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

"It doesn't matter if she's perfect or not. She's all I want right now," Dorian declared.

Zara's gaze trembled, and it took her a moment to process his words. How could she walk away with nothing to her name, ridiculed, and flee abroad after all the effort she'd put in? She couldn't accept that.

She took a deep breath and steadied herself before softening her tone. "Dorian, I understand that you're in love with someone else, and I'm willing to support you.

"But look at yourself. How are you going to win Lila back in this state? If you don't pull yourself together and your career collapses, do you think Lila will come back to you?"

Zara hadn't been able to reach Dorian all day, and she'd finally managed to contact Ethan only to learn he'd resigned that morning. She tried reaching out to Monica only to be met with the same response.

She didn't know what the story was, but something told her that Lila had everything to do with it.

Dorian was now Zara's only lifeline without the company's support. If he fell into despair and became the poor man he used to be, what was the point of her return to the country?

Not only did she need him to get back on his feet, but she also needed him to clear her name. If she could now stand by him during his lowest point, Lila would eventually mean nothing to him.

Her words seemed to have a slight effect as a flicker of hope returned to Dorian's desolate eyes. Seeing this, Zara goaded him further.

"Think about it. If I leave now, it'll only confirm all the accusations against me. What would that do for you? And how would Lila feel about that?"

Dorian hadn't shown too much of a reaction to her previous words, but his eyes narrowed in realization at the last question.

Indeed, Lila didn't believe that nothing was happening between him and Zara. She didn't believe he'd been devoted to her and only her from the beginning.

"Dorian, pull yourself together. Clear up those rumors and rise to the top again. Winning Lila back is a piece of cake with your standing in the entertainment industry. Or if you don't want to force her, you could provide her with more resources," Zara suggested through gritted teeth.

Then, she continued, "She's just an agent with no connections or backing, so the company won't give her much. You're her best option if she wants to go further."

Zara narrowed her eyes. "Dorian, to be blunt with you, countless women will wait in line if you so much as think about getting a new lover. Winning Lila back and making her your official girlfriend is nothing."

Her words worked like a charm on Dorian and ignited a spark in his dead eyes. Yes, Lila was alone in the industry, so he was her best option.noveldrama

If she wanted to manage talents or direct movies, he could give her the best resources. She might even return to his side if she felt touched enough.

Dorian frowned and thought about his next steps. Lila didn't want to speak to him. Similarly, Camille was disappointed in him and likely wouldn't help him either. He could start by contacting Terry.

Zara was burning with jealousy when she saw his growing excitement, but she kept her demeanor calm. "Dorian, I can't leave now. Now that the company's not helping me, what am I supposed to do? When I contacted Ethan earlier, he told me that he'd resigned."

Dorian's face darkened at her words, and irritation flashed in his eyes. "The company can't back you now with everything that's going on. You shouldn't appear in public until this blows over. Just rest at home for now."

"Dorian, I'll overthink everything if I stay at home alone. Now that Ethan's gone, can I work as your assistant in the meantime?" Zara lowered her head and feigned sadness.

Deep down, she was scheming up a new plan. If Dorian agreed to this, Lila would be even less likely to return.

She had to take the chance.