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

Amelia's tone was casual, almost dismissive. "He was too innocent. He's never even been in a relationship before. I just couldn't bring myself to ruin him."

Lila thought for a moment. "That night, when you took him back to your room- Vince saw you."

She noticed Amelia's gaze flickered for just a fraction of a second before she shrugged it off. "So what if he did? It's not like I'm his sister. He doesn't get a say in what I do. Besides, I'm single. What's wrong with seeing other men?"

Hearing her put up such a front, Lila reached over and pinched her arm lightly. "But I saw that guy leaving your room."

Amelia didn't falter. "I already told you-he was too young. I didn't have the heart to take advantage of him."

Lila let out a quiet sigh. Amelia was being stubborn. It was obvious from the way her eyes betrayed her thoughts. "Ame, what are you afraid of? Do you really not like Vince?"

Amelia glanced at her before looking away. "I don't like him, that's why I'm not marrying him." Then, she waved it off. "Ugh, let's not talk about this. Tell me, now that you've got some time off, what are you going to do? Should we take a spontaneous trip to the beach? Or maybe the snow-capped mountains? Definitely not the desert-too much sand, I'd hate it."

Lila chuckled and stroked her head. "How about we all go hiking once Kieran finishes his work?"

Amelia was back to her cheerful self. "Hiking? Wouldn't it be better to go a little later?"

"Why?"

"Well, I just think we should go when the mountain peach blossoms are in full bloom."

Lila nodded but shook her head after. "That won't do. I won't have time then. I only have a 20-day break. Mr. Jordan has already sent me the new script."noveldrama

"That soon? Magi Pictures really works its people to the bone. Why don't you quit and join Citrus Media instead? As the boss, I'll personally serve you tea. How about it?"

Lila laughed and explained, "This project is important for Jamie. She's young and ambitious, so I want to help her while she's still got that fire. Besides, it's also for myself." She wanted to work hard-to stand on equal footing with Kieran.

Then, she sighed. "I tried to convince Mr. Jordan to cast Teddy as the male lead, but in the end, they still went with Michael. It's not a bad choice, though. He's popular, so at least Jamie will get more exposure."

Amelia grinned. "The Xaviers really raised a golden boy."

Lila couldn't argue with that. She got up, got ready, grabbed a quick bite, and headed out with Amelia.

The girls went to a restaurant on

South Street for lunch. As the waiter led them inside, Amelia said, "This place has good food. Are you craving anything?" When Lila didn't respond, Amelia followed he gaze and stopped dead in her tracks.

"Would this table work?" the waiter asked, pointing to a window seat.

Amelia pursed her lips, then pointed across the restaurant. "Can you ask them if they'd mind sharing a table with us?"

The waiter froze for a second. There was an open table right here. Why would they want to share?

Lila explained, "We know them. But no need to ask-we're not joining them. We'll take this table."

The waiter glanced between her and Amelia.

"Do you know what they're talking about?" Amelia inquired.

The waiter, who had just served that table earlier, responded, "They're on a blind date. I overheard them introducing themselves while I was bringing their food."

Amelia sat down and let out a

derisive chuckle. "Vince sure is in a hurry to get married." Her tone was light-hearted, and the waiter chuckled along. "Well, that young lady's beautiful. They actually look good together."

Lila didn't look at the other table. Instead, she watched Amelia, noting the way her lashes lowered slightly hiding her emotions. After a moment, she looked up and beamed. "Why won't you let me go check it out? You know I'm dying of curiosity! But I guess it's for the best. If I ruin his date, my parents will use it as another excuse to drag me back to Joyce Group."

Lila smiled and changed the subject. "When we were shopping earlier, I

overheard someone say there's a firework show by the river tonight. Do you want

to go check it out?"