too late for a second chance novel (Lila and Dorian) novel Chapter 453

Amelia glanced at Lila, who shook her head.

She didn't know where Noah was either.

"Maybe he got delayed on the way. It's not like the party's started yet. Come on, let's just hang out for now," Amelia suggested.

She ushered everyone toward the center of the room. Ruby smiled and let the matter drop, moving to join the group.

The conversation flowed easily as everyone settled in. This was Lila's first time seeing Ruby since she'd learned the full story, and she couldn't help but pay her a little extra attention.

Ruby remained as composed as ever, her warm, polite demeanor intact. A faint smile graced her lips, never faltering as she engaged with the group.

Sometimes, she joined the conversation wholeheartedly, other times, she simply skimmed the surface.

20 minutes passed, and the gathering officially began. Still, there was no sign of Noah.

Ruby's expression remained unchanged, calm, and unbothered, but Amelia's irritation was obvious.

What was the point of all this if the main person she'd planned it for wasn't even here?

Finally, she stood up abruptly. "I'll step out for a bit," she announced.

Lila didn't need to ask to know what she was about to do. Amelia was going to call Noah and figure out what was going on.

But just as Amelia reached for the door handle, it swung open, and Noah walked in.

"Why are you so late?" Amelia asked, her annoyance clear.

"Got held up on the way," Noah answered casually.

He strolled into the room with his usual unruly air. His once-white hair, now dyed black since Amelie's passing, though the rebelliousness in his eyes hadn't changed a bit.

As his gaze swept over the room, it landed on Lila's glass, and he frowned slightly.

"You've got a sensitive stomach. Don't drink cold stuff," he said.

"I didn't," Lila said quickly. "It's just sitting there."

Noah nodded. Without another word, he turned toward Ruby and greeted her with a small nod.

"Still not sleeping well?" Ruby asked gently, her voice carrying a quiet note of concern.

"Been busy with training," Noah replied, brushing off the question with a dismissive wave.

But Lila knew better.

The turmoil in the Morgans' lives, her own struggles, and Amelie's passing had taken a heavy toll on him. Any one of those things would've been enough to weigh someone down.

True to form, he didn't stay seated for long.

After a short while, he pushed his chair back and stood. "Feels stuffy in here. I'm going to step out for a bit," he muttered.

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