appearance alone, she seemed clean and pure, which explained why she was called the "Serene Maiden".

Dorian's initially cold gaze softened slightly upon seeing Zara.

"Dorian, Zara, you're all here!"

Another voice rang out behind Lila, equally grating to her senses.

Darcy hurriedly ran over from behind. She didn't have the time to sidestep and bumped into Lila, causing her to stagger.

"Why are you blocking the way?" Darcy exclaimed. Her makeup was heavily influenced by exaggerated styles, with thick black eyeliner and vibrant red and purple eyeshadows.

She opened her mouth to scold Lila with a frown, her fiery red lips resembling a witch's gaping maw.

After realizing it was Lila, she let out a cold snort. "What? Regretting the breakup? Coming to seek my brother's forgiveness? If you bring Ms. Parker back, we will forgive you!"

The series of encounters thoroughly disrupted Lila's mood.

She chose not to respond, which only made Darcy angrier. "Why are you wearing such a light-colored dress? Trying to play the pitiful little flower?"

As she said this, she seemed to forget that Zara was the one who loved wearing white dresses.

A flash of displeasure crossed her face.

The three of them stood opposed to her, with Darcy and Zara together, resembling the innocent and kind heroine from a fairy tale alongside her wicked stepmother.

After finishing filming, Jamie saw the messages and pulled Teddy over to find Lila.

Upon arriving, she immediately noticed the stark division between the groups. She frowned as she stood behind Lila.