too late for a second chance novel (Lila and Dorian) novel Chapter 454

Noah thought he must have misheard. "Who?"

"You," Ruby said with a faint smile. "Noah."

She reached for his glass with her slender fingers, stood up, and walked over to him. "Be good. Drink up."

"Whoa…" Amelia chimed in, her exaggerated enthusiasm adding fuel to the moment.

Lila, sitting nearby, leaned over, plucked the card from Amelia's hand, and glanced at it.

Then, without a word, she shoved it back into the pile.

Sure enough, Amelia had made it up.

Amelia just grinned mischievously, her eyes sparkling as she watched the scene unfold. Noah looked visibly torn, his reluctance plain, but he seemed unable to refuse.

He scratched the back of his head awkwardly, wearing the expression of someone being cornered into doing something ridiculous.

As the gathering wound down, Lila excused herself to use the restroom. On her way back, she spotted Noah standing alone at the end of the hallway.

She walked over, her voice soft as she spoke. "If you don't feel like coming next time, just don't."

For once, Noah's expression was unusually serious. "It's fine. A little noise helps clear my head. Otherwise, being alone all the time isn't much better."

He paused for a moment, then suddenly asked, "How are things with you and Uncle Kieran lately?"

Lila chuckled softly. "We're doing great. Starting over, dating from scratch."

Noah nodded thoughtfully. "Sounds like one of those drama plots you're always into—married first, love later. And there's even that whole childhood sweetheart angle."

She smiled, nodding.

Seeing her expression, Noah seemed genuinely happy for her. "Nice. Just make sure you keep an eye on your man. Don't let anyone stir up trouble."

Lila raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What do you mean?"

"You didn't notice? Ruby fed me that drink just now. It wasn't just for fun. That was aimed at you."

Lila blinked, surprised.

After a brief pause, she asked, "That's how you see it?"

"What else could it be?" Noah replied, his tone laced with mild irritation as if he couldn't believe she wasn't on the same page.

He paused, and then added, "But… it could also be for a different reason."

Lila watched him expectantly.

Noah could be a little full of himself at times, but now and then, his overthinking managed to hit the mark.

Maybe this would be one of those rare moments where he stumbled upon the truth.

The hope barely had time to take root before Noah opened his mouth, and Lila realized she'd expected too much.

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