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

Faith stopped in her tracks, clenching her hands at her sides. The massive weight that had been pressing down on her for years—the one called “father” or “patriarchy”—once again bore down on her, making it hard to lift her head.

She turned to glance in the direction where Kieran had left then took a deep breath. “Dad, I still need to follow Mr. Morgan to the marketing department to check on the situation. Let's talk later, or else I'm afraid it will affect the cooperation between our families.”

After saying that, she ignored Dennis’ darkened expression and quickly turned to leave the room.

Behind her, Dennis was so furious that he wanted to kick over the nearby coffee table. But just as he raised his foot, he realized this was Kieran's office, so he swallowed his anger and held back.

Faith walked quickly. When she stepped out of Morgan Group Headquarters, she happened to see Kieran driving away.

No one from the Moore family had followed her, so she also got into her car and drove off. She kept going until she found a quiet place to park.

Taking a deep breath, she finally managed to stop her slightly trembling hands.

Kieran drove straight to Lila's film set. By the time he arrived, it was their break time.

But Lila wasn't resting. She was helping Matthew go through the script.

“Look at this part—right now, you two are arguing. Your character should be in a state of exhaustion and frustration. Besides using your eyes to show that emotion, you can try some small gestures, like slightly lowering your head or rubbing your temples. You have to immerse yourself in the emotion to truly become the character.”

Matthew wasn't professionally trained in acting, but after studying under a coach, his progress had exceeded Lila's expectations.

After listening to her explanation, Matthew nodded.

Spring in Northridge was short. Even though the season had only just begun, the temperature already felt like early summer.

There was little shade at the filming location, and since they were shooting outdoor scenes, Matthew was already sweating.

“You should go rest over there for a bit.” Lila patted him on the shoulder.

Kieran arrived just in time to see the two talking. Matthew nodded, obediently taking his script and moving to a shaded spot under the eaves.

As he looked up, he noticed the imposing man and greeted him politely. “Hello, Mr. Morgan.”

Kieran gave a slight nod, withdrawing his gaze from his vaguely familiar features before continuing toward Lila.

She had already heard Matthew's greeting. When she turned around, she smiled brightly.

“Kieran,” she called out in a cheerful tone.

The slight unease in Kieran's heart instantly dissipated under her warm gaze.

He put down all the things he had brought—it was all food.

“There's more in the car, and I also brought you some fresh clothes to change into.”

Kieran sat down beside her, his long limbs making him look awkwardly cramped in the small film set stool.

Lila found his uncomfortable posture amusing.

“Even I forgot to ask you to bring me clothes. You're so thoughtful!” She clung to his arm and grinned. “Kieran, you're too good to me.”

She wasn't even acting coquettish, but Kieran found her adorable. Her eyes, her nose, her rosy lips, her sweet voice—all of it was adorable. It was as if his heart was being tickled by tiny feathers, making it both soft and itchy. noveldrama

He reached out and gently pinched her soft earlobe. “Since I'm so good, can my dear Mrs. Morgan let me have a kiss?”

Lila's eyes widened slightly, and her ears turned red. “Not now. Wait until we get back.”

Kieran chuckled. People always said cakes were soft and sweet, but he thought Lila beside him was far sweeter than the cakes on the table.

While things were harmonious here, chaos erupted in the Moore family.

After listening to his subordinate's report, Dennis smashed the cup in his hand, then asked angrily, “Are you sure Faith checked out of her hotel?”

Andy was also furious. “Then did you at least find out where she's staying now?”

She clearly did not follow Kieran to the marketing department earlier, and now she had moved elsewhere. It was obvious that she was avoiding them.

The subordinate shook his head. “We checked but couldn't find anything.”

“Useless! What's the point of having you people…”

Before Andy could finish cursing, Dennis slapped him hard across the face, making his head snap to the side. “How dare you yell at others? Why do I have such a useless son? You can't even compare to that stupid woman! You've completely embarrassed me!”

Andy clutched his face, not daring to say another word.

It was all because of Faith. He would make her pay!

Harrison glanced at him and then turned to Dennis. “Dennis, getting angry won't solve the problem. We need to focus on how to make Kieran keep Andy around.

“You know the guys in the company have been growing more and more satisfied with Faith lately. If this continues, it'll be even harder for Andy to take over the company.”