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

Meanwhile, Kieran couldn't bear the thought of leaving the injured Lila alone. He decided to send her and Jamie back to the film set.

"Uncle Kieran, you should drop Jamie off first," Lila suggested.

Jamie blinked. She was about to say that there was no rush for her but swallowed her words when she saw how focused Kieran was while driving.

Though he was Lila's uncle and seemed gentle, his every move carried undeniable authority that intimidated her for no apparent reason. Plus, he looked strangely familiar.

Just before getting out of the car, Jamie couldn't resist giving him another glance. His demeanor and voice toward Lila were gentle.

Jamie figured that all successful employers had to be a little strict to manage their staff better.

After Jamie waved goodbye, Kieran drove Lila back to Opulent Hotel. He cast a sideways glance at her face and noted it was still pale.noveldrama

"Lila, why don't you rest for another day? If you're eager to learn, I can provide you with better opportunities and resources."

Sitting quietly in the passenger seat, Lila turned her head away from the window at his voice. Her expression which had been emotionless softened into a smile.

She shook her head with a playful but determined gaze. "I'm fine. Morgan Group is huge, but it can't bend the rules just for me."

They arrived at the hotel just then, and as Kieran stopped the car, he almost blurted out that he could give her the entirety of Morgan Group if she asked for it. What was the big deal about bending the rules a little?

Still, he knew that he had to keep that thought to himself.

Lila met his gaze with clear and bright eyes. "Uncle Kieran, these challenges are nothing to me. They're just a piece of cake!"

She held up two fingers to make a peace sign and smiled faintly. Her smile was so bright and teasing that Kieran wondered if she'd always looked at other men with the same gaze.

Kieran swallowed, and his Adam's apple bobbed slightly. He dared not look at her for too long as he reached out and gently ruffled her hair. "Don't push yourself too hard."

Though it was just an ordinary sentence, it made Lila's eyes sting. Too many problems had piled up lately, and she was starting to overthink and grow sensitive.

Dorian had repeatedly told her not to make a fuss, but Kieran always taught her to grow strong and never allow herself to suffer.

Her chest tightened a little, and she blinked away the tears to calm herself down. She allowed herself to show a hint of vulnerability, though just a little.

"Don't worry, Uncle Kieran. You'll be the first person I turn to for help if I can't handle it."

Her smile was pure and captivating. Though she said so, Kieran knew that she'd never seek him out for help. That said, he didn't bother pointing it out since it didn't matter to him if she asked for his help.

Lila got out of the car and waved him goodbye. She watched as his car disappeared into the distance before turning to head into the hotel.

Her room was located at the far end of the hallway. As soon as she stepped out of the elevator, she caught the faint smell of alcohol.

She paid little attention to it and quickened her pace. But as soon as she turned a corner, she froze. A man was slumped against her room door without care for his appearance.

He leaned heavily against the wall. The man's head drooped as his arm rested on one bent knee. He looked utterly exhausted. Sensing footsteps, he looked up.

His hair was a disheveled mess clumped together from sweat. His eyes were swollen and made him look like an abandoned pitiful puppy.

Lila instinctively frowned as she watched him struggle to his feet while using the wall for support. His movements were awkward as if his legs weren't working properly.

The smell of alcohol wafted over, mixed with the pungent smell of sweat. His shirt and suit pants were rumpled, and one of his cuffs had a tear. Lila wasn't surprised that Dorian had found her room.

His gaze soon fell on the bandage wrapped around Lila's head, and his expression filled with guilt and pain. He suddenly felt a tightness in his chest as he struggled to catch his breath.

He instinctively reached out to loosen his tie-only to realize it was long gone.

So the suffocation wasn't because his collar was too tight.

"Lila..." Dorian's voice was hoarse and sounded like sandpaper scratching against a stone.

Lila stood in place with a cool and distant look in her eyes. She asked, "What do you want?"