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

"It'll be too obvious if I ask Kieran what flowers he likes. Maybe I'll ask Mr. Mason first," Lila said, pulling out her phone to message Cole.

Amelia arched her brow, impressed.

Cole's reply came almost instantly. "It's probably sunflowers."

Seated beside Lila in the back seat, Amelia caught the message and chuckled. "I remember you like them too. It looks like you two have similar tastes."

Cole wasn't completely sure, but he remembered Kieran had brought sunflowers to the office once. It had caused quite a stir-gossip flew around that he might be seeing someone. But after a few days, nothing happened, and the office buzz died down.

Soren chuckled. "You and Mr. Morgan seem pretty close." His gaze flicked briefly to Jamie as he spoke, but she wasn't listening. Her gaze was lowered, seemingly lost in thought.

Just then, the car pulled up to the restaurant. The group stepped out, and Amelia, trailing behind with Lila, narrowed her eyes. "Okay, seriously, what's up with those two?"noveldrama

"Doesn't it feel a bit off?"

Lila tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Yeah. It's weird, isn't it? Aren't they supposed to be childhood friends? Shouldn't they be all familiar and easy around each other? But they're giving me... I don't know, 'awkward blind date' vibes."

Lila hummed in agreement. "Exactly. If Jamie doesn't like him, she could just say so."

"Right? Besides, Vince and her uncle both seem like the protective types. I can't imagine either of them pushing her into something she doesn't want."

"Maybe it's her mom. She is always been with her mom, and her mom probably has more say in the matter."

Amelia shook her head, clearly unsure. The Lane family seemed kind of strange.

Jamie was ahead. Realizing the two of them weren't keeping up, she turned around and waved them over. Lila and Amelia quickly quieted down and caught up to them.

The girls sat side by side, while Soren took the seat next to Jamie. He kindly helped Jamie with her things and made sure to pour Lila and Amelia a glass of water.

Amelia casually rested her head on her hand and asked, "So, you two planning to tie the knot?" As soon as her words fell, she noticed Jamie's grip on her cup tighten.

Soren smiled and responded, "We aren't in a rush. It really depends on what Jamie wants." He turned to Jamie with crinkling eyes.

Jamie lifted her gaze, lips curving into a small, polite smile. "I'm not in a rush to get married yet. I....."

"I get it. I get it. A rising star like you should focus on your career while you're still young." Her tone was breezy, perfectly casual-like she hadn't just prodded a raw nerve.

Soren's expression remained unchanged, but Jamie's head dipped her face composed. But if one looked closely, there was something off-something tense beneath the calm.

Lila shot Amelia a subtle look and arched her brow.

"What, you got something in your eye?"

Lila was at a loss for words.

Soren chuckled. "I heard from Uncle Lucas that they were thinking of pairing Ms. Joyce with Vince. Have you two talked about it?"

Lila was glad she hadn't swallowed that bite of food. Was he just asking casually, or was he holding a grudge?

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"Soren, my brother and Amelia have their own plans. If anything happens, they'll definitely let us know," Jamie chimed in. Others might not know, but she was well aware of the things between Amelia and Vince

Amelia, on the other hand, seemed much calmer, a smile playing on her lips. "If I end up with Vince, won't you have to treat me with more respect?"

As soon as her words fell, Jamie rose from her seat and called out, "Vince, what a coincidence!"

Lila was taken aback and hastily turned around. In that split second, one thought blared through her mind. "I knew I shouldn't have come to this dinner."