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

Water continued to drip slowly from the black umbrella, landing on the mat below, forming a darkened patch.

Vince lowered his head, watching the droplets fall one by one, as if each drop struck his heart, sending out ripples.

The surface would settle for a moment, only for another drop to fall, creating new ripples-rising and falling, endless and unresolved.

Hearing the elevator doors open, he lifted his gaze. His eyes were as deep and heavy as the night.

"Ame..." His voice was hoarse, likely from not speaking for a long time.

Amelia frowned. "Mr. Lane, it's inappropriate for you to call me that."

"Can we talk?"

"I don't have time."

She pressed her fingerprint to unlock the door, but it was clear she had no intention of inviting him in.

Vince reached out, stopping the door from closing.

"Just five minutes."

Seeing the disinterest in her expression, he changed his approach. "Two minutes."

Amelia glanced down at her watch. "Two minutes. Speak."

Vince took a deep breath, his gaze sincere.

"I've been thinking a lot about this engagement. Of course, the development of the family business is important, but if even at my level, I can't control my own marriage, then what's the point of this status and power?

"You asked me if I love you. I've asked myself that question over and over, and I

The sound of the elevator doors opening cut him off.noveldrama

Vince looked up and locked eyes with a familiar face. The other person was clearly just as surprised.

"Vince?" What are you doing here?"

Xyla asked in shock before glancing at her drunk friend and offering an explanation.

"My friend had too much to drink. When I asked her what floor we were on, she mumbled a bunch of random numbers. This is the third wrong floor I've stopped

at.

"I don't remember you living here. Are you visiting a friend?"

Hearing her words, Vince turned back toward Amelia.

She held up the timer on her phone, which had already passed four minutes, gave

it a slight shake, then withdrew her gaze and shut the door.

"Did I

ne sound and h mething? You

go explain to your friend-

come on, stop moving so

Before she could finish her sentence, her completely drunk friend clung to her like

an octopus.

"Just one more drink!"

"Alright, alright, let's go home first. Let go of me, I can't move like this. Be good, okay?"

Xyla coaxed her patiently, then turned back to Vince with an apologetic smile.

In that brief moment of distraction, her friend's swaying almost made her stumble. "Careful." Vince instinctively reached out to steady her.

Xyla leaned against his arm, her cheeks flushed from alcohol. "Thank you, Vince." "I'll help you get her upstairs."

Vince glanced at the now tightly shut door before pressing the elevator button.

Inside, Amelia leaned against the door, faintly hearing the sound outside.

After a while, she opened the door and peeked out.

The hallway was empty, except for

the damn

marks on the carpet, the

only proof that everything earlier had really happened.

After settling her friend, Xyla and Vince took the elevator back down. As they walked toward the parking lot, she asked, "From the way you looked earlier, I'm guessing you didn't get to say what you wanted to your friend. Are you going back up?"

She saw a flicker of cold detachment in his expression.

"No, it's late. I'll talk to her another time."

They walked in silence for a while.

When they reached the parking area, Vince finally spoke again. "Did you drive here? If not, I can give you a ride."

Xyla smiled. "Honestly, I'd love to say no, but I can't lie to you."

She nodded slightly. "Maybe next time, I'll get to sit in the passenger seat of your

car, Mr. Lane. See you around."

Vince didn't reply, just gave a small nod and watched her drive away.

Then, he looked up toward Amelia's apartment.

The lights were still bright.

But after having his conversation cut off earlier, he no longer had the courage to

go back up.