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

Their eyes met for a few moments before Soren let out a soft chuckle. "Alright, I'll

stop teasing you. We've known each other for so many years, of course I know

what you're like.

"You don't talk much, you don't make friends easily. But seeing so many new

people around you this time... I have to admit, it surprised me."

Jamie looked at him but still said nothing.

Soren continued, "I'm happy for you, but at the same time, I can't help feeling a

little... upset."

This time, Jamie finally responded. "Why are you upset?"

"Because my Jamie doesn't belong to just me anymore."

His words made her unconsciously clench her palm. His gaze was warm, tinged

with amusement, yet she felt an odd weight settle on her chest, making it hard to

breathe.

"My Jamie has grown up. You're not that little girl anymore, the one who used to

follow behind me, calling my name in that soft voice. But I suppose that's a good

thing too."

Soren glanced at her, then at the Magi Pictures logo reflected in the car window

behind her. "Go on. I'll be busy these next couple of days, so I won't be coming to

see you for a while."

Jamie nodded and slowly unfastened her seatbelt.

Just as she was about to close the door, she hesitated, then said, "Soren, about

the marriage... I'll give it serious thought."

Soren held her gaze for a moment before nodding.

Jamie finally shut the door.

As he watched her walk away, a small smile played on his lips.

"Still a kit," he murmured.

In Lila's office, Amelia sat across from her, chin resting on one hand as she

stared.

Ten minutes passed. Then, without warning, she reached out and snatched the

document from Lila's hands.

"Is this boring old file more interesting than me?"

Lila let out a helpless laugh. "Ms. Joyce, if you have something to say, you couldnoveldrama

just say it."

She had been patiently holding back, curious to see how long Amelia could stay

quiet. Turns out, it was shorter than she expected.

Amelia seemed to catch on, rolling

the document into a tube and

tapping it lightly against Lila's head.

"I don't have anything to say."

"Nothing about you and Vince? Or maybe... Jamie?"

She added the last part, just in case Amelia didn't want to talk about Vince.

Amelia smirked. "You don't see it? The Lane siblings-both of them are basically

fighting themselves."

Lila shook her head. "Vince is definitely fighting something, but it's not just

himself."

"Oh? You think he's fighting Mr. Lane?"

Seeing the slight furrow in Amelia's

brow, Lila suddenly understood the

meaning of being too deep in the

game to see clearly.

"No. He's fighting you," she said.

Amelia's frown deepened.

After a brief pause, she let out a dry laugh. "Boring. You go back to work. I'm

heading out."

She didn't even wait for Lila's response before getting up and leaving.

Lila stared at the closed door and let out a quiet sigh. Avoidance might not be

admirable, but sometimes, it worked.

When Lila got off work and stepped out of the building, she didn't expect to see

Xyla waiting outside.

She had changed outfits-now wearing a loose, lightweight white knit sweater

and a flowing pale yellow chiffon skirt.

Her long, softly curled hair cascaded

over her shoulders, making her look

gentle and elegant-a stark contrast

to Amelia's usual style.

"Ms. Hart, we meet again."

Lila gave a slight nod. "You're waiting for me, aren't you?"

Xyla nodded honestly. "Can we talk?"

"If this is about Vince again, I can't help you."

"It's related to him... but not just him," Xyla admitted with a small, slightly

embarrassed smile.

"I overheard someone say that the Lane family originally intended to arrange a

marriage with Ms. Joyce. Is that true?"