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

The film crew bustled around, each person busying themselves with work. Although everyone was too mindful of Dorian's presence to draw closer to the scene, their eyes discreetly glanced in that direction.

Dorian's expression was icy as he caught sight of Lila's red-tinged arms, and his anger flared up even more. How could his precious woman be bullied like this? He realized he had indulged Darcy far too much over the years.

Zara, wearing a white dress, had gotten some of Darcy's makeup smeared all over her. She wrinkled her nose in disgust but quickly masked her emotions.

"Darcy, calm down. Lila is Dorian's girlfriend. You will all be family in the future. Speaking harshly like this now—"

Darcy showed no respect for her. "Are you stupid? They broke up a long time ago!"

She glared at Lila, while Dorian's cold gaze fell on her. "Get lost. Don't make me say it again!" he barked. The onlookers' stares only filled him with disgust.

Meanwhile, Lila had no interest in their little drama. As she turned to leave, he swiftly stopped her.

"Lila." His voice softened, tinged with a hint of grievance. "We haven't seen each other in days. Would you have dinner with me?"

Even if not exceptionally bright, Darcy finally sensed something was amiss. "Dorian, do you still want to be with her?"

Dorian shot her a cold glance, silently warning her. "Don't come looking for me casually anymore. And don't treat Lila poorly if you still want to take my money!"noveldrama

Darcy had initially planned to bring up her father and make a scene. But after hearing the latter part about not getting more money, she immediately quieted down. Her eyes on Lila were filled with venomous hatred.

It was all Lila's fault! Otherwise, why would Dorian change his attitude toward her so dramatically?

Zara gently tugged at Darcy, whispering, "Just bear with it. She won't be happy for long."

Darcy shot her a suspicious glance. Seeing Zara's confidence, she begrudgingly set aside her earlier resentment.

"I have things to do, and we don't need to have dinner together. "Lila looked up at him, her gaze still emotionless. It was as if she was talking to a stranger.

Dorian felt a pang in his heart but quickly composed himself. He had hurt Lila, and she was right to want to punish him.

He noticed that Zara was considerate enough to take Darcy away.

He tried to keep his tone gentle, like he used to when coaxing a temperamental girl. "Lila, it's understandable to be upset. I won't force you to have dinner with me, but can you not be so cold when you talk to me? I'm really sad, you know." He lowered his gaze, and he did seem a bit hurt.

She looked straight at him. Her porcelain-white skin was beautiful and tempting, yet he couldn't touch her.

For the first time ever, he felt helpless around her.

"I know Darcy has treated you poorly in the past, and today I made sure to stand

up for you. I promise she won't dare bully you again, okay?"

Hearing his somewhat self-satisfied tone, Lila found it amusing.

He had long been made aware of this issue, so he could have helped her long ago. Moreover, as her boyfriend at the time, it was his responsibility to protect her. Yet he had been indifferent all this time, watching her get bullied by his family, only to offer a few empty words of comfort now.

Lila could endure Darcy's behavior before because she didn't hold grudges, not because of any effort on Dorian's part. Now, he had the gall to take credit for this? It was laughable!

She couldn't help but sneer. "That's your cousin. You're just protecting your own dignity, not helping me in the least."