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

Lila shook her head to stop herself from overthinking it.noveldrama

After two days of fun by the seaside, Kieran brought her to the city. He said, "Since we're here, we should get to know the local culture."

Hand-in-hand, they strolled down the street like a leisurely couple enjoying their free time. Over these days, Lila had gotten used to Kieran holding her hand. However, she was surprised to run into Ruby here.

Like that day she found Ruby chatting with Kieran over coffee, Ruby now sat gracefully across Noah in her white dress.

Noah was as surprised as Lila. They exchanged looks to confirm that they weren't dreaming.

"Why are you here?" Noah and Lila blurted out almost simultaneously.

In comparison, Kieran and Ruby seemed composed, as though they had anticipated this encounter.

With a slight frown, Noah cast a furious gaze on Ruby's face. Did she already know that Kieran and Lila would be here? So, was watching the competition an excuse, so she could track down Kieran?

Laughing incredulously, he snickered. "Ms. Clemence, you've got it all planned out, I see."

Ruby furrowed her brows. "What are you talking about?"

Lila gently pushed Noah to ease the tension. "Shall we join them for lunch since we've run into each other?"

Noah immediately declined, "I'm not free."

He was about to step out, but he paused when he glanced at Lila. "I have something to speak to you in private. Come with me."

Then, he turned to Kieran. "Uncle Kieran, wait for us. Give me two minutes."

"Lila, what say you?" asked Kieran gently, looking for her opinion.

She turned around and smiled at him. "We'll be back soon."

She walked away with Noah and stopped when they were out of earshot. Still frowning, Noah chided her, "Do you not know who Ruby is? Why would you join her for lunch?"

"I know she's Kieran's old lover."

"If you knew, why would you" Halfway through his words, he paused with an intrigued look. "How did you know that?"

"I saw them dining out not long ago. Terry also told me a thing or two about them: It's easy to put two and two together." Lila struggled to.

explain that interesting feelingel. ned

Although she had never see Ruby's face clearly, she had a strong hunch that Ruby was Kieran's old lover.

"Woah, should I praise you for being smart?" Noah was simmering in anger. "Why

would you want to have lunch with her, then?"

Lila questioned, "Why are you with Ruby, and here, of all places?"

"I'm here for a competition. She said she wanted to watch it. Now, I realize it was just an excuse; she was here to interrupt your trip with Uncle Kieran. Since when has she become so calculative?"

Lila, however, disliked his judgment of Ruby. "Perhaps, this is just a misunderstanding."

"Lila, I trust you are not a naive woman." He scratched his head irritatedly. "I started looking into the matter after you told me that Uncle Kieran might have a lover.

"I heard Ruby fought with Uncle Kieran before going abroad seven years ago. Within two months, Uncle Kieran flew to her side and spent half a year with her. I thought you knew this."

Nodding, she revealed, "Terry told me about it."

"Well, if you knew, why would you have a meal with her? What's wrong with you?

Gosh, you're such a glutton. If you want, I could totally treat you to lunch when we're back home!"