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

Kieran gestured with his hand. "Put them over there."

Cindy turned to look. It was a small table in the dining area, a spot that wasn't very noticeable.

After her shower, Lila leaned against the staircase railing and spotted Kieran sitting on the couch, staring into space. Her expression softened.

As she walked downstairs, Cindy approached her and lowered her voice. She told Lila that Kieran had reacted a little unusually when she had given him the flower earlier.

Lila frowned slightly.

Did Cole get it wrong? Does Kieran not like sunflowers?

"Does he not like them?" she asked.

Cindy shook her head. "I'm not sure... but I think maybe he's just exhausted."

Lila glanced over at Kieran, still sitting motionless. That explanation seemed reasonable enough.

She nodded. "Got it. Don't worry, I'll check on him."

Slowing her steps, she walked over and leaned down from behind the couch, wrapping her arms around Kieran's neck.

Her voice was light and playful. "Mr. Morgan, what are you daydreaming about all alone?"

The soft scent of jasmine surrounded him, making Kieran pause for a moment.

He reached up, his fingers brushing against her slender wrist. "Lila."noveldrama

His voice was as deep and rich as always, but tonight, there was something colder in it, like the quiet chill of the night.

Lila moved around to the front, gently shifting Nova to the side. She was about to sit next to Kieran but hesitated—then, instead, settled onto his lap, kneeling slightly.

Kieran instinctively placed a hand on her lower back to steady her, his touch firm but careful as if worried she might lose her balance.

Lila wrapped her arms around his neck, her gaze warm. "You've been working hard lately. Once you're done, how about we take a couple of days off and go on a trip?"

Out of the corner of his eye, Kieran caught a glimpse of the sunflowers in the distance.

His gaze returned to her. "Do you know what sunflowers symbolize?"

Lila hadn't expected that question. She suddenly recalled her earlier conversation with Cindy.

Sunflowers symbolize silent love or love that has never been spoken out loud.

But most people didn't care about

flower meanings when choosing et

bouquet. They were usually drawn to

Sower's shape, scent, or color.

Still, Kieran wouldn't have asked if it wasn't on his mind.

Lila nodded slightly, meeting his gaze. Then, suddenly, she

remembered the night he got de net

he night he had asked her if she loved him.

Did she love him?

Unspoken love...

Realization struck, and she laughed softly. So that was what this was about?

Kieran had always been the type to show love through actions rather than words, yet he wanted her to say it often.

Now that she thought about it, he was like a child starved for affection, asking for love in such a roundabout way.

A little adorable, really.

As she smiled, Kieran's emotions grew more complicated.

He lifted his hand, brushing his fingers against her soft, rosy lips.

Before he could pull back, Lila bit him—not too hard, just enough to leave a mark.

Kieran didn't even flinch.

Seeing that, she let go, faint teeth marks still visible on his fingertip.

"Kieran." Her voice was playful as she reached up and scratched his chin, the way she would with Nova.

His gaze darkened. In the next moment, he had her pinned against the couch.

No matter what, she was his wife, wasn't she?

That night, Lila could tell Kieran was rougher than usual.

In the end with her eyes misted

over, she clung to his arm, her

bet

e voice

soft

she pleaded for mercy, Only

then did he finally stop.

Once she had fallen into a deep sleep, he got up and sent a message to Cole.

"Reassign Matthew. Don't make it too obvious."

Cole, half-asleep, heard his phone buzz and groggily checked the message. The moment he saw the contents, he instantly woke up.

In the middle of the night... this wasn't because of a fight, right?