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

Lila woke up a little later than usual the next morning, and by then, Kieran had already left for work.

Tomorrow was the scheduled audition for casting, so despite the lingering soreness in her waist, she pulled herself together and headed to the office.

She had barely stepped inside when Michael walked in right after her.

"What the hell is going on?"

His abrupt question caught Lila off guard. "What are you talking about?"

"The auditions are tomorrow, right? So why was Matthew suddenly sent out of town for work?" he questioned.

Lila frowned. "When did this happen?"

Judging by her expression, she clearly had no idea. Michael rubbed his chin. "Cedric sent out the notice this morning."

Lila considered it for a moment. "If the new project is a good fit for him, there's no need to force him into ours. I can always find another script for him later."

It did feel a bit abrupt, but last-minute work assignments for artists weren't uncommon, so she didn't overthink it.

"Why are you so concerned about Matthew, anyway?"

Michael lazily slumped onto the couch, pretending to be deep in thought. "You wouldn't understand the joy of being taken care of up close."

Lila pressed a hand to her forehead.

Of course, he had been treating Matthew like his personal caretaker.

"Can you take things seriously for once? After the auditions, the crew has a few days of training. I need you to stay focused."

Michael turned his head and gave her a knowing look. "The way you're so invested, people might think you want to make me Best Actor. But I know the truth, you just want Jamie to win Best Actress."

Lila didn't even bother responding.

How was he this grown but still acting like a child?

After lounging around for a bit, Michael got bored and left.

Lila worked straight through the morning, only stopping when it was finally time for lunch. Right on cue, Amelia showed up.

"I'm starting to think you actually like Magi Pictures' cafeteria food," Lila remarked as they walked side by side, glancing at her.

Amelia frowned. "Is there anything going on with your production that I can help with?"

Lila raised a brow. "What's wrong?"

Amelia let out a frustrated sigh. "My

parents are pushing me to go on

blind dates again. But those so-called gentlemen from

Northridge City's elite families? They

all look decent on the surface, but I know exactly what they're like

behind closed doors."

Lila nodded. "Let me ask you again, are you really not interested in Vince?"

She usually wasn't this blunt, and Amelia shot her a glance before furrowing her brows again. "You don't know? The Lane and Zimmerman families are discussing an engagement." noveldrama

Lila frowned slightly.

Hadn't Xyla been worried just a few days ago about how distant she and Vince were?

How had things suddenly progressed to an engagement?

Still, she stayed on topic. "I wasn't asking about their relationship status. I was asking if you are interested in Vince."

"Lila, let's be honest. Forget whether I'm interested or not, Vince agreed to spend time with Xyla and move forward with an engagement. Isn't that answer enough?"

Amelia let out a dry laugh. "I know what you want to ask, what exactly am I struggling with? What am I so hung up on?"

Lila nodded.

Amelia exhaled sharply. "You think I care about the fact that Vince used to like you, don't you?"

Lila pressed her lips together.

If she was being honest, yes—she had assumed that was what Amelia minded the most.

Seeing her expression, Amelia let out an exasperated laugh. "Come on, I'm not some lovesick teenager. We've all had crushes before. Who hasn't?

"I don't care that Vince used to like you. What I care about is who he likes now. Is

he marrying me because he wants to? Or am I just the next best option?"

Her lips curled into a

self-deprecating smile. "Marrying

someone who doesn't love me?

Don't you think that's ridiculous? I

would rather never get married than settle for something like that."