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

By the time the florist finished wrapping the bouquet, Lila stepped out of the shop, looking a bit down. "I just realized... I don't even know what kind of flowers Kieran likes. So, I just picked something I liked."

Her voice softened with self-reproach. "Do you think maybe I haven't paid enough attention to him? When I get home, I'm going to make an effort to learn more about what he likes!"

Amelia smiled. "Honestly? I don't think it's you. Uncle Kieran never really shows his preferences. Well, except when it comes to you."

The last part made Lila pause, eyes widening slightly before a soft, glowing smile spread across her face. she glanced down at the bouquet in her arms, and the tenderness in her expression deepened.

...

By evening, she had parted ways with Amelia and returned to Hilltop Heights. On the way, she texted Cole to ask when Kieran might be home.

Cole replied almost instantly, "Mr. Morgan left the office this afternoon and hasn't returned since."

Lila: "You're not with him?"

Cole: "No, he went out alone today. Didn't take me with him."

That was unexpected. Just as she was wondering where he could be, another message popped up. "Want me to call and check?"

Lila: "No. I'll ask him myself."

She called Kieran, but no one picked up. In all their time together, this was the first time he hadn't picked up-except for that one terrifying time when he was in danger.

Feeling a twinge of unease, she called again. The phone rang almost to the brink of voicemail before it connected. "Hello, Lila."

Lila recognized it was Landon, and the background was a little noisy.

"Kieran's with me. We're at a bar, and... he's had a bit too much to drink. I was about to get someone to drive

n home. If you're frenetnoveldrama

can

you come pick him up?"

Lila felt a little relieved but was still a little puzzled. "Hold on, I'll be there soon." Then, she grabbed her coat and headed out.

When she arrived outside the bar, she ran into Michael, who was struggling to support someone clearly too drunk to stand on their own.

"What are you doing here?" Michael was surprised to see her-and alone at that.

"I'm here to pick someone up," she responded. "What about you?"

Just then, she noticed Landon helping Kieran out the door. He even waved at her with his free hand. Before Lila could respond, the person slumped against Michael groaned, "Michael, I feel sick..."

"Damn it, hang on! I'll find a trash can for you!"

After hearing that, Lila realized it was Matthew. "Seriously, Michael? You're dragging him into your bad habits now?" With a quick sigh, she pulled a small pack of wet wipes from Ker bag and handed them to him "I don't have time to lecture you today. Just get him home."

Without waiting for a reply, she quickened her steps toward Kieran.

Kieran was clearly wasted, yet he was very quiet. When he recognized her, he reached out and gave her a hug. "Lila," he called out, his voice a little slurred.

"Who were those two guys? They didn't give you any trouble, did they?" Landon asked.

Lila patted Kieran's back. "No, they're just some people I know-Michael and Matthew."

As soon as her words fell, Kieran took a step back and frowned at her.

Lila was confused. "What's wrong? Are you not feeling well?"